UAE residents reveal: how the city is gearing up for Diwali

From food to fashion, Anjali Khushalani, Tarun Ud, Stephanie Lohale and Karan Dhebar share their favourite memories of the festival of lights

Few festivals are celebrated with as much pomp, colour and extravagance by the Indian community in the region as Diwali. It is a time when diyas are lit, gifts are bought, people are dressed to the nines, and everyone makes that effort to spend time with near and dear ones. Some will go all out, dressing up in elegant, traditional outfits. Some might want to keep it cool and casual, or even flaunt a more international look. There's no right or wrong way - just hear what these residents have to say!
'Visit family & friends - make Diwali special for them' - Anjali Khushalani, designer


(Anjali is wearing an anarkali and lehenga from her own brand, Anjali K Couture. Location: Bombay Brasserie, Taj Dubai)
What's your favourite Diwali memory?
Celebrating Diwali as a child in India with my grandparents.

Why do you love celebrating Diwali in Dubai?
Dubai is a beautiful blend of more than two hundred nationalities, which makes celebrating it here all the more special. It feels like the whole world is a part of this auspicious Indian festival.

How are you planning to spend this Diwali?
The most special thing about Diwali is being with friends and family, enjoying savoury treats and sweets, and trying out new outfits. I'd like to continue the tradition this year!

One trend women should consider this festival?  
I would recommend women move away from heavy traditional looks and try silhouettes which are more modern but also have an ethnic touch to them. Personally, as an Indian fashion designer, there's nothing I love more than an exquisite anarkali lehenga.

The best Diwali gift you've ever gotten?
A diamond ring that was given to me by my husband on my first Diwali after marriage!
 
A dish you absolutely must eat every Diwali?
Sweets, sweets and more sweets. I can't pick just one!

If you could celebrate Diwali with one celebrity family, which one would it be and why?
The Bachchans because three generations will come together to celebrate.
 
Any offbeat tradition you or your family have for the festival?
The family actually enjoys keeping things simple. Diwali is filled with prayers with family and friends - and, of course, a little party here and there has never hurt anyone!

Advice for others on how to spend this festival?
With the fast-paced life that we live here, we sometimes get confused between work and personal commitments. I would strongly recommend that we take time out to visit our family and friends - especially those you haven't seen in a while - and make this Diwali truly special for them
'I love cooking suji ka halwa on this day' - Tarun Ud, Radio Presenter - City 1016


Tarun is wearing a kurta designed by none other than his mother. Location: Byzantium Lounge, Taj Dubai
Your favourite thing about Diwali?
The festival brings to mind so many Diwali memories: getting excited about firecrackers and new clothes (and not caring about the rituals the elders were performing) when I was a child back home, the gathering of friends and family, the chaos in the tiny lanes, the flying rockets and the sparkling skies. All of it comes back to me today with the same thrill. However, now I also love performing the rituals - I guess that just happens with time.

One reason you love celebrating Diwali?
I hate darkness, and Diwali is the festival of lights. Enough said!

How are you going to be spending this Diwali?
When you are in this part of the world, the time spent with family becomes more meaningful. This Diwali is going to be special as my mum and dad are coming to town. We're going the whole nine yards with decorations, sweets, clothes, puja - you name it.

Any offbeat tradition you or your family observe for the festival?
We are offbeat people with simple traditions. We call and wish each other and visit our closest friends, and we do it with all our heart.
 
One dish you must eat every Diwali?
I love cooking suji ka halwa on this day as the smell of it takes me back in time. This year, my mum will  be making the halwa!

How would you describe your Diwali style?
It's the festival of lights - a day when you dress up, and pray for good health and good wealth. I make sure that it's done in style.

If you could celebrate Diwali with one celebrity family, which one would it be and why?
It would have to be Salman Khan's family. I have met him a couple of times and he has a heart of gold and his family is massive - just like mine. I love the bond between the brothers; I share the same with my younger one.
 
