Diwali Shines Bright in UAE Schools

Diwali Celebration in UAE Indian Schools: Extended Weekend Joys, Community Bonds, and Cultural Unity

For the Indian community living in the United Arab Emirates, Diwali is one of the most significant and eagerly awaited celebrations of the year. Known as the 'Festival of Lights,' the event holds not only religious significance but also stands out from a community, cultural, and familial perspective. This year, the festive atmosphere is further enhanced by the decision of several Indian-curriculum schools to offer an extended weekend to students and their families. Announced as a four-day Diwali break, it provides opportunities for travel, temple visits, family gatherings, and, of course, traditional celebrations.

Extended Break in Festive Spirits

Several Indian-curriculum schools in Dubai and Abu Dhabi have joined the initiative to offer a longer break during the Diwali festival. Most institutions have announced a break from Friday to Monday or from Saturday to Tuesday, providing a four-day leisure period that includes the weekend. This not only deepens the festive mood but also strengthens family bonds.

Parents and students alike have welcomed the longer break. For many families, this is the only time of the year when they can spend an extended period together, centered around religious and cultural values. Official circulars from the schools not only marked the days off but also conveyed warm, festive greetings.

The Spiritual and Community Aspects of the Festival

Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is one of the brightest celebrations in Indian culture, declaring the victory of good over evil, the triumph of light over darkness. During the festival, families illuminate their homes with small oil lamps (diyas), prepare sweets, visit temples, and express gratitude for the past year.

Schools also strive to convey the festival's message within the framework of lessons. They involve students of various ages in diverse, value-based programs as part of the festive preparations. Younger children, for instance, can come to school in traditional attire, create greeting cards, while older students participate in decorations, performances, or community programs.

Celebrations Ahead of the Holiday Break

Most schools not only support the Diwali celebration with the holiday but also create a festive atmosphere in the days preceding the break. Classroom decorations, group singing, dance performances, or thematic morning assemblies enrich the everyday school life. For example, in one Dubai school, teachers and staff celebrated together in an internal event featuring lunch, shows, and informal discussions, further strengthening community spirit.

Other institutions hold a 'nationality day,' where students wear traditional clothing and share stories and customs from their cultural heritage. This isn’t just about celebration; it’s also about accepting and respecting cultural diversity.

Pre-Planned Festive Period

Several schools informed parents of the exact timing of the Diwali break at the beginning of the year. This enabled families to organize their travels, visits to relatives, or other programs well in advance. This foresight reflects the schools' adaptability to the needs of the local Indian community while maintaining a balanced academic period.

Celebration in Abu Dhabi as Well

Not only Dubai schools are taking steps to support community celebrations. In Abu Dhabi, several schools have joined the initiative. There, for example, a two-day break was announced alongside a special Diwali celebration for the teaching staff. Students experienced the festival's spirit through a special morning assembly and creative activities.

Community experiences included card making, decorations, and strengthening messages of unity and peace - all within safe, respectful, and sustainable frameworks. The festival is not only important to Indian students but also offers an opportunity for students of other nationalities to gain insight into the beauty of another culture.

Shared Values, Shared Future

Diwali celebrations in UAE Indian schools go beyond a simple break. It’s an opportunity to strengthen cultural identity, deepen family ties, and experience community spirit. The positive attitude of schools, the planned programs, community support, and respect for religious traditions all indicate that educational institutions are not just places of teaching but active shapers of cultural life.

Year after year, the diverse school communities of Dubai and Abu Dhabi prove that it is possible to build bridges between cultures, religions, and generations – and Diwali, the festival of lights, offers an excellent opportunity for this.

(Source: Based on Diwali celebrations.)