Indian expats mark traditional New Year in UAE

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Arun Kumar Krishna and his family celebrate Vishu at their residence in Dubai on Saturday. The traditional festivities include 'kani' or the first auspicious sight of the day early morning and a sumptuous feast in the afternoon.

Dubai/Abu Dhabi/ Sharjah - The festival marks the commencement of the harvest season and is an occasion to thank farmers.

By Dhanusha Gokulan and Ashwani Kumar

Published: Sat 14 Apr 2018, 10:00 PM

Last updated: Sun 15 Apr 2018, 2:31 PM

As the UAE marked Al Isra Wal Miraj on Saturday, the national holiday offered a chance for Indian communities to mark their own festivals.
On Saturday and Sunday, Indian expats from Punjab, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Odisha either celebrate New Year (NY) or harvest festivals.
Leading the celebrations in Abu Dhabi, Indian Ambassador to the UAE Navdeep Singh Suri marked the harvest festival of Baisakhi or Pahela Baishakh.
The celebrations held at Suri's residence brought out the vibrant colours, traditional music and dances and rich culture of the north Indian state of Punjab. Emirati officials, community leaders and envoys of several countries joined Suri.
"The festival marks the commencement of the harvest season and is an occasion to thank farmers and nature for an abundant harvest." He noted that there were many important festivals held across India.
Kerala's Malayalam New Year of Vishu, Tamil Nadu's Puthandu, Bengali New Year of Pahela Baishakh, Odisha's Pana Sankranti and Assamese New Year of Rongali Bihu are also celebrated on April 14 and 15.
"I invite everyone to visit India during these festivals and imbibe some of its rich cultural traditions," the ambassador added.
Malayalee families in the UAE welcomed Vishu on Saturday, or the Hindu New Year, a day ahead of the actual festival on Sunday. Families witnessed 'kani' or the first auspicious sight at 4am, and after morning prayers had traditional Kerala 'sadya', three-course Kerala lunch served on a banana leaf. Groups of families got together and took advantage of the public holiday on the occasion of Isra Wal Miraaj.

Parents join children in UAE

A Dubai-resident and healthcare professional Arun Kumar Krishna, and his teacher wife Dhanya Arun began their celebrations early Saturday morning.
Arun's aged parents Manohara Krishnan and Satheeratnam Manoharan flew down to Dubai from their home in Malappuram, Kerala, to celebrate with the son and children.
Arun's children Aarya Arun (14) and his son Aarush Arun (3) celebrated the festival with their grandparents and other families.
Satheeratnam said: "We try and celebrate the festivals together as often as we can. I think Malayalee families here celebrate Vishu in much more pomp than they do in Kerala. With the exception of fireworks, everyone takes it festivities very seriously, which is great for the future generations."
Arun explained: "Kani usually showcases item such fruits, vegetables, gold, money, silk, rice and pulses. It varies from family to family. We see kani in the hope that the rest of our year goes auspiciously as well. A mirror is also placed and we see ourselves among the riches."
Lincy Monse, another Malayalee and her daughter Amulya Antony were celebrating her first Vishu.
"I've had sadya before, but this is the first time I'm seeing kani. It's really beautiful."
Communities will continue celebrations on Sunday and retailers are offering sales on traditional products, such as vegetables commonly found in Kerala and silk clothing.
Meanwhile, T.A. Ayyapan from Ras Al Khaimah marked the Tamil New Year with his gang of friends.
"It is a national holiday. We all got together and prepared vegetarian food and had a lovely time. We will also join our Malayali friends on Sunday for Vishu," Ayyapan, who works at a private firm, said.