Diwali, the Indian Festival of Light, is a celebration of the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil. Each year depending on the the cycle of the moon, the date of Diwali falls in either in October or November. During Diwali people light small clay lamps filled with oil to welcome Lakshmi (the Goddess of wealth and prosperity) into their homes.
Diwali is one of the most important festivals of the year in India marking the beginning of the Hindu New Year.
Due to the large Indian expat population, the festival is largely celebrated in Dubai. Many expatriates visit the country’s only Hindu temple, in Meena Bazaar. There, they offer prayers and seek blessings for their families. Having a small firecracker or fireworks display in front of a home is a usual sight. Hindus buy new clothes on the occasion. Many gift presents to their families and friends and welcome many guests in their homes, in a similar way Arabs do when they celebrate Eid.
This year the Diwali will take place on Tuesday, November 13. The festivities will include a number of events in Dubai.
Here are some of of the Diwali offers:
Jumeirah Zabeel Saray
In the restaurant Amala which offers Northern Indian cuisine, you can enjoy Mughalai curries, specialities from Tandoori oven, Biriyanies and sweets while listening to traditional live Indian music. It will cost you AED 285 per person for A La Carte unlimited selection.
Movenpick Bur Dubai
On November 13, you can celebrate Diwali in Chutney’s restaurant for only AED 140 for food only for lunch from 12 noon to 3.00 pm and dinner from 7.00 pm to 11.15 pm. There will be a special Diwali Thali menu covering the vegetarian and non-vegetarian eclectic mix of traditional as well as innovative delicacies from the Northwest Frontier of India.
Le Meriden Airport Hotel
Between 13 and 15 of this month, at Mahec restaurant you can enjoy Reshmi Kebabs, Galawati Kebabs and Chettinad Curry, as well as the finest desserts – Gajar ka Halwa and Kala Jamun.
Diwali Rocks Dubai
A concert featuring some of the best Bollywood and Asian artists from across the globe will be held on November 16 at the Dubai Tennis Stadium. This will be a 5 hour event in which you can see Mike Singh, Imran Khan, RDB, Hard Kaur and Ash King. Tickets are from only AED 95.
