Dinesh Khiara
OWNER, KHIARA STORES
Dinesh Khiara’s father Naraindas Khiara arrived in Dubai in 1952. ‘The festive feel starts with home decorations, adornments with fresh flowers and lights at the entrance and in balconies,’ says Dinesh, who is going to be celebrating the 37th consecutive Diwali in the UAE this year.
Every year, Dinesh says the entrance to his home is decked up with rangoli designs (decorating the floor with powder colours or flowers) and the lighting of diya (earthen lamps). These rituals are done to welcome luck and prosperity, he adds.
‘Our neighbours, including a Lebanese family that lived in the opposite villa, realise Diwali is approaching when they see the lights being put up and eagerly await to receive homemade sweets from us.’
Shopping for new clothes is a favourite activity for the family and it is done weeks before Diwali. ‘These days, our family buys readymade outfits. But earlier, we used to go to a tailor with our dad to get the clothes stitched and wore new outifts for Diwali and Roopchaudas (a day before Diwali).’
In the late 60s, his father used to invite relatives and staff home for the religious rituals and dinner.
He and his brothers continue the ritual of celebrating Diwali with staff. ‘We don’t invite staff (now over 50 people) home for pooja. But we ensure we have Diwali lunch together at India Club, take them on a dhow cruise and desert safari as part of Diwali celebrations, and give them a gift as well. We have also directed our children, the next generation, to continue this regardless of the staff numbers.’
Dinesh says the entire family gathers for the pooja. ‘Friends and relatives visit us, and this goes on for almost three weeks after Diwali.’
‘We also call on our friends and family and also attend some open houses. ‘There is an annual Bhatia community Diwali gathering and entertainment event that all look forward to where we meet our extended families. It’s something we missed last year due to the pandemic.’
‘On the New Year day, the day after Diwali, we visit the Krishna temple in Dubai where a ritual called annakut is conducted that includes offering a variety of foods to the deity. ‘It is a sacred annual tradition that is revered by our community.’