The Magic of Diwali: Celebrating Indo-Caribbean CultureThrough Storytelling by Sarojanie Totaram

In celebration of Diwali, Indo-Caribbean Beauty Magazine had the pleasure of interviewing a hardworking mom and passionate author who captured the magic of this beloved festival in a children’s book. Through her story, she brings Diwali to life for young readers, especially those in the Indo-Caribbean diaspora, combining cultural pride with relatable family experiences. Her journey of creating this book, balancing family, cultural preservation, and a deep love for storytelling, offers inspiration for all. Read on as she shares the heartfelt inspiration, challenges, and hopes behind her work, helping children connect to their heritage meaningfully.

Q: What inspired you to write a book about Diwali, specifically for the Indo-Caribbean community?

The inspiration for The Magic of Diwali came from a mix of personal experiences and a desire to fill a significant gap in representation. After my father passed away, I reflected on how much of my cultural and spiritual understanding came from him; he was the one who taught me about our faith, values, and traditions. When I tried to explain Diwali to my children, I realized that the books available often fell short, needing more depth and engagement to captivate young minds. My kids were filled with questions, and it became clear that there wasn’t much available that reflected the vibrant Diwali traditions in a way that resonated with them.

I also wanted to address the gap in how Diwali is celebrated compared to Western holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas. My children would come home from school with crafts and stories about these holidays, but Diwali was never mentioned. With the Department of Education in New York City now acknowledging Diwali, I felt even more compelled to create a resource that could spark excitement around the festival. It’s essential to me that my boys, and children like them, grow up with a strong sense of identity rooted in the beauty and magic of our traditions.

Q: Did you draw inspiration from your Diwali experiences while writing the book?

Growing up in the Indo-Caribbean diaspora, my experiences with Diwali were a blend of cultural pride and adaptation. In Guyana, Diwali was a grand celebration with parades, floats, and homes lit with diyas. After migrating to the U.S., Diwali celebrations became more rushed, with my parents working full-time and trying to fit the festival into their schedules. One memorable Diwali in the U.S. was when my father decorated our house so brightly that it could be seen from blocks away; it brought back the nostalgia of Diwali in Guyana. Now, as a mother, I want my children to experience the richness of our culture and carry pride during this time of year. These experiences inspired me to write a story that would capture Diwali’s beauty and honor the experiences of immigrant families who might be celebrating in a new country.

Q: How does the book explore the significance of Diwali beyond just the festival itself?

The Magic of Diwali delves into the deeper meaning of Diwali, beyond rituals, by illustrating its core values—light over darkness and kindness, giving, and unity. The story introduces children to these values in ways they can relate to and understand. Activities like making traditional sweets, decorating diyas, and creating rangoli allow families to connect while discussing the festival’s significance. This book isn’t just about Diwali customs; it’s about teaching values children can carry with them every day.

Q: How does your book showcase the unique way Indo-Caribbean communities celebrate Diwali compared to other parts of the world?

The book reflects the Indo-Caribbean blend of traditions that make Diwali unique for our community. Growing up, Diwali was a cultural event that united people from all backgrounds, with community parades and homes adorned with diyas and colorful lights. I wanted to capture this energy by showing how we’ve adapted Diwali with multicultural influences. Family prayers, lighting diyas together, and a sense of shared joy are all part of the story, reflecting the Indo-Caribbean way of celebrating Diwali.

Q: How does the book balance traditional Diwali celebrations with modern adaptations within the Indo-Caribbean diaspora?

The book celebrates both traditional aspects, like lighting diyas and making sweets, while acknowledging the modern realities of life in the diaspora. By incorporating simple family activities, like creating DIY decor, the book encourages families to celebrate Diwali in ways that honor heritage, even if the celebrations have evolved. It’s about creating space for parents and children to connect with tradition, no matter the setting.

Q: Do you feel younger generations are connecting with Diwali's cultural and spiritual essence as well as previous generations? How does the book address this?

There is a shift, as today’s children often learn about Diwali in different contexts than past generations. The Magic of Diwali focuses on the festival, helping children understand the values behind its rituals. The book explains the “what” of Diwali—traditions and customs—and the “why,” making it relevant for young readers. I hope that children will see Diwali as a celebration that is valuable to their lives, not just something celebrated by older generations.

Q: Can you tell us about the main characters and how they relate to Diwali’s themes of light, knowledge, and victory over darkness?

Inspired by my sons, the main characters discover the significance of Diwali’s core themes through their journey of preparing for and celebrating the festival. They learn to dispel darkness physically, spiritually, and emotionally, embracing the joy of giving and sharing. Their actions, like lighting diyas and sharing sweets, show young readers the principles of Diwali in relatable ways, encouraging them to see the power of kindness and understanding.

Q: How do the characters’ stories reflect broader family, community, and identity themes within Diwali?

The brothers’ Diwali experience is deeply rooted in family and community, reflecting Diwali’s broader significance as a time to unite. Activities like making sweets, offering prayers, and lighting diyas together emphasize the beauty of shared experiences and togetherness. The story also highlights identity, showing how Diwali can be a source of pride for children of Indian descent, especially those in the diaspora. I hope to empower children to embrace their heritage by making the festival relevant and fun.

Q: What message do you hope readers, especially those in the Indo-Caribbean community, take away from this book?

I hope The Magic of Diwali reminds readers that our traditions and stories deserve to be celebrated as much as other holidays. It’s a message of pride, identity, and connection—to family, culture, and the values Diwali represents. For children, I hope the story inspires joy and curiosity about our culture. For parents, I want it to be a resource for passing down traditions that might feel out of reach in today’s busy world.

Q: Any advice for those trying to keep Diwali traditions alive while adapting to new environments or cultures?

Adapt traditions authentically, even if they look different from previous generations. Diwali’s values—light, knowledge, and community—can be honored in countless ways. Create new traditions that work for your family and embrace the spirit of Diwali, even as practices evolve. Hold onto the core values that make the festival meaningful.

Q: Do you have plans for future books or projects exploring Indo-Caribbean traditions or other cultural festivals?

Yes! I’m excited about exploring other aspects of our heritage through books, whether it’s more cultural festivals, family dynamics, or unique Indo-Caribbean practices. Representation is vital, and I want to continue creating stories in which children can see themselves.

Q: How do you envision the impact of this book on the broader conversation around cultural representation?

I hope this book shows the importance of cultural representation in children’s literature. There’s a significant gap in stories reflecting Indo-Caribbean experiences, and I want The Magic of Diwali to be a step toward filling that gap. I aim for the book to foster understanding among readers from diverse backgrounds, highlighting Diwali’s universal themes of light, family, and community.