The best of both worlds
The Velpuri family (from left to right) Shwithi, Kiran, Khyathi and Seshu embrace both Indian and American cultures. They celebrate Diwali every year. Diwali, meaning “festival of lights,” is an annual celebration that symbolizes good over evil and is a cherished event for millions around the world. As part of the tradition, the Velpuris cook sweets and traditional dishes, decorate the inside and outside of their house with lights and welcome the goddess of light into their home.
Kiran and Seshu Velpuri have lived in Colorado for more than half of their lives and would not change their path together. They have embraced American culture while also keeping with their native country’s traditions.
“Seshu and I came from India, but Colorado is our home,” said Kiran. “It’s been a good mix.”
The couple met in India via an arranged marriage and Seshu first came to America to get two masters degrees: computer science at the University of North Texas and business at CU Boulder. Seshu began his career in IT, then sold real estate, and today he owns a real estate company, Homes of Rockies.
Kiran achieved her MBA from Osmania University in India and then 25 years ago came to the U.S. to be with Seshu. She completed a leadership program at Harvard University and currently works in the governor’s IT office as a manager of teams.
The Velpuris welcomed two daughters along the way who both graduated from Rock Canyon High School (RCHS). The family has lived in the Village for 10 years.
The eldest daughter, Khyathi, graduated from CU Boulder with a pre-med degree and is currently applying to medical school. She is a professional racquetball player for the U.S. team.
Shwithi is the youngest Velpuri and a freshman at Louisiana State University studying psychology. She was a cheerleader at RCHS.
When Khyathi and Shwithi were little, they had a hard time explaining the Indian holiday Diwali to their friends. It was then that Kiran and Seshu decided to host Diwali celebrations.
“For 20 years, we have shared our culture with their American friends, our American friends and we educate and showcase what Diwali means,” shared Kiran. “We even dress them up in Indian clothes and teach them the traditions.”
Diwali (pronounced Dee-vah-lee) means “festival of lights” and is an annual celebration that symbolizes good over evil, light over darkness and is a cherished event for millions around the world. In India, it is a five-day celebration recognized by Hindu, Sikh and Jain religions and associated with Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, prosperity and beauty.
Each year, the date of Diwali varies because it falls on the darkest day of the lunar month, the day of the new moon. This year, it fell on October 31.
Due to work and school schedules and because Diwali is not a recognized American holiday, the Velpuris choose to celebrate for three days every year.
Kiran explained that the first day is the preparation of the house, putting up decorations and cooking vegetarian foods and sweets. One of the displays, rangoli, is a pattern of cotton and embroidery used on a floor or tabletop with different materials, flowers and colored rocks.
The second day is the actual Diwali celebration. The Velpuris cook more dishes and sweets and make offerings to the goddess Lakshmi. As the sun sets, they light candles and turn on lights inside and outside the house. Diyas, decorative oil lamps made from clay with a cotton wick dipped in oil, are arranged on a platter and lit as part of the tradition.
“Diwali is the festival of the goddess of wealth, and we welcome her into our house,” explained Kiran. “Also, one of our gods came home after a 14-year exile and killing a demon; we welcome him home with lights so it is a victory of good over evil.”
On the third day of Diwali celebrations, the Velpuris make dishes with chicken or goat and welcome their American friends. In some parts of India, the third day honors the bond between brother and sister.
“It truly was a privilege to be included in the Velpuri’s Diwali tradition,” said Village resident Jen Dunbar. “I was in awe of the lights, colorful decorations, delicious Indian food and stunning clothing.”
Khyathi (left) and Shwithi (right)Velpuri attended Rock Canyon High School and are trained Kuchipudi dancers, an Indian dance that is thousands of years old.
Seshu and Kiran are also active in their downtime. Seshu plays tennis, racquetball, pickleball and cricket. Kiran is a trained dancer in the classic Indian dance Kuchipudi, an art that is thousands of years old. She practices weekly and has performed in India and locally at the Lakewood Cultural Center (pictured on the front cover). Her daughters are also trained in the dance.
The family has two Havanese dogs, Piku and Mia.
“We consider ourselves lucky because we got to see the best of both worlds: our childhood was in India but we are U.S. citizens as adults,” concluded Kiran. “We were able to give our kids our culture, and we have also adopted the American culture. We celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas. We love it all!”
The Velpuri family enjoying one of the many American traditions their family has embraced.
By Hollen Wheeler; photos courtesy of Kiran Velpuri
