Golden leaves, cinnamon-scented air, and just enough mystery to keep things interesting—autumn has officially checked in!
From twinkling Diwali nights in India to misty mornings in Ukraine and rainy-day walks in Uzbekistan, our colleagues around the world know how to make the season shine.
Scroll on for stories of family rituals, local legends, favorite treats, and the little traditions that make autumn feel like home—no matter where you are.
Lights, Legends, and Warm Evenings
Aryan Prashant Karpe, Software Development Engineer, India
Seasons and Rituals of Home
In India, one of my favorite October traditions is celebrating Diwali, the Festival of Lights. Homes are decorated with lamps and rangoli, we enjoy delicious sweets, wear traditional clothes, and spend time with family. The festive atmosphere and cultural rituals make it a very special time of year. (Editor’s note: Rangoli is a traditional Indian art form of creating colorful floor patterns using sand, flowers, or powder.)
How I Savor the Season
Spending cozy evenings with family—lighting diyas, enjoying warm sweets, and relaxing with good music or a movie after a busy day of holiday prep. (Editor’s note: Diyas are small oil lamps symbolizing light and hope during festivals like Diwali.)
Legends, Beliefs, and Little Mysteries
One of my favorite legends is the story of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the great Maratha warrior king, known for his bravery, smart military tactics, and strong leadership. He’s remembered not just as a warrior, but as a just and visionary ruler.
One quirky belief I’ve heard is that if your left eye twitches, it means something good is about to happen—but if it’s the right one, it’s bad luck! It’s such a small, random thing, but people take it seriously, and it always makes me smile when someone mentions it.
If I Could Dress Up for a Day…
I’d choose Krishna from Indian mythology. His look is iconic—with the peacock feather, flute, and traditional attire—and he’s known for being wise, playful, and brave. It would be fun to embody such a beloved and timeless character, even just for a day!
Tastes of Autumn
Hot chai with fresh samosas. As the weather cools and festivals approach, nothing feels better than sipping spiced tea and enjoying crispy, warm snacks with family. The smell of incense and fresh marigold flowers during Diwali preparations instantly brings a feeling of warmth, celebration, and togetherness.
Fresh Starts and Folklore Nights
Mariia Diachkova, HR Manager, Ukraine
Where Traditions Begin
Early autumn has this special “fresh start” energy—maybe because it’s so associated with the beginning of the school year. Even though I’m not a kid anymore, that feeling never really goes away. For me, September means it’s time to open new notebooks, set new learning goals, and dive back into learning mode.
My favorite thing about this time of year is traveling and catching up with friends. Autumn is perfect—it’s quieter after the summer rush and places aren’t packed with tourists. I love visiting friends in different countries, exploring their cities, and just spending time together—long talks, cozy cafés, random walks, stunning sunsets, all of it.
Legends, Beliefs, and Little Mysteries
One of my favorites is the story of Monastyrsky Island, right in the middle of the Dnipro River in my hometown, Dnipro. Locals say that a monastery once stood there hundreds of years ago, and the island still carries a kind of sacred, mysterious energy. According to legend, a monk’s spirit still guards the island. On quiet foggy evenings, some say you can hear church bells or whispers from the past, even though there’s no church left standing. There’s also a darker version—that the island hides treasures from Cossack times, and those who search for them without respect will get lost or fall into the river.
Everyday Magic (and a Bit of Humor)
Ukrainians have tons of funny little beliefs, and I can’t help but smile at how naturally they’re part of everyday life. One favorite is: you can’t whistle indoors, because you’ll “whistle away your money.” My grandma always scolded me for it when I was a kid.
If I Could Step into a Character’s Shoes…
If I could step into a favorite character’s shoes for a day, it would definitely be Lara Croft. I grew up playing the Tomb Raider games, so she’s a childhood hero.
Tastes of Autumn
Anything with pumpkin—pumpkin pie, pumpkin bread, pumpkin latte. There’s something about that cozy, slightly spicy flavor that instantly makes me feel like autumn has really started.
A Personal Touch of Autumn
Kicking off a new running plan. There’s nothing like running through crunchy leaves, pretending the cold air is “refreshing” instead of freezing, and convincing myself that pumpkin sweets count as recovery fuel.
Joy, Laughter, and Togetherness
Akhil Jaisur, Software Development Engineer, India
Where Traditions Begin
For us, the Diwali and subsequent New Year (Gujarati) festivities are deeply cherished. We spend weeks preparing homemade sweets and savory snacks, and then connect with friends and family. It’s more than just a visit; it’s an immersive experience—sharing stories, discussing day-to-day life, and spending quality time with children, cousins, grandparents, and loved ones. The atmosphere is filled with smiles, delicious food, and a wonderful sense of spiritual energy. These moments—surrounded by loved ones—are the pinnacle of happiness.
