Diwali Celebrations in the UAE: Unity and Tradition
As the Festival of Lights approaches, communities across the UAE prepare to celebrate Diwali, a time that transcends cultural boundaries. For many expatriates, this festival is not only about honoring sacred traditions but also about fostering friendships and sharing joy with a diverse international community.
The Spirit of Togetherness
In the Singh household, preparations for Diwali begin at least 15 days in advance. Manish Singh, a Dubai-based Indian expat from Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, emphasizes the importance of cleanliness and organization. “We need everything to be deep cleaned properly,” he explains, noting that the festivities kick off a couple of days before the main event, which falls on October 20 this year.
On Diwali day, Singh plans to host a gathering at one of his offices, where employees can come together to celebrate. “Diwali is, after all, about the spirit of togetherness,” he says. His home will be adorned with lights, and family and friends will join for a puja (religious ritual) followed by a festive party filled with good food and camaraderie.
A Global Celebration
For Vivek Mehta, a longtime Dubai resident and businessman, Diwali has evolved beyond its Indian origins. “Here, Diwali feels global,” he remarks. Friends from various backgrounds don traditional Indian attire and enjoy Indian cuisine, embracing the festival as if it were part of their own heritage.
Mehta’s villa in the Green Community becomes a vibrant hub during the five-day celebration. “Every year, we have children from 15 to 20 different nationalities playing together in our garden,” he shares. This diversity is a testament to Dubai’s inclusive spirit, which Mehta attributes to the leadership’s vision of tolerance and acceptance. “The light of Diwali here doesn’t just brighten homes — it brightens hearts across multiple nationalities,” he reflects.
Gratitude and Generosity
Mehta emphasizes that Diwali is as much about gratitude as it is about celebration. Each year, he makes it a point to share gifts with security staff and community workers, expressing thankfulness for their contributions. “Diwali is about thankfulness — for family, friendship, and business prosperity,” he explains. This year, he noticed a special sparkle in the city, with streets and malls adorned in lights and greetings exchanged among people of all nationalities.
Personal Traditions
Schoolteacher Pooja Misra views Diwali as a time for family and friends to come together. “We begin preparations by shopping for gifts and deciding on the décor,” she says, describing how her home is adorned with twinkling lights and colorful rangolis. Finding the perfect outfit is also essential; she typically opts for a cheerful new sari. However, Misra has chosen to forgo the tradition of bursting firecrackers, preferring to focus on quieter, more meaningful aspects of the festival.
Honoring Cultural Roots
Vishal and Premvati Patel, originally from London, began their Diwali celebrations with prayers at the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi. They cherish the opportunity to pay homage to their guru and spend time with family and friends. “This blending of sacred traditions with bonds of friendship makes each Diwali both spiritual and unforgettable,” Premvati shares.
Expats from other countries also partake in the festivities. Smarika Magar, a Nepali resident, celebrates Tihar, a five-day festival similar to Diwali. She plans to adapt her traditions in the UAE, feeding pigeons instead of crows and looking forward to receiving gifts from her brother.
Community Celebrations
In Abu Dhabi, around 100 Indian families from the Mazyad Community Society kicked off their Diwali celebrations with a cultural event at The Boundary, Abu Dhabi Cricket and Sports Hub. “Diwali is about togetherness, sharing, and caring. We celebrate it as one big family in our community,” a member states. The event featured cultural performances, games, and a Ramayana-themed quiz for children, drawing over 200 attendees in traditional attire.
On the day of Lakshmi Puja, many families will take time off work to honor the goddess of wealth and prosperity. Homes across the city are already illuminated with diyas and fairy lights, creating a festive atmosphere.
FAQs
What is the significance of Diwali?
Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. It is celebrated by millions around the world, particularly in Hindu culture, as a time for family gatherings, prayers, and festive activities.
How do expatriates in the UAE celebrate Diwali?
Expatriates in the UAE celebrate Diwali by hosting gatherings, decorating their homes, and sharing traditional foods. Many invite friends from diverse backgrounds to join in the festivities, reflecting the multicultural spirit of the country.
Are there any unique traditions observed during Diwali in the UAE?
In the UAE, Diwali celebrations often include community events that bring together people from various nationalities. These events may feature cultural performances, games, and communal prayers, fostering a sense of unity and shared joy.
Conclusion
Diwali in the UAE is a vibrant celebration that highlights the spirit of unity and inclusivity among its diverse population. As expatriates come together to honor traditions and share joy, the festival serves as a reminder of the bonds that connect people across cultures. With preparations underway, communities look forward to celebrating this cherished festival with warmth and gratitude.
Also Read:
Diwali Celebrations at BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi
