Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is right upon us, with lights and lanterns shimmering across Dubai’s autumnal skyline to mark the festivities and hopes for new beginnings. This year the Diwali in Dubai calendar is packed with an array of captivating events, to make sure you are able to enjoy the festival of lights over a city-wide celebration until 28 October.

Diwali – which takes its name from the rows of oil lamps, electric lights, or paper lanterns that decorate the homes, offices, and public spaces of those who celebrate the holiday – usually falls in the early autumn. The festival of happiness, prosperity, and light is spread over five days and this year Diwali in Dubai celebrations began on 22 October.

5 Days of Diwali in Dubai

Day 1: Dhanteras – 22 October

On the first day of Diwali, Dhanteras, it is considered auspicious to buy gold, silver objects or kitchen utensils. Shoppers could be in with the chance to win gold – or shopping vouchers to pick up some goods – with multiple Diwali raffles and competitions across Dubai.

Day 2: Chhoti Diwali – 23 October

The second day of Diwali in Dubai is called Chhoti Diwali or Small Diwali. On this day, all family members should wake up early and bathe using oils to relieve the body of tiredness and light up their house.

In Dubai, catch the longest-running water and lights show IMAGINE at Dubai Festival City Mall along with a breathtaking fireworks spectacle. The show starts at 8:30PM. See an authentic Festival of Lights experience at the Waterfront Market at Deira Corniche, watch cultural performances at Festival Plaza Jebel Ali, or visit the iconic Global Village.

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Day 3: Diwali – 24 October

The third day of Diwali is the main day of the festival. Worshippers cleanse themselves and join their families. Households are abuzz with hectic activity as they prepare to seek blessings of wealth and prosperity. Brightly illuminated houses, parks, and public places make up the landscape on Diwali night, while colorful fireworks dot the sky.

The city is packed with family-friendly Diwali celebrations including the illuminating Diwali-inspired projection at Al Wasl Plaza and various children’s workshops at Expo City, a dazzling performance by the world’s largest dancing fountain, The Palm Fountain at the Pointe, as well as traditional dance shows, themed entertainment, and plenty of fun for the little ones at Diwali in JLT. For an entertaining gastronomical experience, visit the immersive Bombay Dreams show at Namaste India, Bollywood Parks.

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Day 4: Govardhan Puja – 25 October

On the fourth day of this five-day festival, gifts and sweets are exchanged among family and friends while many celebrate this as annakut, a word that includes anna meaning grain. Large quantities of food are prepared at home.

The fourth day of Diwali also indicates the start of a new financial year with businesses opening a new book of accounts. Any new business ventures typically start on this day.