A time with family and friends

A time with family and friends

Diwali is one of the biggest festivals in India and is celebrated with great gusto. In my family, we believe that a silver coin, traditionally embossed with the symbols of a deity, should be the first thing you see when you open your eyes on Diwali morning. People pray for blessings from the deity of wealth and prosperity as well as the deity of new beginnings. The morning prayers are followed by a lavish breakfast and later by a sumptuous lunch, usually with family and close friends. The main prayer on Diwali is performed in the evening at dusk. The entire family dresses up in new clothes, traditional Diwali finery and performs the ceremony together. The prayer starts with lighting candles and other practices. This is followed by the recitation of the story of Diwali and why it is celebrated. After the prayers are completed, we place lamps and candles around the house. Special care is taken to place at least one lamp in every corner of the house. The evening dinner is again with family and close friends.

From Ms Monisha Krishna

Dubai

Joyous occasion

Diwali is one of the biggest and most colourful functions in India, and it is celebrated by millions of people. During Diwali, rows of small lamps will be used to decorate the house on that day. People invite their relatives and friends to their homes and greet each other with various sweets. It is known for the sound of crackers almost the whole day. Children are the happiest playing with crackers, eating sweets and wearing new clothes. Women from the south of India wear traditional silk saris. People worship the deity of prosperity and will do a special religious ceremony on that day. Many youngsters pay their respect to elders on this festival and get their blessings, which has been followed for many years. Over all, Diwali is a joyous function which is liked by everyone. I wish everyone celebrating a very happy and healthy Diwali.

From Mr K. Ragavan

India

Missing Diwali in Dubai

I lived in Dubai for 14 years before moving to Pakistan. Although I do not celebrate Diwali, living in an environment like Dubai, this festival of lights brings back lots of fond memories. The decorated balconies in the areas of Karama, Bur Dubai and Motor City, are one of the most enjoyable memories of Dubai I have. The festivities in Meena Bazar are full of life. The city looks beautiful and I miss it. The taste of the sweet kaju katli (cashew-based sweet) is still fresh in my mouth.

I miss the celebrations.

From Ms Khaula Shahbaz Rao

Pakistan

No pollution please

Diwali is a celebration for Hindus and we wish them a Happy Diwali! The concept of victory over evil and the celebrations in connection with that, is done with a lot of joy and it is expressed with lights. However, creating pollution with crackers and noise cannot be tolerated. In UAE that type of menace is rare. We see lights everywhere.

From Mr H. M. Sharif

UAE

Missing the past

While in school, the festival of Diwali always fascinated us. It meant vacation time, fully loaded with joy and happiness. Bursting crackers with my siblings and friends on a daily basis during this time was a routine. The spirit of festive mood was seen in every nook and corner where I lived. I really miss those joyous days of my life.

From Mr Saifee Tarwala

Dubai

Blessings and prosperity

Diwali is the festival of lights. In our childhood, we used to wait for Diwali to come, where we would get new clothes, crackers and sweets. This is the time where all our friends would share sweets among each other and also burn crackers together. I have my family here, I will visit some of our old friends who also celebrate this joyful festival, and buy some sweets and a new dress for my daughter. We must pray to God pray to give us wealth, health and happiness. I look forward to visiting my friends today to greet and exchange Diwali sweets.

From From Mr Prasad Warrier

Sharjah

UAE’s influence

Coming from a region where Diwali is not celebrated with such pomp and splendour, Diwali in Dubai has been a colourful surprise. Through the years, we have been celebrating the day with friends. For us, Diwali is a celebration of lights, joy and togetherness. Each year, we look forward to the different sweets that we feast on. We also do our share of lighting candles and decorating the house to match up to the fervour. Our children now know that Diwali is the day we celebrate the victory of good over evil, thanks to the exposure in the UAE, a melting pot of cultures.

From Ms Sumitha Ayilliath Satish

Dubai

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