Cultural Celebrations

Part of global ERG's mission statement is to celebrate the diverse cultures that international employees bring to Berkeley Lab. Hear from global ERG members what holidays they celebrate and what cultural significance they have.

Want to share a holiday or celebration? Let us know here!

Rangoli and diya decorations at Baishakhi's home in the US during Diwali celebrations

Diwali, commonly referred to as the festival of lights, is India’s most celebrated festival of the year. gLoBaL ERG members Suksham Barun, Baishakhi Bose, and Sankar Raju Narayanasamy, share what this holiday means for them and how they celebrate.

Winter celebrations vary throughout the world and in different cultures. gLoBaL ERG members Janie Pinterits, Negest Williams, and Ziad Bousaleh share their celebrations and reflections for the holiday season.

Lunar New Year is a multicultural celebration celebrated in East and South East Asian countries. gLoBaL ERG members Ziad Bousaleh and Li Lei, and API ERG members Larry Guo, Que-Anh Le, and Sarah McGinn shared more about this celebration.

Photo credit: Asma Aldaghar

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, and Muslims observe a complete fast from dawn until sunset. The end of Ramadan is celebrated with Eid al-Fitr, “the Festival of Breaking the Fast.” gLoBaL ERG members Asma Aldaghar, Najm us Saqib, Shahzeb Siddiqui, and Ziad Bousaleh shared more about this celebration.