Family, food, lights and fireworks are the four cornerstones of a truly happy Diwali celebration. After living almost four decades in the UAE, it’s quite safe to say that Diwali, the biggest Hindu festival, is celebrated with as much zeal — if not more — in this country as in India. The best example would be a visit to Bur Dubai a few days before Diwali.
If a satellite picture were to be taken, this would be the brightest place on earth. The local Arab and non-Hindu population are greatly tolerant of the festivities, even though fireworks a big no-no. If you are the host this Diwali, we’ve put together a few tips that could help you make your celebrations a lot of fun.
The lights
Diwali is all about lights. While diyas or earthen lamps have been traditionally used on Diwali, today there is an array of lighting options. Battery-operated tea lights and lamps fight for space with colourful and playful fairy lights. Fairy lights are quite malleable and can be used to create different patterns on walls or balconies, advises Jyotikka Agnani from Jo the Caterer. Moreover, the humble diya too is taking on a modern look.
“Most of the exhibitions leading up to Diwali, and Indian stores such as Adil, Madhoor, Choithram, sell diyas embellished with beads or crystals or painted in different colours. These add to the decorations,” Agnani said.
“Another good option, if you have open space with a blank wall, would be a light net,” says Amita Motwani of Sai Event Management. Motwani has been arranging parties in Dubai for almost two years now. “It’s five feet tall and makes an excellent backdrop for photos and dining tables”.
Floating candles are another wonderful option with flowers in a bowl or water feature.
The colours
One friend took the opportunity to use her practically unused traditional wardrobe at the time of Diwali. She pulled out beautifully worked sarees in tie-and-dye and Banarsi silk dupattas to hang around the house.
“At a recent party we created a traditional backdrop with a wooden frame covered in light orange colour and used colourful, decorated chhatris (umbrellas) to create a traditional look, and used it as part of our photo booth. You could also use traditional Indian accessories such as embroidered poofs, matkis (pots) and gota (gold lace) worked haathi-ghoda (elephant-horse) decorations,” Motwani says.
Rangoli (patterns made with powdered colours on floors and tables) is the traditional way to add colour at all Indian festivals. If you do not have the artistic bent of mind or are too caught up in work, stencils for designs are available, as are sticker patterns and acrylic tablets.
“I like to use the acrylic blocks to decorate the courtyard of my villa at Diwali,” says Dubai resident and cooking enthusiast Soni Sajnani. “My courtyard is not one level so it’s difficult to draw with colours on it. Moreover, it’s easier to maintain, keeping in mind the weather conditions here. All you need is a few lights or diyas and fresh flowers to enhance these prepared rangolis”.
“Torans (decorative banners) are another good way to add colour,” says Agnani. “While exhibitions offer them, there are several styles, sizes and options available in Dubai stores”.
The dining table
But don’t forget the dining table in all the other decorations.
“For fun modern Indian cooking, we love crockery which adds a pop of colour,” advises Jitin Joshi, executive chef at Taj Dubai. “Unique serving items also add a unique flavour. We serve a dish in a traditional pickle jar and that always attracts the diner’s interest. A themed party does bring an enticement and curiosity among the guests and they would make an effort to fit into the theme and make the party more interesting and fuel some post party gossip”.
“I bring out the Diwali theme in the name tags that I use to mark my dishes. I’ll print them out in shape of diyas or other symbols related to the festival. Also make space for candles or diyas on the table,” says Sajnani.
“Seating at the party is very important. If you are expecting 85 guests, keep seating for at least 60-65,” says Motwani. “Don’t just use normal tables and chairs. Embellish the back with golden bows or traditional Indian cloth. Use centrepieces in traditional motifs to enhance the look”.
The food
Be it the Christmas roast or the Eid biryani, food has always been an important part of all festivals. While Diwali does not have any particular dish, over time families have created their own tradition.
“Most Sindhi houses will make chiki on Diwali,” says Sajnani. “It’s not too difficult to make and can be made a couple of days in advance so as not to hamper cooking on Diwali day. I also make oats and poha (flattened rice) laddoos, just to keep things a little healthier”.
Preparing ahead is the key, she agrees. There are several snacks and sweets that one can make or prepare ahead of Diwali such as samosas, kachoris, kurmura (puffed rice savoury snack) and other mixtures, if you plan to cook the whole meal yourself.
“Chaat is an integral party snack,” says Agnani. “Get all your ingredients together but assemble it only at the time of serving. Another thing that can be made a day earlier is the chutneys, both sweet and savoury ones”.
However, nothing makes life easier than having the party catered if you are expecting a large number of guests.
“To begin with, you should determine the likes of your guests, feasibility to prepare and your confidence in the type of food. If you are cooking, it’s always a good idea to involve your children in the preparation and give credit to what they have done. Guests love that and your kids get great motivation too,” says Joshi. “[For catering] always partner with someone whose style you are familiar with. Don’t leave anything to chance and it is wise not to experiment with new dishes at a big party. Order smartly — not too much excess and definitely not too less”.
Joshi advises easy-to-handle cold canapes for a free flowing crowd.
“To give it a different touch you can try cheese and chutney on crisps or smoked salmon and sour cream, and bruschetta among others”. Tikkas and dumplings are his favourites too.
“Diwali dinners need not always be traditional. People always enjoy a bit of variation and new tastes. Fusion Indian works very well these days, as I’ve seen. Take a traditional dish and spice it up with modern flavours. Asparagus Kormas and Turkey Shurkey (turkey kebabs) are a clear favourite this season,” he says.
Home cook Sajnani too enjoys food fusion. “My olive puffs are a big hit as is my thandaai mousse”.
As for drinks, it’s easy to use packed juices and adding mixers such as grenadine syrup, coconut water or soda to create fun drinks. Giving them names such as “phooljhaddi (sparkler) punch” can add to the festive spirit.
The gifts
Party favours are enjoyed by one and all, no matter their age. While giving story books related to the festival is a good option for kids, tie-and-dye dupattas, colourful glass bangles and diyas will be loved by elders. And if you can manage it, a photo booth will offer a wonderful reminder of a time well spent.
