Nisha Kisani
HOMEMAKER. SUPPORTS HER FAMILY BUSINESS OF A CHAIN OF LADIES SALONS
Nisha Kisani’s father has lived in Dubai for over 60 years and says she has celebrated all Diwali festivals here for almost 45 years. ‘In my growing years in the 1980s, Diwali was when my mum would prepare festive meals and sweets; lights and diyas where placed around the house, and we would dress up in new clothes.’
Visiting relatives was customary and all those who came home were served homemade delicacies. Elders would gift the children with a token gift of cash that was cherished. ‘Our Diwali lasted for several weeks as most of my extended family are long term Dubai residents.’
Over the years, she finds the Diwali celebrations have changed. ‘Many households have replaced the homemade sweets and snacks with the treats readily available at local stores. But the rituals and traditional decorations remain the same, as ladies in the family make rangoli designs with colourful powder outside our front doors and decorate it with fresh flowers, and lamps and Lakshmi Puja is done with close family members.’
‘E invites and WhatsApp are used to invite people at home that start weeks before Diwali. A large group of families and friends get together. Everyone is decked up in their finest traditional attire and jewellery, and outdoor catering is done with live stations serving international cuisine to the guests. Over several days and weeks, we meet with relatives and friends.’ If earlier gifts used to be in cash, now it is replaced by massive Diwali gift hampers containing nuts and sweets. ‘We have hosted about 60-80 relatives and friends at our house in pre-Covid times.’