Dubai homes glow in festive splendour as Indian families gear up for Diwali

As the evening settles over Dubai, the lanes of Karama and Bur Dubai burst into life, glowing in festive light and spirit of Diwali, which will be celebrated on Monday.

- Nandini Sircar

String lights snake along balconies, LED lamps flicker gently on window sills, and candles shimmer on driveways. Sweets shops spill over with trays of colourful sweets and savouries, especially in the old parts of Dubai. For Indian families across the UAE, Diwali is more than a festival it's a bridge to home, a way of staying rooted even while living miles away.

Geetanjali Kumar, a UAE resident for the past 18 years, highlighted that for her family, Diwali is as much about giving as it is about celebrating. "When people are away from their tradition, this is the time when I can teach our children," she said.

"We cook traditional food, invite friends who are like family, and make grocery gift packs for those who need it."

Each year, Geetanjali and her family prepare small hampers of rice, lentils and essentials for community helpers — security guards, drivers and cleaners — and hand them out with their children's help.