How I Savor the Season
It’s the vibrant, collective energy that builds before the main celebrations: the kitchen becoming the heart of the home with spices and traditional treats, the anticipation of gatherings, and a spiritual lift—optimism, reflection, and energy. It’s the perfect mix of meaningful activity, delicious food, and the joyful anticipation of being surrounded by loved ones.
Tiny Guardians and Candlelight Evenings
Oleksii Kharchenko, Quality Assurance Engineer, Ukraine
Where Traditions Begin
Usually, we like to visit Bukovel—with the SPA and sauna. (Editor’s note: Bukovel is a mountain resort in the Carpathian region of Ukraine, known for its beautiful scenery, skiing, and spa retreats.)
How I Savor the Season
Cozy evenings, and starting the board-game season with friends.
Legends, Beliefs, and Little Mysteries
One superstition I’ve always found amusing is the belief that if a spider weaves its web inside your house in October, it’s a sign of good luck and protection. Instead of being a pest, the spider becomes a tiny guardian of the home. It’s oddly comforting—and a good excuse not to clean corners too thoroughly during cleaning season.
Small Joys of Autumn
Cinnabon.
My wife always makes handmade candles with a pumpkin scent.
Festive Calm, Gathering Light
Suraj Hengne, Software Development Engineer, India
Where Traditions Begin
As October settles over India, the landscape takes on a gentler hue. The rains have passed, leaving behind clear skies, cooler evenings, and the quiet rustle of trees ready for the change of season. It’s a month that balances calm and celebration—a moment when everyday life begins to shine with festive anticipation. Across the country, October signals the beginning of the most cherished festival cycle: the rhythmic energy of Navratri, the grandeur of Dussehra, followed closely by the radiant arrival of Diwali. Each celebration holds its own meaning, yet together they form a continuous thread of joy, faith, and renewal.
If I Could Dress Up for a Day…
If I could choose one character to bring to life, it would have to be Iron Man—not just for the sleek armor or the thrill of flight, but for what he represents: innovation, resilience, and a restless curiosity to build something better. Tony Stark’s duality—a sharp mind wrapped in humor, constantly evolving through both brilliance and mistakes—mirrors the modern Indian spirit, balancing tradition with technology, emotion with intellect.
Golden Leaves and Sweet Memories
Dariia Shumilova, Marketing Specialist, Ukraine
Seasons and Rituals of Home
I was born in September, so I admit I’m a little biased—but I absolutely love autumn! In Dnipro, fall is a wonderful season: sunny, warm, and a gentle reminder to slow down and enjoy the moment. My personal autumn ritual is to rewatch The Birds and the James Bond movies, a tradition I keep every October and November.
How I Savor the Season
I love watching the trees as their leaves turn and wandering through the woods where autumn’s scents are at their richest. Or sometimes, I just sit by the stormy grey Dnipro river, watching seagulls battle the sharp, cold wind. And of course, this is the season when a hot cup of coffee feels like pure joy—just like reading. I’m convinced God made autumn for books.
Stories that Stay with Me
It’s not a belief or a superstition, but there’s one thing that always makes me smile: local autumn markets. They’re overflowing with colors, scents, and memories. I remember choosing the ripest pears and plums with my mom and dad, surrounded by the earthy fragrance of dry grass, damp soil, and freshly picked vegetables. And of course, the baked pumpkin. As a child I never liked it, but now the sweet aroma of pumpkin, apples, and cinnamon drifting from the oven makes me feel safe—like I’m home.
A Personal Touch of Autumn
Since I recently moved to San-Frankivsko (Editor’s note: Ivano-Frankivsk), I’ve been excited to discover new little things that make this season special for me. Still, autumn always carries a touch of melancholy, bringing memories of my mom and granny to the forefront with every cold breeze.
The Glow of Diwali Nights
Sushrut Mukund Kulkarni, Software Development Engineer, India
Where Traditions Begin
In India, October marks the beginning of Diwali, the Festival of Lights. Streets glow with lights, homes sparkle with colorful rangoli, and the air smells of freshly made sweets. Families gather, exchange gifts, and celebrate togetherness with fireworks lighting up the sky. It’s a warm and joyful time that truly brings everyone closer.
