Article
Deepavali for Remote and Hybrid Teams
Many Malaysian teams now work remotely or in hybrid arrangements, sometimes spread across states or even countries. Colleagues may rarely meet in person, and festive moments that once happened naturally in the office, like sharing murukku at the pantry, can easily be missed. That does not mean Deepavali has to be forgotten.
With a little creativity, remote teams can share the festive spirit just as warmly. This guide explains how to host a virtual greeting session, use festive video backgrounds, organise a dress-up day and online activities, send care packages, respect time off, follow inclusive tips, include international colleagues and share a leadership message.
Virtual Greeting Session
A short, optional video call before Deepavali is a simple way to bring the team together.
- Open with warm greetings from team leaders
- Invite colleagues who celebrate to share their plans if they would like to
- Keep it short, as twenty to thirty minutes is plenty
- Schedule it at a time that works across time zones
- Avoid Muslim prayer times where possible
Keep the tone light and relaxed. Some colleagues may enjoy sharing photos of their decorations or festive snacks, while others may prefer to listen, and both are perfectly fine.
Festive Backgrounds and Dress-Up Day
Encourage team members to use Deepavali-themed backgrounds featuring lights, kolam or flowers on video calls during the festive week. A custom company background creates a cohesive look.
Make backgrounds optional and easy to download. Some colleagues may have slower internet connections or older devices, so keep file sizes small.
Share a few background designs in a shared folder so colleagues can choose the one they like best.
Invite everyone to wear festive colours or traditional attire on a designated call day. It is simple, fun and great for team photos, as long as everyone agrees to be photographed. Our guide to Deepavali colours and dress etiquette has outfit ideas.
Online Activities
Interactive activities help colleagues connect beyond work.
Virtual kolam challenge
Team members draw a kolam on paper or with chalk at home, then share photos in a team chat. Vote for categories like most creative or best use of colour. Our guide to kolam basics helps beginners get started.
Quiz, recipes and greetings wall
Run an online quiz about Deepavali and Malaysian festivals. Ask team members to share a favourite festive recipe from their culture and compile them into a digital team cookbook, encouraging halal and vegetarian recipes so everyone can try them. A shared digital board for Deepavali wishes in different languages is another lovely touch.
Care Packages
Send small festive packages to team members' homes. Halal-certified snacks or murukku, LED tealights, a handwritten card and a small plant or decorative item all work well.
Check addresses and delivery timelines early, as couriers are busy before the long weekend. For Deepavali 2026, aim for delivery early in the week of 2 November.
If sending packages is not practical, a digital gift voucher or a festive e-card with a personal note from the team can be just as meaningful.
Respect Time Off and Stay Inclusive
Remote work can blur boundaries, so be especially careful around the holiday.
- Avoid sending work messages to colleagues on leave
- Plan deadlines around the holiday period
- Respect different public holidays across states, noting that Sarawak does not observe Deepavali as a public holiday
- Make all activities optional and focused on culture rather than religious rituals
- Include contractors and part-time staff
Tip: Use scheduled sending for any non-urgent messages during the festive week, so they arrive after colleagues return rather than during their celebrations.
Be mindful of colleagues who may be in mourning and not celebrating this year. A private, gentle message may be more appropriate than an invitation to festive activities.
Managers can also keep in touch with colleagues who have taken extended leave, sending warm wishes without asking about work.
International Teams and Leadership
If your team includes colleagues outside Malaysia, share a short explanation of how Deepavali is celebrated here, including open houses and multicultural participation. A personal message from leadership, sent by email or posted in the team chat, shows that diversity is valued. Our guide to social media greetings etiquette has tips for writing inclusive messages.
Invite a colleague who celebrates to explain a tradition or two during a team call, if they would enjoy doing so. Hearing it firsthand makes the festival feel more personal for everyone.
FAQ
How long should a virtual Deepavali session be?
Around twenty to thirty minutes is plenty for a relaxed, optional greeting call.
When should care packages arrive for Deepavali 2026?
Aim for delivery early in the week of 2 November, before couriers get busy.
Should remote activities be compulsory?
No. Keep all activities optional and focused on cultural celebration.
Remote work does not have to mean disconnected celebrations. A little creativity keeps the festive spirit alive for every team member, wherever they are.