WATCH: Indians, Mawaheb artists wish Dubai Happy Diwali

Dubai - The special needs kids from art studio Mawaheb greets Dubai in video clip sent to Khaleej Times

The biggest Indian Hindu festival has arrived in Dubai, with an air of festivity that is keeping the markets and malls buzzing with visitors, showing the strong presence of the Indian community in the city. Rooted in Hindu mythology, the Festival of Lights (as it is commonly called) commemorates the victory of good over evil. The festival is celebrated over a period of five days with the Hindu New Year also falling on the penultimate days. Many see these days as extremely auspicious to sign new contracts, deals and even for buying gold.
For businesswoman Kiran Nihalani, this Diwali has brought in good news. She is signing a new contract and is expecting it to do well as it is starting on the auspicious occasion of Diwali. " I feel it will work well. Although we don't celebrate the festival on a very grand scale since my husband passed away, me and my kids tried to do some charity work on this day. Like we planned to distribute some food packs among workers as we feel they are away from their homes and it feels good to see their faces light up with a smile as we wish them Happy Diwali and give gifts."
Rajesh Shah, along with his wife Leena and son Yug, are however celebrating this Diwali in a unique way. "We are Jains, an Indian community that believes in non-violence and love towards all living beings. Our son decided to go eco-friendly this Diwali and has decided not to use firecrackers in order to protect insects and other living creatures. Diwali means giving and spreading happiness. So instead of burning money in crackers, we prefer to enjoy the grand Diwali party in the UAE arranged by our community.
Apart from decorating our house with diyas, my wife will make our special homemade snacks like Mathiya ,Choraphadi etc. and delicious sweet like Ghughra," Rajesh said.
Housewife and working professional Divya Yashraj, says: "Diwali to me is lights, sweets, fun time with family. I remember in my childhood Diwali was lights, lamps, crackers all around and wearing a new dress waiting for the whole year for this festive season filled with lights. I remember we used to have a field around the house so I used to make my own lamp out of clay from the fields and it would light up the whole house, it used to be fun to dirty your hands to get a perfect diya/lamp and dry it for a day or two. That gave me so much happiness. Far away from home, I consider Dubai my second home as we are able to follow all our traditions here.
Dubai resident Kalpana Kanjani, said: "I wait for Diwali all year round as it gives me yet another chance to celebrate a big time with family and friends, spring cleaning of the house, lighting up my house with fancy lights and diyas, making Rangoli, shopping for new clothes and the list goes on. It keeps us in touch with our culture and unites the family. We worship Goddess Laxmi, the deity of prosperity and wealth, to bless our home with love, abundance and take away all the negativity. The shenanigans here don't make you feel your away from India. I have been in Dubai all my life and love how we celebrate Diwali here. It is the start of a new prosperous year for us. Wishing everyone a Happy Diwali!

Students with special needs from Al Noor Training Centre wished everyone Diwali by way of their arts and craft. The centre's Smiles and Stuff Store is offering their handmade sweet boxes on the special occasion of Diwali. Also artists from art studio Mawaheb sent their special wishes to the people of Dubai by way of a small video clip they sent to Khaleej Times, where all of them from different nationalities are seen saying Happy Diwali in their own beautiful way.

Working professional Megha Lakhiani loves the subtle way Diwali is celebrated here in Dubai. "The streets look lovely as I see decorative lights adorn so many houses here and it at once lights up my mood. Even if it is 2am or later, you just don't feel as if it is any later than 9pm as so many people can be seen dressed up in traditional wear coming back with family or friends."

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