Where to celebrate Diwali in Dubai

Just in case you are not familiar with Diwali, this is an opportunity to learn more about this beautiful festival, also known as the festival of lights!

Celebrating Diwali in Dubai

Diwali in Dubai is a 5-day long festival, with the main Diwali falling on the 3rd day on New Moon. Diwali is preceded by two festivals - Dhanteras and Choti Diwali and succeeded by two - Goverdhan Pooja and Bhai Dooj.

Day 1: Dhanteras

The first day of Diwali in Dubai begins with buying a utensil of brass/silver/gold. It is considered a very sacred day to shop the markets of Dubai for decorations, lights, sweets and materials of daily use.

Markets of Dubai are filled with people; sweet shops flourish with hustling customers. People also buy gifts for family and friends, ranging from sweets to gold/silver jewellery. Various places to go for Diwali Shopping are : 

• The Dubai Mall

• Wafi Mall

• Deira City Centre

• Mall of the Emirates

• Bur Dubai Souk

Day 2: Choti Diwali

A day preceding the main festival, this day is used to make all the arrangements for the next day. This includes making sweets at home, visiting close family and friends and sharing gifts. Households and buildings are lit up with lights, diyas and candles.

Day 3: Diwali

As the main day arrives, Everyone dresses up in their best traditional Indian attire, worship Laxmi-Ganesh, Hindu Gods of wealth and protection. It is an evening spent with family and friends, playing indoor games like cards and dancing and singing. Using fireworks is not permitted to the households in Dubai; however, one can see the sky lit up with fireworks by the Emirates. 

Day 4: Goverdhan Pooja

The day after Diwali in Dubai, Hindus prepare a large vegetarian meal and offer it to Lord Krishna. Langars are held across the city where Hindus will be serving home-cooked vegetarian meals. Special menus are made in several Indian restaurants. 

Day 5: Bhai Dooj

Bhai Dooj is the day of siblings and cousins. A sister offers sweets to his brother, and in return, the brother gifts his sister with presents and vows to protect her. 

Here is how you can plan enjoying the festival! during Diwali in Dubai

Bollywood Park! - Dubai Parks and Resorts

Entertain your friends and family with a host for various shows and festivals that happens for one whole week. Numerous Bollywood celebrities perform at shows here, along with multiple concerts by famous singers. The theatre airs some of the favourite Bollywood movies, and there is a street food festival serving authentic Indian cuisine. Home away from home!

Diwali in Dubai is one of the most popular festivals that is enjoyed not just by the Indian community in the city, but all residents and tourists as well. 

Wishing you and loved ones a Happy and Prosperous Diwali!