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Journalism of Courage
Mia Perou from France was thrilled to get a chance to experience a new culture and country when she volunteered at the Alliance Francaise in Pune as part of a special French governmental programme called Service Civique that allowed her to work in the city for a year. Before she arrived on September 24, however, Perou “didn’t know about the celebration of Diwali”.
“We hear a lot of fireworks and crackers every night. It is strange at the beginning. We see a lot of decorations going on, especially the huge paper lamps. Even the rickshaws have some kind of decoration,” she says.
A lot of teachers and local students are explaining to the French volunteers the significance of different ceremonies, such as Bhai Dooj or “the brother and sister day” and the big fireworks of Diwali. “And also the food. One student brought us some Diwali pastries so we could try,” Perou adds.
Foreign visitors are drawn to the city for various reasons, from its IT and auto industries to social, cultural organisations and the bustling educational campuses. Diwali, one of the seasons when Pune is at its loudest and most colourful, offers a more intense experience unlike at any other time of the year. “We are slowly discovering the vibe around Diwali. As foreigners, we don’t really know what to prepare for,” says Perou.
The celebrations involves dinner with colleagues and new friends, and stepping out in sarees or kurta pajamas. Campuses organise events that introduce foreign students and faculty members to Diwali. Bin Djibril from the Democratic Republic of Congo, for instance, took a few hours off studying for his Bachelor of Computer Applications at Symbiosis Institute, to enjoy a cultural event on campus.
“It is very hopeful when we can enjoy music and dance, the colours of the rangoli and firecrackers. Many international students turn up in Indian traditional wear. It is very exciting,” says Djibril, who has been in the city since 2023.
Some foreign visitors stay on, finding love and light in the city. Mai Watanabe Pendse, a teacher of Japanese, is married to a Maharashtrian man – and every Diwali is an opportunity to build a cultural bridge with her Japanese family back home and the new traditions that she follows.
“Diwali celebrations start early for us, with cleaning the house, planning the puja and putting up decorations. On Diwali day, I make sure to take photographs of the family and share it with my family in Japan. Japan does not have a festival like Diwali, so my relatives and friends are curious about the photographs. They have not learned about Diwali but understand that this is a festival of lights that marks the victory of good over evil,” she says.
