Diwali is an Indian Festival of Lights, which generally falls in the month of October or November every year. Diwali, which lasts for 4-5 days, is celebrated with great pomp and fervor by Indians all over the world and Dubai is no different. It is not surprising because the major population of Dubai is made of Indians. While there are Diwali celebrations and parties all around the city, the best celebration happens in Dubai’s desert. With lights, fireworks, Indian delicacies, and more, the Dubai desert safari promises a magical Diwali night. What makes the Diwali celebration in Dubai desert camp truly special is that it blends with the Arabic culture to give you a night to remember.
The Desert Camp Setting for Diwali
The desert camp is designed to represent the Bedouin life and culture of the past. But during Diwali, the desert camp is decorated with all the important elements that represent the festival. From lights to rangoli, the entire desert camp is doused in Diwali spirit.
Diyas and Lanterns
The Festival of Light cannot be complete without lights, and here we mean the traditional earthen lamps called diyas. These diyas are not just for beauty but also represent the notion of “light winning over darkness.” You will find hundreds of diyas all around the desert camp, illuminating the entire place. Apart from diyas, you will
see colorful lanterns hanging around the place. Colorful string or fairy lights are also used to decorate the desert camp for Diwali evening.
Rangoli
Rangoli is one of the most important parts of Diwali celebrations, as they are a symbol of prosperity. As you enter the desert camp, you will see Rangoli designs welcoming you. These Rangoli designs have beautiful, elaborate patterns and are made of sand, colorful powder, and flowers. The different colors of the Rangoli contrasting with the golden sand add to its allure.
Fireworks
No Diwali can be complete without fireworks, and no one does fireworks better than Dubai. Once the sun sets behind the desert dunes, you get to watch amazing, colorful fireworks lighting up the dark sky. The best part is that you get to watch these mesmerizing fireworks away from the bright city lights, making it look even more enticing.
Dubai Desert Activities During Diwali Celebrations
Even during the Diwali celebration in the Dubai desert, you will get to enjoy the typical desert safari activities. This ensures that you have a good time while having a cultural experience. The desert activities include all the desert adventures, starting with dune bashing. Before you dig into the Diwali spread at the camp, you can enjoy an exhilarating rollercoaster ride with a dune bashing ride in a 4×4 vehicle. You will also get to ride on a camel around the desert camp. Sandboarding and quad biking are also available at the desert safari in Dubai.
Cultural Fusion: Indian Traditions with Arabic Hospitality
Apart from the lights and decorations, Diwali in the Dubai desert includes several other cultural events and attractions.
Featured
Featured
Featured
Laksmi Puja
Diwali is a day when Hindus pray to Goddess Lakshmi, who is considered the goddess of wealth. At the Dubai desert camp, you will be a part of the rituals where you get to pray to the Goddess and wish for your good health, wealth, and prosperity. It is quite surreal to offer your prayers to the Goddess under the blanket of the starlit sky.
Entertainment Programs
Most Dubai desert safari itineraries include entertainment programs like belly dancing and Tanoura dancing. At the Diwali special desert safari, you can enjoy both the Arabic specials along with traditional dances from India like Dandiya and Garba. Apart from the traditional performances, you can also enjoy some Bollywood music and dance moves during the cultural Diwali night in the Dubai desert camp.
Henna Painting
Henna or Mehendi is an integral part of both Arabic and Indian culture, and you will get to enjoy both during the desert safari. A henna artist would be waiting for you at one of the tents to draw a pretty design on your palms at the desert camp.
Shisha Lounges
Shisha smoking is a part of the Bedouin culture, and you can enjoy it at the Dubai desert camp. There is a dedicated Shisha Lounge where you can pick your favorite flavor and try this experience. During Diwali, you will get to relish this activity while relaxing in a Diwali-themed lounge or tent.
Diwali Feast
Combination of Indian and Arabic Delicacies One of the highlights of a desert safari is a 3-course dinner that begins with BBQ starters at the live cooking stations. Along with this, you will also get to taste Middle Eastern delicacies like grilled kebabs, hummus, pilaf, tabbouleh, etc. Arabic sweets like baklava are also present in the menu. Along with this, you will also get to enjoy a spread of popular Indian dishes like pakora, samosa, chaat, biriyani, butter chicken, paneer tikka, etc., during Diwali in the desert. Indian sweets are a crucial part of Diwali, and you will get to feast on laddus, jalebi, pedha, kaju katli, etc., at the desert safari Diwali celebration.
Conclusion
If you want to enjoy a unique Diwali, the Dubai Desert Diwali would be the best. With the decorations, festivities, and food, you will get to enjoy the true essence of Dubai right in the middle of the desert.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is it necessary to book in advance for Diwali desert safari?
Yes. You must book the Diwali desert safari in advance, as these celebrations are quite popular and get booked early.
Q. Is vegetarian option available during Diwali celebrations in desert safari?
Yes. Most Diwali desert safaris cater to Indians, and hence you will find plenty of vegetarian options in the menu.
Q. When is Diwali celebrated in Dubai?
Diwali falls either in October or November. You will get to celebrate this festival when visiting Dubai in October or November.
Q. Can tourists be a part of Diwali celebration in Dubai desert?
Yes. The Diwali celebrations in the Dubai desert are not just for the residents of Dubai. In fact, tourists of all nationalities are encouraged to be a part of this event.
Q. When do the celebrations begin in Desert Safari?
The Diwali desert safari begins during the usual evening desert safari time, i.e., late in the afternoon. The lights, fireworks, and other celebrations happen after sunset.
Q. Is desert safari Diwali celebrations for kids?
Yes, you can enjoy desert safari with kids in Dubai, including the Diwali celebrations.
Q. Is there a dress code for Diwali desert safari in Dubai?
Although there is no dress code for Diwali celebrations. It would be a good idea to wear
Indian traditional outfits. But it is also important to be practical and wear clothes that are
comfortable. Do not forget to dress up in layers and wear sturdy footwear.