Stage set for 3-day festival of food
From Kanika Kapoor to Ankit Tiwari, du Arena will light up for the Diwali festival, with daily fireworks and feasts
The UAE capital is dressing up for the Diwali festivities with the Yas Mega Mela, which kicks off today. The three-day festival, which will be held at the du Arena, Yas Island, will see a host of celebrity chefs, Bollywood talent and daily fireworks that will light up the Abu Dhabi sky.
With food tastings, cooking demonstrations and health and beauty masterclasses in abundance, we break down this celebration with all the mustsee moments.
Bollywood lights the way
Kanika Kapoor, the voice behind some of Bollywood’s biggest hits, including Chittiyaan Kalaiyaan, Babydoll and Jugni Ji, will entertain audiences tonight.
The 41-year-old singer is sure to belt out her biggest hits at the event.
Tomorrow, award-winning singer and composer Ankit Tiwari will have the audience on their feet for his musical hits, including Sunn Raha Hai and Galliyan.
On Saturday, Fahmil Khan, the UAE-based engineer-turned-vocalist and guitarist, will play pop, Sufi, retro and contemporary Bollywood songs.
Throughout the three-day festival there will be authentic bhangra performances from Pure Bhangra, plus international DJ Shadab playing Bollywood remixes on the decks. The headline acts are expected to take to the stage at 9.30pm, after the fireworks. Khan will perform at 7.30pm on the day.
Nightly Fireworks
Each evening, the Abu Dhabi night sky will light up with fireworks display over Yas Island at 9pm.
Chefs’ Theatre
Visitors will get the opportunity to attend live cooking demonstrations where local and international celebrity chefs will create dishes and share their secrets and techniques. The Chefs’ Theatre operates on a first come, first served basis.
Meet the chefs
This year’s celebrity chef lineup includes the talented Vicky Ratnani, who served aboard the Queen Elizabeth 2, which was followed by an appointment as the personal chef to South African anti-apartheid revolutionary and former president, the late Nelson Mandela, on his journey from Durban to Cape Town to promote his charitable ventures.
Chef Ratnani’s travels have led him to develop a web series, Vicky the Gastronaut, which streams on his Facebook page.
Chef Sandeep Sreedharan is one of the most sought-after chefs in Mumbai. He runs a design studio and a gourmet company under the brand name Esca Brahma. He also hosts a food blog under the same name where he showcases some of his unique creations and shares tips and techniques.
Meanwhile, chef Sanjay Thakur is a Guinness World Record holder for creating and serving dinner to guests at the highest pop-up restaurant in the world, located at Everest Advanced High Camp.
Taste India Experience
From jalebis, kulfis to Mumbai’s street food, the Yas Mega Mela’s Taste India Experience is expected to feature authentic culinary experiences all through the three-day event.
Shopping Bazaar
Featuring market stalls by local and international artisans, the bazaar will provide a variety of Indian and international fashion, accessories, jewellery, homeware, spices and more.
Masterclasses
There will be a series of makeup masterclasses and skin consultations sessions at the event.
Visitors can also get free henna painting at the Health and Beauty pavilion from 5.30 to 7.30pm daily. There will be free nail polish changes, free 10-minute back and neck massages, free hair styling and free face painting for kids by Tips & Toes.
Cricket Academy — Coaching & Challenges
Young cricket enthusiasts will be able to participate in cricket coaching sessions and masterclasses, learn new batting and bowling skills from experts and play friendly matches.