Dubai: The Indian festival Diwali, which was celebrated in Dubai on Tuesday, has different meanings for different people, but its basic theme of triumph of goodness over evil is relevant for all.
The festival, which marks the return of Sri Ram, a revered deity in Hindu mythology, from 14 years of exile, symbolises goodness for all.
“I hope Diwali ushers in good news for everyone. It is a festival of lights and I wish it lights up our lives. Though I miss the atmosphere we used to have in India, we are celebrating with equal fervour. We eat a lot of sweets and share them with our friends and neighbours, spreading the sweetness everywhere,” said Suhasini Dave, a Dubai housewife.
Celebrated with as much fervour in Dubai as in India, the festival adds colour and pomp to society as could be seen around the streets of Bur Dubai and Karama.
“I love decorating the house for Diwali. My children join me to create the rangoli [a floral mosaic made of coloured powder] and light up the house. I just love every moment of it when people come and wish each other forgetting all their concerns, it’s a wonderful moment,” said Maya Chandra.
Most people prefer celebrating the festival at home and spending time with families rather than going out to party.
“For me, Diwali is more of a personal time with family, we had the puja [worship] today and met all our relatives. Since all my relatives live here and we don’t often get to see each other due to busy schedules, we make sure all of us get together during Diwali,” said Bharat Chichera, manager of the India Club.
Falling in the middle of the week, there are not many public events to mark the festival, but the next two weekends are likely to see a host of festive parties.
The India Club is organising a ghazal night on November 22, with singers Bhupinder Singh and Mithali Singh flying down from India with their troupes.
