Diwali celebrations light up homes, streets, skies in UAE

Dubai - The night was capped with dazzling fireworks lighting up the sky.

With all the Diwali pomp and splendour illuminating every nook and cranny, Indian expatriates were able to create their 'mini India' in the UAE as they celebrated the festival of lights on Sunday.
Bur Dubai, in particular, was packed with residents greeting each other, exchanging gifts, and indulging in delicious delicacies. The night was capped with dazzling fireworks lighting up the sky.
For expats, all these wouldn't be possible without the UAE's culture of tolerance.
"Look around you, every house is lit up here. We want to thank the Rulers of the UAE, and we are very proud of the India-UAE relations that allowed us, regular residents, to celebrate Diwali with such gusto," said Manish Keswani, a Sharjah resident who came all the way to Bur Dubai to party with friends. 
Thousands of residents poured into the streets and made their way to the Bur Dubai Hindu temple for Diwali prayers.
Some roads were crammed, so many of them used public transport to avoid the traffic.
Soon after, families and friends got together, played games, and feasted on vegetarian food.
Janani Karthikeyan, a housewife in Bur Dubai, said: "This year, celebrations were truly grand. Every house was lit with twinkling lights. Dhanteras and Choti Diwali were also celebrated in a grand manner in our house." 
Come evening, streets were filled with revellers in their brand-new attire.
"Diwali is strictly a family affair, however, we also take this opportunity to make new friends," said Dubai-based businessman Amarjit Singh.
"As a community, we are growing, and more and more Indians are joining us. With festivities like these, the newcomers feel at home. On Diwali day, Dubai really does transform into a mini India."
dhanusha@khaleejtimes.com
 
 

• Dubai