Diwali - Festival of Lights

Just like Hirji New Year for Muslims and New Years Eve for Christians, Hindus celebrates Diwali or the Festival of Lights (Hindu New Year) between the months of October and November. It is a 3-5 day holiday and is official holiday in countries like India, Nepal, Myanmar, Mauritius, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, Suriname, Malaysia, Singapore and Fiji.

Diwali involves lighting of small clay lamps (diyas) full with oil to signify the triumph over evil. Houses are cleaned and windows and doors are opened to welcome Lakshmi-the Hindu goddess of wealth. During the festival, people wear new clothes and share sweets and snacks among family members and friends.

Diwali commemorates the return of Lord Rama along with Sita and Lakshman from his fourteen-year-long exile and vanquishing the demon-king Ravana. In joyous celebration of the return of their king, the people of Ayodhya, the Capital of Rama, illuminated the kingdom with earthen diyas (oil lamps) and burst crackers

Diwali in Dubai is celebrated among Hindu expats like my neighbour. They have lighted their front door with colorful lights and decorations, draw beautiful designs like above and one that looks like a peacocks tail below.

We chanced to meet them at the corridor and we greet them a "Happy Diwali", the woman and her daughter was wearing beautiful saree, only I missed to ask them for a photo snap. They kept the door open for sometime and we chanced to take a peak at a well decorated colorful living room. This is my neighbours door with festive lights.


HAPPY DIWALI!

My Yellow Bells

Carla is a lifestyle blogger based in Dubai who's thankful to call this ever-evolving city her second home. The pages of this blog are filled with stories about her expat life in the sandpit. It features dining and travel adventures in and around the city and beyond. It also features food recipes, parenting tips, and fashion style.

2 Comments

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Cheers
Carla

  1. hi carla! thanks for swinging into my blog.
    penang, with diverse cultures and religions also celebrated diwali or deepavali last friday. but unfortunately, unlike you, i spent my long weekend break inside my favorite mall.

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  2. We were in Atlantis for dinner last weekend. There's an Indian resto there that was especially colorful last Friday because of the Diwali. But we dined in a different resto. :)

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