Melbourne Henna Artist Sonam Verma Brings Traditional Art to Busy Office Celebrations
Diwali, the festival of lights, is making its way into more workplaces than ever, brightening Melbourne’s corporate scene with a spirit of inclusivity. Traditionally celebrated within Indian communities, Diwali is now embraced across the city’s offices, as companies see the value in fostering cultural diversity. Offices are adorned with vibrant decorations, traditional sweets are shared, and employees are introduced to Diwali customs through henna stations, rangoli art, and festive gatherings. This expanding embrace of Diwali not only nurtures a sense of belonging for employees from diverse backgrounds, but it also offers all team members the opportunity to engage with and appreciate new traditions.
One artist central to these celebrations is Sonam Verma, known as Sonam Mehendi. Sonam and her team have been exceptionally busy this season, with a notable increase in corporate bookings. “It’s been incredibly busy for us,” Sonam shared. “There were days we were attending five corporate events in a single day, sometimes even at overlapping times.” Melbourne’s corporate sector has embraced Diwali wholeheartedly, blending henna stations, decor, rangoli, food, and music to create a truly festive atmosphere.
Henna, or mehendi, is a cherished Diwali tradition symbolising good fortune and celebration. Sonam’s team has brought this art to a variety of corporate clients, including institutions like NAB, consulting firms such as KPMG and Cognizant, and companies like Lendlease, Salta Properties, and Melbourne Quarter. Their intricate henna designs create a joyful link to Diwali’s cultural roots, infusing age-old traditions into the corporate setting and adding creativity and joy to the celebrations.
“The response has been overwhelmingly positive,” Sonam noted. “Workplaces have embraced the chance to connect with diverse traditions, and our corporate clients are genuinely enthusiastic about including henna as part of their Diwali celebrations.” Sonam has observed Melbourne’s workplaces becoming increasingly proactive in supporting cultural diversity.
With Diwali’s popularity growing in Melbourne’s corporate culture, Sonam looks forward to expanding her team’s reach. “As the demand for Diwali celebrations in the workplace rises, we’re ready to bring the warmth, tradition, and creativity of henna to even more companies in the coming years,” she said.
As Diwali gains ground in Melbourne’s offices, it has become more than just a celebration; it’s a bridge connecting cultures and building a more inclusive and vibrant workplace environment.
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