Diwali celebrations have already begun in Dubai – with the Indian community coming together and marking the festivity through a number of events. The Consulate General of India in Dubai, in collaboration with FOI Events, organised a global Diwali celebration, bringing together members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of UAE authorities and the Indian community to mark the Festival of Lights in a spirit of cultural exchange and friendship.
The event was held with the participation of seven partner countries – Singapore, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Nepal, Malaysia, Thailand and Mauritius. Consul Generals from the seven participating countries, senior diplomats, representatives from UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Community Development Authority and Dubai CARES and officials from various diplomatic missions joined, along with more than 5000 members of the Indian community for the festivities.
This was the first time such an event, with the participation of several countries, was held as part of Diwali celebrations in Dubai. Country-themed display stalls by Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Nepal, Malaysia and Thailand formed a key feature of the event, showcasing the Diwali traditions and customs of their country.
The performance of Dubai Police Band and the PRERNA Group showcasing the talents of People of Determination through a unique performance, added a special and meaningful touch to the festivities. The celebrations were made even more vibrant with captivating cultural performances by artists from Nepal and Sri Lanka, showcasing the rich diversity of South Asian traditions. The programme also featured rangoli and dance competitions, providing participants an opportunity to showcase their artistic talents and creativity.
In addition to the participating countries, representatives of various diplomatic missions, including the Netherlands, Peru, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, the Philippines, Bangladesh, the United States, the United Kingdom, Iraq, Kenya and Egypt also joined the event, highlighting the global appeal of Diwali and its spirit of togetherness.
Diplomats from various countries highlighted the universal appeal of Diwali, noting that the festival is celebrated in different ways across the world while retaining its central message of togetherness. They observed that such celebrations reflect shared cultural and civilisational bonds; with traditions ranging from rangoli and festive food to open houses that welcome people from different communities.
In many countries, Diwali is a national holiday, with the festivities extending beyond the celebrating community to neighbours across the country. The participants noted that such shared celebrations are particularly meaningful in a diverse society like the UAE, bringing people of different nationalities and cultures closer together.
