How is Diwali celebrated in Saudi Arabia?Image credit source: Getty Images
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal will pay a visit to Saudi Arabia on October 29-30. During this, he will strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries and also inaugurate the Diwali festival at Riyadh’s Lulu Hyper Market. You will also interact with people of Indian origin. With this excuse, tell us how Diwali is celebrated in Saudi Arabia?
The houses light up like in India
Like India, the Hindu population living in Saudi Arabia also lights up their houses on Diwali and celebrates the festival with other residents of Saudi Arabia. Usually on Diwali, people give gifts to family and friends. A large number of people light oil lamps or candles to mark the victory of light over darkness.
People of Indian origin also make Rangoli.
The Nation quoted Aksha Patel, an Indian national living in Saudi Arabia, as saying that we decorate our houses on Diwali. Make Rangoli in the morning. Prepare sweets and snacks and go meet your friends. At night my husband and I wear matching clothes. I am wearing silk saree and gold jewelry. We bring all this from India especially for Diwali.
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Host a Diwali party with friends
He said that 40 to 50 people together celebrate a Diwali party. Let’s eat together. Play games. Also perform Dandiya traditionally. All this continues until two in the morning. She says every festival is celebrated in a unique way in India. Not only this, he said that following the footsteps of friends and family living in India, we will also not burn firecrackers so that the environment remains safe.
Diwali season becomes visible in restaurants
Diwali is also celebrated with great enthusiasm in Indian restaurants in Saudi Arabia. On this occasion special dishes are prepared. Quoting chef Abdul Riaz of a local baker in Jeddah, The Nation said we make a lot of sweets on Diwali. People order homes in large quantities. In addition, a great party is organized in our dining room.
Saudi Arabian prince granted exemption
Alfiya Mansoor, an Indian citizen who has lived in Saudi Arabia for nine years, told The Nation that she is surprised that Saudi Arabia’s laws give her free rein to celebrate festivals according to her religion. In fact, under his vision for 2030, Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has given free rein to the country’s people to celebrate religious and other festivals with pomp and show.
People from other countries also celebrate Indian festivals.
People from other countries living in Saudi Arabia also celebrate Indian festivals with great pomp. Nada Mustafa, a South African, told The Nation that we like to celebrate Indian festivals. Be it Holi, the festival of colors or Diwali, the festival of lamps, we dress up in Indian clothes and dance to Indian music.
