Diwali: Meet the expat family celebrating festival for 76th year in Dubai
Across Dubai’s neighborhoods, lights and festive spirits fill the hearts of families as Diwali comes around the corner. Among them is the Shaholia family that has lived in the UAE for more than 70 years now and is preparing for their 76th Diwali in the country.
Divyesh Kumar Sharolias, a third-generation family member, spoke about his grandfather, Laxmichand Mohanlal Shaholia, moving to Dubai in 1948 and opening one of the first jewelry stores in the region next to the gold souk. Because of this legacy, the families have been further intertwined with the UAE and commemorate Diwali in a unique mix of old and modern ways.
Divyesh explained how this family tries to do their part on the environment by reusing decorations and changing to LED lights, although he claims many families do have new decorations every year. "We begin from decorating the biggest living room since we expect guests in during the entire season, then we bring out lights outside, especially on balconies," he elaborated the steps in the decorating process.
"Even if we can’t place strip lights outside our windows, we still have them hanging inside so they shine through the windows," he noted
Maintaining traditions
During Diwali, family functions can be described to be large gatherings with immediate family, cousins, and even family friends to celebrate and share food, presents, and love with 30 to 35 families. “But now, the patterns have changed, not all festivals are over the holidays and last Sunday we had large family get-togethers and I hosted. But every Diwali puja, almost all people bop up to attend even if they finish work off late, this tradition has not changed over telephone,” Divyesh continued.
Children in the family are considered to be especially deserving of the ‘Diwali Bonus’ which is in the form of money that the children get in envelopes, similar to Eidiya that is given to children during Eid that is appreciated by the kids in the family.
Now, sweet dishes and gifts are presented, before all the family members go to their respective houses. “In the evening of Diwali we finish all business first, bring all the boring books back home and conduct a family puja for the revenues to be high,” said the Business Bay Resident.
“Also for our Bur Dubai stores, older customers come to visit, our clients who look for 22K gold, which is possible I think because Diwali is seen as the best time to buy gold," he shared.
Following custom, family members, led by the older members, perform a short morning puja at their Bur Dubai store. The ritual begins with sweets offered to the deity and marks the beginning of the family’s Diwali celebrations.
Vibrant decorations illuminate homes
In places like Al Mankhool, Bur Dubai, Karama, Al Nahda and Al Barsha all these neighborhoods in Dubai, they are also lighting up decorations as residents mark the season with fairy lights and colorful lanterns placed on their balconies or at homes.
Resident of Oud Metha Mr. Deblina Saha adorning her balcony more than days before the festival and opines that both herself and her children love the festival of Diwali. “If only few families are there, then it is ok to go to the Noor festival of lights at Al Seef, but in most situations this’s not possible as kids do not want to go crowds,” she stated. As noted by Deblina, she has made plans to sit down with her neighbors and enjoy snacks, sweets, and gift exchanges.
Lakshmi Anand informed that her parents from India will celebrate Diwali with her. "A few days ago we began putting up decorations. It was concentrated on the puja room and the balcony. Friends have started coming over, and it is a lovely crazy time,” she stated.
Aside from worshiping the goddess of abundance during Diwali, she is also paying respect to the deity of health.
"I will be going to the Jebel Ali temple tomorrow," she continued.
Those who are planning to celebrate Diwali at the Jebel Ali temple must register in advance. There is parking at Al Shahama F1 and buses take people to the temple. Do not bring bags, metal things or valuables, and allow two hours for the visit.
Temple timings are as follows:
Diwali Celebration: Thursday, October 31, 9am to 9pm
Darshan for Annakut: Saturday, November 2 and Sunday, November 3, 9am to 9pm
The intensification of the festive season has brought to bear the Diwali spirit unique to families and communities across the various neighborhoods of Dubai in a celebration that is characterized by passion for community and practices that are sustainable.
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