This Diwali, I found myself thousands of miles away from home, celebrating alone in Beijing. Despite the physical distance, the warmth of the festival and the connections with friends and colleagues from Bangladesh, India, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka made the day special. Although my plans for the festival were disrupted by a busy schedule, I embraced the solitude and reflected on the lives of those who face unimaginable hardships. Sending Diwali blessings to friends like Tanzil, Vignesh, Mahdi, Danish, and Sumudu, I hoped for brighter days ahead for them. The festival fell a day earlier in Beijing due to the time difference, but the spirit of Diwali transcended borders. My colleague Marlon and I ventured out to explore the city, braving the cold autumn weather. We indulged in shopping for warm clothes and discovered affordable deals in the bustling malls. In the afternoon, we opted for a traditional Chinese massage, choosing to cycle through Beijing’s streets. The city, once known as the ‘bicycle capital of the world,’ has seen a resurgence in cycling culture, driven by sustainability and efforts to reduce pollution. Despite the chaotic traffic, we navigated the streets with ease, using shared bikes unlocked via a mobile app. A mishap with my phone mid-ride reminded me of its indispensability in daily life here. After the massage, we cycled back through the chilly evening, marveling at the city’s vibrant lights. As the thousands of lights of Beijing continued to shine, I realized that light and hope are universal, even when far from home.