It started with a simple question. Chaplain Rev. Brian Dunlop received a call from Kulwinder Kaur, patient services associate, inquiring about Pennsylvania Hospital’s religious celebrations. While annual events are typically held for Christmas and Hanukah, she was interested in planning a celebration common to Sikh and Hindu traditions. Enthusiastic about the request, Dunlop then had the idea of expanding PAH’s religious ceremonies by planning a series of events for the upcoming year.
“We want to put a spotlight on different faith traditions that people practice within the hospital, offering celebrations that are unique to those faiths,” Dunlop said. “We’re trying to embrace diversity and show employees that we value tradition and want to create something more than just an email blast.” Dunlop is actively planning PAH’s first event in the series which Kaur had asked about — Diwali. Known as the “Festival of Lights,” it is one of the major festivals celebrated by many Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, Muslims, and some Buddhists. “Diwali symbolizes hope. It marks the end of darkness — the victory of good over evil,” Kaur said. “It represents a new year and the bright lights bringing peace, success, good health, and prosperity. We’re hoping for these dark days of the pandemic to go away so we can create a fresh new life.”
To fully understand Diwali’s traditions, Dunlop is collaborating with the University of Pennsylvania’s Religious Studies department. “I’m doing my homework,” Dunlop said. “I want to make sure we have everything to support this holiday and have those who practice it feel recognized. We plan on decorating with lights and flowers, having a display with handouts so people could learn more about the festival, and providing a private space to worship in the chapel.”
In addition to Diwali, Dunlop is already planning for Ramadan, held in April 2022, contacting imams to lead staff in prayers and hoping to create a space with prayer rugs. “It’s an approach for pastoral care to become more engaged with the community in a much more personal and intentional way,” said Dunlop. “It’s impactful for folks to see their faith represented and appreciated at the hospital.”
“It’s one of the simplest ways to make colleagues and patients from different cultures feel valued. I appreciate all [Dunlop] has done to make this event happen, creating an opportunity for education and conversation to bring people together,” Kaur said. “Taking the time to learn about and acknowledge different holidays builds bridges and spreads love.” The Diwali celebration will be held November 4 in the Zubrow Auditorium. For ideas on future celebrations, contact Brian Dunlop.