Indian expats comprise the biggest part of the UAE/Dubai expat population so naturally, traditional Indian celebrations are also celebrated in communities here in Dubai. In my office, sweets were coming left and right yesterday from work colleagues celebrating Diwali.
Most of the people in my work place are Muslims but it’s nice to see them greeting our Hindu work colleagues, shaking their hands and wishing them Happy Diwali.
*****
Diwali — the Hindu festival of lights, is the most popular of all the festivals in India, Diwali or Dipavali is a significant festival in Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, and Jainism. Adherents of these religions celebrate Diwali as the Festival of Lights. They light diyas—cotton string wicks inserted in small clay pots filled with oil—to signify victory of good over the evil within an individual. The festival of Diwali extends over five days. Because of the lights, fireworks, and sweets involved, it’s a great favorite with children.
To my Indian friends and blog readers celebrating Diwali: May the light of joy and prosperity shine on you this Diwali and always!
Finding Backroads 
Do they celebrate Christmas? I wonder because many years ago you could not even put up a Christmas tree in Dubai. Hubby was flying back then, (1970-1980’s) and found that rather sad.
LikeLike
Lots of Christmas trees here! and lights! Dubai has changed..or maybe your hubs was in Abu Dhabi that time? I’ve written about Christmas trees in Dubai before:
http://www.sandierpastures.com/dubai/living-in-dubai-christmas.html
http://www.sandierpastures.com/dubai/dubai-public-scene/christmas-trees-around-town.html
http://www.sandierpastures.com/dubai/beautiful-dubai/wandering-around-dubai-like-a-real-tourist-day-1.html
LikeLike
Diwali can be a lot of fun. Especially all the food. It’s just the firecrackers that keep going off until all hours that take getting used to.
Best Portable Mini Fridge
.-= Seb from Portable Mini Fridge´s last blog ..Thermoelectric Fridge =-.
LikeLike
happy Diwali to all. the festival of colors.
LikeLike
Happy Diwali {a little late}!
That warms my heart to hear that people are so accepting of different cultures 🙂
I think I want to learn more about the Diwali festival!
.-= Kayla´s last blog ..Music Monday11-8 =-.
LikeLike
I was wondering if this was a real holiday. I watch a tv show called Outsourced about a call center in India and they were celebrating it. So glad you blogged about it!
.-= Becca´s last blog ..Aloha Friday – New Dog =-.
LikeLike
Happy Diwali, looks like a great festival. We need something like that here in Sweden, right now: snow and -10C outside. 🙂
LikeLike