“Diwali is that one time of year when all my cousin sisters make it a point to get together. No matter where we are or how busy life gets, we know this is our time as a family. The three days of Diwali are filled with rituals, delicious food, and lots of conversations and gossip—those simple things that make it feel like home. There’s something special about these little traditions—making rangoli, sharing sweets, and lighting up the night with diyas and firing crackers. It’s our way of holding onto our roots while everything else keeps changing. Diwali isn’t just about the lights and crackers; it’s about coming together, celebrating our culture, and finding joy in the little things that make us who we are.”