Article
Celebrating Deepavali at Work: Inclusive Ideas for Malaysian Offices
Celebrating Deepavali at work is a great way to show appreciation for Hindu colleagues and bring teams together. A festive morning tea, a few decorations or a kolam session in the lobby can lift the mood of the whole office and remind everyone that they are part of a diverse, caring team.
With thoughtful planning, office celebrations can be fun, inclusive and respectful for everyone. This guide explains how to plan with your team, decorate the office safely, choose an inclusive menu, organise activities, follow sensitivity tips, share greetings, include remote colleagues and support Hindu colleagues during the festive season.
Plan With Your Team
Involve Hindu colleagues in planning if they are happy to help, but do not put all the work on them. Ask about preferences for food, activities and timing.
Form a small committee with colleagues from different departments and backgrounds. Sharing the planning spreads the workload and brings fresh ideas.
Schedule wisely. In 2026, Deepavali falls on Sunday 8 November, so office celebrations might take place in the days before, around 4 to 6 November. Remember that Perak has a public holiday on Friday 6 November and that Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu observe a Friday and Saturday weekend.
Send out the invitation a week or two in advance so colleagues can plan their outfits, prepare a dish if it is a potluck and keep their calendars free.
Decorate the Office
Simple decorations create a festive atmosphere without much cost.
- String LED fairy lights around reception or common areas
- Organise a team kolam session using coloured rice or chalk
- Add marigold garlands or floral arrangements
- Hang paper or fabric lanterns
- Set up a festive photo backdrop
Check building rules before using any open flames, as LED lights are safer. Our guide to kolam basics can help your team create its first kolam.
Ask the team to help decorate together on the morning of the celebration. It is a fun, low-pressure way for colleagues to interact outside their usual work.
Food
Food brings people together, so plan the menu carefully.
An inclusive menu
Order from halal-certified caterers, include vegetarian options, avoid beef and label dishes clearly. Share murukku, ladoo and other sweets from halal-certified brands, or set up a festive snack table with treats from different cultures.
Place the halal certificate or the JAKIM halal logo from the caterer's packaging near the food table. Muslim colleagues can then check it easily without having to ask.
Potlucks
If organising a potluck, ask everyone to label their dishes and list ingredients. Encourage halal and vegetarian contributions so everyone can eat. Our guide to hosting mixed dietary needs explains labelling in more detail.
Activities
Activities give everyone a chance to join in. A kolam competition judged on creativity and teamwork, a dress-up day with festive attire from any culture, a photo booth, voluntary cultural sharing and a light-hearted quiz about Deepavali and Malaysian festivals are all popular options.
Keep activities short so they fit into a busy working day. Thirty to sixty minutes is often enough for a festive gathering, food and a quick game.
Take a group photo at the end, with everyone's permission, and share it in the team chat as a memory of the celebration.
Sensitivity Tips
A few guidelines keep celebrations comfortable for everyone.
- Keep it cultural and avoid religious rituals or prayers
- Make participation voluntary
- Respect colleagues who may not celebrate after a recent loss
- Schedule events around Zuhur and Asar prayer times
- Keep the celebration alcohol-free
Tip: Hold the celebration just after the lunch hour rather than at midday. Muslim colleagues can perform Zuhur first, and everyone can enjoy the festivities together.
Greetings and Remote Teams
Encourage leaders to send a warm Deepavali message to all staff. A personal note from management goes a long way. Include remote colleagues with a virtual greeting session, festive backgrounds on video calls or a small gift sent to their home. Our guide to remote team Deepavali greetings has more ideas.
Keep management messages inclusive, warm and short. Thanking colleagues for their contributions and wishing those celebrating a joyful holiday is usually all that is needed.
Supporting Hindu colleagues
Be flexible with leave requests around Deepavali, avoid scheduling important meetings or deadlines right before or after the holiday and recognise that some colleagues may travel long distances to be with family.
After the holiday, a simple question about how their celebrations went shows colleagues that you care about their lives beyond work.
FAQ
When should offices celebrate Deepavali in 2026?
In the days before the festival, around 4 to 6 November, since Deepavali falls on a Sunday.
How can office celebrations include Muslim colleagues?
Use halal-certified caterers, keep events alcohol-free and schedule around prayer times.
Should religious rituals be part of office celebrations?
No. Keep celebrations cultural and make participation voluntary.
Celebrating each other's festivals at work builds understanding and belonging. Plan thoughtfully and enjoy the festive spirit together as a team.