Celebrating Diwali Through Ocean Stories and Art
As Diwali approaches, families and communities across the world prepare to welcome a season of light, color, and connection. At the MPA Collaborative Network, we’re celebrating with one of our “lightkeepers” Parth Jhaveri and an art activity that invites us to appreciate the people, traditions, and marine life that enrich our world.
Meet environmental scientist Parth Jhaveri, whose connection to Diwali shapes his hopes for the natural world, and explore three ocean-inspired rangoli designs to enjoy with your family or community.
A World Worth Illuminating: Meet Parth Jhaveri
“I just want the world to keep being bright.”
For Southern California environmental scientist Parth Jhaveri, family traditions and a love of the outdoors have always belonged together.
In our Diwali profile, Parth reflects on his Indian American upbringing, the celebration’s sense of renewal, and why protecting the richness of the natural world matters to future generations. His story invites us to look more closely at what surrounds us—and find our own reasons to care.
Download A World Worth Illuminating — Parth Jhaveri’s Diwali Profile
PDF ⋅ 3 PAGES
Ocean Rangoli: A Celebration of Color
Rangoli is an art form associated with welcoming, celebration, and devotion in many Indian households. Often created on floors or near entrances, designs can combine repeated shapes, flowing lines, flowers, and other motifs using materials such as rice flour, colored powders, or petals. Related floor-art traditions have distinct names, techniques, and meanings across India.
During Diwali, rangoli brings color and beauty to homes and gathering spaces. Making it can also become a shared activity, with family members and friends contributing to a larger design.
Our Ocean Rangoli collection brings marine animals into a contemporary interpretation of this art form. Jellyfish, an octopus, and sea turtles become part of patterns inspired by rangoli’s symmetry, floral shapes, and vibrant colors.
Download a design to use as a visual reference. Sketch the larger shapes on paper first, then recreate them with colored pencils, markers, or colored rice flour on a large sheet of paper or a reusable tray. Work individually or invite others to fill different sections.
Jellyfish Ocean Rangoli
Four jellyfish surround a floral center, their flowing forms woven into a colorful circular pattern.
Octopus Rangoli
An octopus’s eight arms create a central rosette, surrounded by bright petals and a scalloped border.
Turtle Rangoli
Sea turtles and shell shapes alternate around a floral center in turquoise, saffron, yellow, and pink.
Strengthen AAPI Engagement and Partnerships
Looking for additional ways to strengthen AAPI engagement and collaboration with conservation organizations and MPACN partners? Explore these resources to help your organization understand the impact of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities and build equitable partnerships with them.
Leadership Briefing
A resource to brief executive leaders and decision makers on the value of AAPI engagement.
Community Outreach Guide
Outreach templates to support conversations and partnership building with AAPI organizations.