For 25 years, this family has been celebrating in Dubai
Dubai-based businessman Rajendra Jhawar and his family have been celebrating Diwali in Dubai for the last 25 years — and they wouldn’t have it any other way.
Rajendra, the managing director of Vision Recycling and Reprocessing Industries, moved to the UAE in search of greener pastures 25 years ago. “With the exception of one year, we have celebrated every Diwali in Dubai for the last 25 years,” he said.
“I moved here because of the convenience and freedom the country provides to those doing business.”
Rajendra’s wife Mamta said: “We have two children — my daughter Radhika and my son Mukund. Radhika moved to India after her wedding, while Mukund is with his wife Gauri here. We have two grandchildren, Arjun and Aarav, and we all live together in Dubai Land.”
Dubai has been the family’s home for so long they couldn’t think of any better place to celebrate the festival in, they said.
Rajendra said: “The best thing about being in Dubai is that everything is clean and well kept, and Diwali is all about cleanliness and new beginnings. Except for celebrating with our extended families, we don’t miss anything about celebrating in India.
“Our friends have become like family. Also, the rulers have been very kind to us. We enjoy a lot of warmth while celebrating here in Dubai.” Asked about their family’s own Diwali tradition, Mamta said: “We kick off the celebrations by cleaning our home and business places. After which, the prayer begins, and we give gifts to our friends and families. We also make traditional sweets, and distribute them among friends and family.”