How I Savor the Season
I love this time of year for its festive and cozy vibe. One favorite tradition is making homemade sweets with my mother—it’s our little Diwali ritual. The house glows with diyas (oil lamps), laughter fills the kitchen, and after 7 PM, we step outside to enjoy the firecrackers lighting up the sky.
Legends and Funny Moments
One fascinating legend is the story of King Bali and Lord Vishnu’s Vamana (dwarf) avatar—a reminder of the victory of righteousness and the power of devotion.
A funny coincidence: every year, just as we light the first firework, the neighbor’s dog suddenly decides to join the celebration by barking at the sky. Perfect timing!
Tastes of Autumn
For me, Diwali and October are incomplete without Anarsa—crispy on the outside, soft inside, and perfectly sweet. (Editor’s note: Anarsa is a traditional Indian sweet made from rice flour, jaggery, and poppy seeds, typically prepared during Diwali.)
What Makes the Season Special
Seeing family and friends come together—sharing meals, laughing, and enjoying the festive atmosphere. These moments make the season joyful and full of warmth.
The Hygge Season
Maksym Pasynkov, Delivery Manager, Ukraine
Where Traditions Begin
October is the time of mulled wine and spiced tea parties in the forest with friends. This is when we can still catch the dry weather and enjoy all the awesome leaf colors prepared by nature— with a cup of warm beverages that creates a dreamy mood and hygge vibe.
How I Savor the Season
Late forest parties, opening the tabletop-games season, theaters, concerts, and thematic pub-quiz parties.
If I Could Dress Up for a Day…
That would be Sheldon Cooper dressed up as Spock. Any makeup my wife tries to apply to my eyebrows doesn’t hide them completely—so my Vulcan eyebrows look more like Sheldon’s than my own, and I don’t see any reason to argue on that matter.
Tastes of Autumn
Duck (chest or leg) and pumpkin pie.
Quiet Streets and Bright Leaves
Oleksandr Korop, Delivery Manager, Ukraine
Where Traditions Begin
The best part of October is usually the calm, sunny, chilly weather in Chernivtsi—perfect for a walk in our beautiful city. Autumn is the best time of the year, when the clutter and rush of summer give way to clarity and stillness.
How I Savor the Season
Cozy evenings with my wife, watching a carefully selected list of TV series and movies. Like many of us, we keep an autumn watchlist—before and after Halloween—that then opens the season for winter and Christmas films. I hate horrors, but anything from romantic comedies to period dramas, adventures, and sci-fi will do.
Everyday Mysteries
I am living in the mystery of the roaming cat that screams through the night, demanding food or attention.
If I Could Dress Up for a Day…
Dressing as myself can be pretty spooky; no need for characters.
Tastes of Autumn
Pistachios are great—I’m addicted to them. The smell of fresh air and fallen leaves, the magical colors of autumn—they always bring me joy this time of year.
Sacred Suns and Autumn Mysteries
Gangesh Kumar, Software Development Engineer, India
Where Traditions Begin
In my region, we celebrate Chhath Puja, dedicated to honoring the Sun God Surya and Chhati Maiya, widely celebrated across eastern India and southern Nepal. It involves offering prayers to the setting and rising sun, fasting, and performing rituals by the riverbank—to express our gratitude and seek blessings.
How I Savor the Season
Spending days by the riverbanks creating the ghats during Chhath Puja. The atmosphere feels magical: a sweet cold breeze, freshness in the air, diyas floating on the water, devotional songs, and the whole community gathered in prayer. It’s the most peaceful, spiritual time of the year and makes me feel connected to my roots.
Legends, Beliefs, and Little Mysteries
One famous mystery is the legend of Bhangarh Fort in Rajasthan—often called the most haunted place in India, where entering after dusk is prohibited. According to legend, a sorcerer cursed the town after a failed spell to win Princess Ratnavati, and the city was eventually abandoned—a perfect blend of history, mystery, and legend.
As a child, I once saw a sudden eerie flame flicker and vanish near a cremation ground. My grandfather said it was “Banrakas,” a ghost that burns anyone who goes near it. Years later, I learned the scientific reason: combustion of gases like phosphine and methane from decaying organic matter can ignite on contact with oxygen.
Tastes of Autumn
Hot chai with pakoras on a cool October evening—and the classic comfort moment of being wrapped in a blanket and chatting with family and grandparents.
What Makes the Season Special
The strong, unique scent of blooming Saptaparni (Scholar’s tree) flowers, which marks the arrival of winter.
