Diwali, ‘The Festival of Lights’, is one of the biggest festivals in India. However, for Indian expats living in the UAE, this is also the time they might be hit with a little homesickness. After all, one tends to miss their home a little too much when they’re hit by memories of buzzing markets, music, lights, gift shopping, and of course, desi food. But what if we told you that you can enjoy and celebrate the festival just like home, in the UAE? Bringing ‘India Wali Diwali,’ complete with lights, rangoli, exclusive gifts, and Indian street food galore to Dubai, Rannvijay Singha took Curly Tales Middle East for street shopping to Meena Bazar in Bur Dubai, and here’s how it went.
Bringing ‘India Wali Diwali’ To Dubai
Can you even call it Diwali vibes if there’s no exploring brilliantly lit-up markets, lip-smacking food, pretty rangoli, and twinkling fairy lights? This is exactly why Rannvijay Singha and our host from Curly Tales Middle East dropped by Meena Bazar in Bur Dubai. The duo made their first stop for fairy lights. With plenty of sparkling options, available in a variety of colours, shapes, and sizes, they were spoilt for choice. It was while shopping for these lights that he recollected a cherished Diwali memory.
The celebrity mentioned how he used to decorate his home with string lights, which would go up on Diwali and stay until New Year. And when the time finally came to take them off, the lights were often an entangled mess! He recounted that he’d have to sit down for a long time just to separate them and replace those fused bulbs.
Quick Chaat Break Before Some More Shopping
Since no Diwali shopping is complete without a quick chaat break, the duo followed the holy grail of this cherished tradition as well! Yes, the next stop involved a quick street food break at Veg World. Rannvijay tried their mouth-watering Panipuri and Samosa Chaat. While gorging on these yummies, he recalled how his parents had visited him in Dubai to celebrate Diwali the previous year, and it was amazing!
Since Diwali shopping and feasting is rather incomplete without something sweet, the next stop was for mithai (cause du-uh!). He ended up buying Moti Chur Laddoo, Jalebi, and Rasmalai. The video ended with a Diwali house party complete with the home decked with fairy lights, rangoli, and marigold flowers.
Next Stop, Tanishq!
After quickly refuelling on sweets and chaat, our anchor and Rannvijay stopped by the beautiful Tanishq store. And it was here that he ended up spending on gorgeous pieces. He said, “It’s Tanishq, so I will have to get stuff for my wife, daughter, and mom.” The gift was a must, as he recalled the family tradition of purchasing gold for Diwali.
Looking at the collection, he said, “They have a crazy collection! We will have to be very decisive.” As he browsed through the jewellery pieces, he was left awestruck by the diamond-ruby-studded and diamond-blue amethyst sets. The actor finally decided on the elegant rose gold set bejewelled with diamonds and emeralds. His reasoning? His wife, Prianka Vohra, loves the colour green.
Also Read: Tanishq Opens The UAE’s First Diamond Expertise Centre; Details Inside
A Grand Diwali Party, Dubai Style
After their shopping spree, the duo decorated the house for a party. Complete with rangoli and string lights they purchased from Meena Bazar. And of course, there was also some mithai for their friends that they had earlier carried back. And honestly, isn’t this the spirit of Diwali? Celebrating the values of good prevailing over evil with loved ones.
So, if you also wish to celebrate ‘India wali Diwali’ in Dubai like Rannvijay, complete with all the shopping and food, then make sure to drop by Meena Bazar. And if you wish to gift gold to your wife, mother, daughter, sister, or anyone who is close to your heart, then make sure to drop by Tanishq. Happy Diwali, folks!
Where: Showroom No. 3, Plot 312/177, Cosmos Lane, near Dubai Museum, Al Souq Al Kabeer, Meena Bazar, Bur Dubai, Dubai
Cover Image Courtesy: Internal
FAQs
What is “India Wali Diwali” in Dubai?
It is a Diwali shopping and celebration experience in Dubai that recreates the festive feel of India, with fairy lights, rangoli, mithai, Indian street food and gifts.
Where can you shop for Diwali decorations in Dubai?
Meena Bazar in Bur Dubai is a popular spot for fairy lights, rangoli and other festive decor.
Which Indian sweets can you buy for Diwali in Dubai?
You can pick from Moti Chur Laddoo, Jalebi and Rasmalai, all of which make great Diwali gifts or party treats.
Where can you buy Diwali gold and jewellery in Dubai?
Tanishq is a go-to for Diwali jewellery in Dubai. Rannvijay chose a rose gold set with diamonds and emeralds there
