It’s true that we miss everything dear to us more deeply when we’re far away from it. For Hindus, their festivals and celebrations take on greater significance and vibrancy once they leave the shores of the motherland. Whether it’s about reconnecting with tradition or building a sense of community, expatriates in the Gulf have infused new life into their cultural festivities.
In my over 25 years of living in the Gulf, particularly in the UAE, Indian communities have celebrated Hindu festivals and national events like Independence Day and Republic Day with remarkable enthusiasm. What’s even more interesting is the authentic yet inclusive way these occasions are commemorated, creating a blend of tradition and modernity in a foreign land.
Take Bathukamma, for instance. A celebration that once centred around viilages and small bastis in Telangana has transformed into a grand public and even commercial event back home. However, in the UAE, the essence of this festival remains intact.
Floral arrangements, so integral to Bathukamma, are prepared with great care, while events are graced by Tollywood celebrities and key personalities from India, adding a touch of grandeur to the festivities. The Indian community in Dubai and the other emirates has kept the spirit of the festival alive, perhaps even elevating it to new heights.
Similarly, Dandiya and Garba, the vibrant song and dance events traditionally held as part of Dussehra celebrations, have found a welcoming space in the Gulf. What’s remarkable is the openness of these events. They are not restricted to Hindu devotees alone but are open to anyone who wishes to join the merriment, including non-Hindus and people from across the world following different faiths. These celebrations become a melting pot of cultures, where people come together to enjoy the rhythmic beats and lively dances, irrespective of faith or background.
The list of festivals celebrated with equal gusto is long — Vinayaka Chaturthi, Onam, Vishu, Makar Sankranti, Diwali, Ugadi, Krishnashtami, Holi and a myriad pujas and discourses by spiritual gurus, to name just a few. Special arrangements are made for each festival, with hotels offering traditional meals, ensuring that expatriates don’t miss the taste of home. During Onam, for instance, a grand feast, the Onam Sadhya, is served in hotels, complete with banana leaves and all the traditional dishes, reminding Malayalees of their roots.
Diwali, the festival of lights, is another occasion where the festivities abroad shine just as brightly. In the UAE, apartment complexes and businesses are lit up with colorful lights, and fireworks light the night skies. People gather in front of buildings or head to special areas set up closer to the desert, where fireworks displays are arranged for the public. What’s heartening is that this isn’t a celebration restricted to Hindus — people from all communities join in, making it a truly inclusive affair.
What stands out in these foreign celebrations is the level of inclusivity. Unlike in India, where some communities might be hesitant to participate in each other’s festivals, overseas, the barriers seem to dissolve. People of all faiths, including native Arabs, often join in the celebrations. Whether it’s dancing during Dandiya or coming together for Holi, they do so with joy and enthusiasm.
It’s heartwarming to see Arab men and women join in Bathukamma or Dandiya, and children and adults from different religions participate in Holi. Even when food is offered as naivedyam to the gods, it’s enjoyed by all, blurring the lines of religious distinctions.
This spirit of inclusivity and joy makes festivals abroad feel unique. For expatriates, these celebrations are more than just a nod to tradition; they are a way of creating home away from home. The camaraderie fostered through these events often brings people closer together than they might have been back in India, where societal divides can be more pronounced.
Interestingly, a growing trend is now visible back in India. The younger generation, despite the influence of modern outlooks and global exposure, is showing a renewed interest in their cultural roots. From observing rituals to participating in traditional festivals, young people are increasingly keen on being part of the celebrations.
This resurgence can be seen across communities, where festivals are now attracting more participants than before. Despite earlier concerns that modernity might cut them off from their traditions, the younger generation is proving to be enthusiastic torchbearers, ensuring that these age-old practices continue to thrive and evolve with time.