The best Diwali gift you've ever gotten?
A call from my dad last Tuesday telling me he will be spending this Diwali with me!

Advice for others on how to spend this festival?
Don't just drop WhatsApp messages - make a call and get in touch with old friends, visit their homes and take blessings from your elders. They have more power than you can imagine.
'Wear red and fuse it with an Indian touch' - Stephanie Lohale Miss India Worldwide 15-16 and founder of e-commerce store SLTB


(Stephanie is wearing a jumpsuit from her brand Wardrobe-SLTB. Hair and makeup: Reshu Malhotra.Location: Byzantium Lounge, Taj Dubai)
Any offbeat tradition you or your family have for the festival?
I consider being both Christian and Indian grounds to revel in every festival in India! My family and I always have diyas lit outside our home and the mithai (sweets) dropped off by family and friends are immensely enjoyed post dinner; this has been a tradition amongst us for as long as I can remember.
Last year, I had the thrill of celebrating
Diwali in India with a grand dinner, puja, and fire crackers with friends right after! It was wonderful and exhilarating.

How are you spending this Diwali?
Hopefully it will be even better than last year! Some time with friends, some time with my  youngest brother and eating tons of mithai.

How would you describe your Diwali style?
Classic with a lot of red. I am not someone who steps out in bold colours often, but
Diwali always seems like the perfect occasion to spice things up; wear loads of red and fuse it with an Indian touch. This gorgeous necklace I'm wearing adds that effortless ethnic look and I love it.
 
Any fashion advice for other women out there?
Wear your liveliest, happiest outfit this Diwali! 'You are what you wear' is something I like to always say, so be sure to pick something that is perfectly styled for your body type. It's important to be yourself.
 
One dish you absolutely must eat every Diwali?
Kaju pista rolls - I can't wait to relish them!

Advice for others on how to spend their time this festival?
I believe that every festival should be celebrated with the sole purpose of getting together in happiness with family and friends. It's time to make perfect memories with your loved ones.

If you could celebrate the festival of lights with any one famous family, which one would it be?
Definitely the Bachchans! After always looking up to Aishwariya Rai, I couldn't possibly imagine how fabulous it would be spending the festival with the power family, surrounded by the love they share for one another.

What Diwali tradition do you look forward to the most?
Definitely getting the chance to be a part of the puja.
'Diwali is more about emotions and family for me' - Karan Dhebar, Project Manager, Brag Events


(Karan is wearing Fabindia, Pull & Bear and Ted Baker. Location: Bombay Brasserie, Taj Dubai)
You favourite thing about Diwali?
The atmosphere all around - bright colours, people being lively and catching up with family and friends. What's not to love?

One reason you love celebrating the festival?
 I would surely say because of the sweets! I also love meeting long lost cousins and friends. No matter how caught up you are with your work and life, you're sure to enjoy the good vibes.

How are you spending this Diwali?  
Being in events means that there's always the chance I will be working. However, that won't stop me from trying to catch up with a few of my mates in Dubai - and even make sure some of my non-Indian mates enjoy the festival too.

Any offbeat tradition you or your family observe for the festival?
My entire family from my mum's side used to meet up, come
Diwali. And when I say entire family, I mean 40-50 individuals along with kids - and we'd play cards all night!

One dish you absolutely must eat every Diwali?
It would be more than one! Barfi and kaju katli - I got to have them.

How would you describe your personal Diwali style?
Jeans, a kurta and informal shoes would describe my style. Diwali for me is more about emotions and family, so I keep the rest really simple and casual.
 
The best Diwali gift you've ever gotten?
To be honest, I never got any gift except for money. Instead, Diwali is a time when my family and I would go donate clothes and feed abandoned animals. It's about the gift of giving.

Advice for others on how to spend their time this festival?  
Just enjoy the little moments. Stay positive and bright, eat lots of sweets and just spread the love.