How children celebrate Diwali in UAE

(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) It's that time of the year when most of Karama and Bur Dubai will be shining with lights - Yes, Diwali is here. And the youngsters seem to be the most excited.

Indian children in the UAE spoke to Khaleej Times about what Diwali means to them and some of their best memories of celebrating the occasion.

Arya Ajay Vyas, a 10-year-old student in grade 6, said Diwali is her favourite festival of the year.

"Diwali signifies the triumph of good over evil, truth over falsehood and of light over darkness. The lights, colours and happiness all around bring positivity and a smile on my face and I let go of all the negativity," Vyas said.

"My favourite memory is our annual family dinner at our house where the entire family would get together and celebrate bursting crackers until late evening. My favourite memory would be when my father used to buy fireworks."

Residents from other backgrounds are also planning on joining in on the fun of Diwali.

Kristi Reeni Joies, 10, said: "Even though I do not celebrate Diwali, I enjoy watching my friends playing with Bang snaps. On the first day of Diwali, my neighbours purchase ornaments. Families and friends join together to make beautiful rangolis and by playing with fireworks and crackers. Diwali is also all about sweets. The sweets such as jalebi, kulfi, mysore paak, kaju katli and rasgullas are all so mouth watering."

Some schools around the UAE are also taking part in Diwali festivities. Youngsters at the GEMS Modern Academy have been making Diwali lamps and sweets with play dough.

"Festivals are meant to be spent with family and friends and every year, we have a calendared holiday for Diwali," the principal of the school, Nargis Khambatta, said.

"A parent has volunteered to do the special rangoli along with our teachers and deck the halls with flower garlands. Next week, there will be a fun filled Diwali Dhamaka evening with dance and music and traditional food."

And for those residents who do not know what Diwali is all about, a school in Dubai is holding a workshop for its parents to learn what the occasion stands for.

"The Parents and Friends Association (PFA) will be running a Diwali workshop at the end of the school day for students and parents to attend if they wish. The workshop is a practical event with students able to take part in activities that help them understand the festival. The importance of sharing cultural celebrations in an international school is greatly encouraged by the International Baccalaureate philosophy," the principal at the Jumeira Baccalaureate School, Richard Drew, said.

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