Diwali celebrations begin with Dhanteras on 6 November and the main day falls on 8 November. Global Village has a programme from 6 to 10 November, including a 600 drone show on the evening of the 8th. The Noor festival at Souk Al Seef is free on 7 and 8 November, and the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi opens for five days with free registration.
According to The National's guide, Global Village's Diwali programme runs from 6 to 10 November. On 8 November at 8pm a show featuring 600 drones will light up the sky above the Stunt Arena and the Syria Pavilion. There is a baithak, a South Asian musical gathering, on the Main Stage on 6 November from 8pm to 9pm, and games with prizes on 7 November. The India Pavilion hosts a mela with decorations, gifts, sweets, face painting, diya colouring and rangoli. All activities are included in admission, which starts at AED 25.
Noor: Festival of Lights at Souk Al Seef on Dubai Creek is free on 7 and 8 November from 6pm to 11pm, with an illuminated puppet procession, dhol drummers, Bollywood dance and live music. Ashu Ali and Saif Hayat of The Shams and Punjabi singer Jasbir Jassi perform on 7 November, followed by Jammers and Sooraj Santhosh on 8 November.
Dubai Parks and Resorts holds Diwali Dhamaka from 6 to 8 November, with live music and dance at Royal Plaza in Riverland; tickets cost AED 99 for one park and AED 149 for two. Bollywood star Tamannaah appears at City Centre Deira on 6 November at 7.30pm. Festive workshops at BurJuman and Aya Universe's 12 light installation zones at Wafi City continue until 12 November.
In Abu Dhabi, the BAPS Hindu Mandir holds five days of ceremonies, cultural performances and family activities from 6 to 10 November, including the Maha Annakut Darshan, a display of vegetarian food offerings marking the Hindu New Year. The temple will also open on Monday 9 November, when it is usually closed. Entry is free but registration online or through the Mandir Abu Dhabi app is required; there are no walk ins and visitors need an Emirates ID or passport. The Dhanteras Pujan ceremony on 6 November at 8.30pm will also be livestreamed.
Source: The National