Golden Days and Tea Evenings
Oleksandra Sklez, Marketing Specialist, Ukraine
How I Savor the Season
October in Kyiv is pure magic…unless it’s pouring rain—then it’s a cozy blanket-and-tea situation. But when the sun’s out, the city becomes a masterpiece of golden, red, and fiery orange leaves. It’s my little yearly ritual to grab a drink, make sure my phone is fully charged (because yes, there will be a mini photo shoot), and head to the park or a quiet lake just outside the city.
If I Could Spend a Cozy Evening…
Blanket, tea, and a good documentary about maniacs.
Tastes of Autumn
Brownies definitely boost my mood. And a good Negroni doesn’t hurt either.
A Personal Touch of Autumn
I’m not really an autumn fan—I’m all about summer and heat! But fall reminds me to check in with myself. It’s my season for health checkups and self-care. If you haven’t checked your ferritin levels yet…consider this your friendly reminder!
Harvests, Legends, and the Fragrance of Rain
Javohir Aliyev, Software Development Engineer, Uzbekistan
Where Traditions Begin
Although there is no major holiday in Uzbekistan at this time of year, harvest brings families together. As a kid, I visited my grandparents and helped, usually drying fruits or beekeeping. Beekeeping runs in my family for generations.
How I Savor the Season
With hot summers and cold winters, autumn is the best time to walk the city without worrying about the weather. The best part is the trees turning colorful—I frequent city parks just to enjoy those dense, forest-like areas and admire the nature my country is gifted with.
Legends, Beliefs, and Little Mysteries
When I was at school, I often heard stories about the opening of the tomb of the Great Timur Tamerlane. (Editor’s note: This story refers to the real-life 1941 excavation of Tamerlane’s tomb by a Soviet archaeological team in Samarkand, shortly before the German invasion of the USSR.) According to legend, local elders warned the Soviet scholars who planned to excavate it that terrible consequences would follow if they disturbed the resting place. A day after they opened the tomb, Nazi Germany launched its attack on the Soviet Union. Later, when Timur’s remains were returned to his grave, the tide of the war began to change—and people connected these events as cause and effect.
If I Could Dress Up for a Day…
I would dress up as Borat—Sacha Baron Cohen’s satire and sarcasm are unmatched.
Tastes of Autumn
Qurut. (Editor’s note: Qurut is a traditional Central Asian dried-yogurt snack/cheese ball, high in protein and long kept without refrigeration.) And the scent of mud when it is raining—this has been the most heavenly smell for me since childhood.
Candles, Colors, and Carpathian Memories
Olha Chuhai, HR Manager, Ukraine
Where Traditions Begin
I love decorating my home with candles and autumn flowers like dahlias and chrysanthemums. I also use small colorful pumpkins—part of the décor and later ingredients for delicious pumpkin pancakes. In my kitchen, autumn apples and porcini mushrooms begin to appear in many dishes. These simple rituals bring a lot of joy and help me fully enjoy the cozy autumn mood.
How I Savor the Season
In the evenings, we often watch movies or series while sipping aromatic tea and enjoying sweet treats. When the weather is nice, we walk in nature and admire the vibrant colors of autumn. We also travel to the Carpathians for trail-running events, spending a few beautiful autumn days there.
Legends, Beliefs, and Little Mysteries
As leaves turn golden and mist rises over the Dnipro River, Monastyrskyi Island becomes a place of quiet mystery. Some say that on foggy autumn evenings, the silent figure of a monk can be seen walking by the water—a spirit that never left his sacred ground.
Everyday Magic (and a Bit of Humor)
If a branch fell on the roof of your car due to strong winds, it means a trip to the service station.
If I Could Dress Up for a Day…
I would dress as a Mavka—a forest spirit from Ukrainian folklore. She’s mysterious, graceful, and deeply connected to nature. Wearing a dress of leaves and flowers, with loose hair, I’d feel like part of the autumn forest itself.
Tastes of Autumn
For me, the ultimate October comfort food is Ukrainian borshch with garlic pampushky. But I also love pumpkin pancakes with berries—they look bright and cheerful, and taste amazing! (Editor’s note: Borshch is a traditional Ukrainian beet soup, usually served with sour cream, while pampushky are small soft garlic rolls often enjoyed as a side dish.)
What Makes the Season Special
A trip to the magical autumn Carpathians: morning mists, forests, bograch, deruny, local trout, Carpathian honey, aged cheeses, and a vatra (bonfire) under a sky full of stars. (Editor’s note: Bograch is a rich Hungarian-style meat soup often made in western Ukraine, while deruny are traditional Ukrainian potato pancakes usually served with sour cream.)
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