Dubai: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, extended heartfelt greetings to people around the world celebrating Diwali, the festival symbolizing light, happiness, and prosperity. He shared his message wishing those celebrating Diwali in the UAE and various parts of the world a life filled with peace, hope, joy, and abundance.
On Saturday, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum conveyed his Diwali greetings through the social media platform X. In his message, he emphasized the festival of lights as a symbol of the goodness, unity, and hope that radiates into human life. “Heartfelt greetings to all celebrating Diwali in the UAE and worldwide. May this festival of lights bring peace, hope, and goodness into everyone’s life. May the coming days be filled with safety, happiness, and prosperity,” he stated.
Diwali holds special significance in the UAE, a country where people from different nations live and work together. With a large South Asian expatriate community, including many Indians, the festival has evolved beyond a religious celebration to represent cultural diversity and mutual respect. In the emirates, including Dubai, homes and businesses are decorated for Diwali, and family gatherings along with cultural events are held. The distribution of sweets and decorative lamps add to the festive spirit. Such celebrations play a significant role in fostering friendship and coexistence among people of various faiths and cultures.
The Diwali wishes from the UAE ruler are regarded as a message of respect for the country’s cultural diversity and religious harmony. His greetings align with the UAE’s social approach that promotes tolerance and mutual respect.
Meanwhile, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended his greetings to those celebrating Diwali. In a message shared via X, the Prime Minister wished all a joyous Diwali and expressed his hope that the festival of lights would generate new hope and opportunities in people’s lives. In his video message, he highlighted that Diwali is not merely a celebration but a symbol of victory of light over darkness and good over evil.
Modi said that as various parts of the country shine with the glow of Diwali lamps, it reflects the people’s strong resolve to overcome crises and challenges. He confirmed that the tradition of celebrating Diwali with soldiers serving at the borders and military centers for national security will continue this year as well. This Diwali celebration with the armed forces has been a tradition for years, symbolizing respect and gratitude towards soldiers who serve away from their families.
Diwali is one of the most important festivals for the Hindu community in India and globally. The five-day Diwali celebrations commence on November 6 with Dhanteras. November 7 marks Chhoti Diwali, followed by the main Diwali celebrations and Lakshmi Puja on November 8. November 9 observes Govardhan Puja, and November 10 features Bhai Dooj, which celebrates the significance of sibling relationships.
Decorations of homes and places of worship with lamps, exchange of gifts and sweets among family and friends, worship of Goddess Lakshmi—the deity of wealth—and prayers for prosperity and family well-being constitute key aspects of the festivities. Diwali is widely celebrated not only in India but also by Indian expatriate communities in the UAE, Singapore, Malaysia, the UK, and the USA. Greetings from rulers and world leaders across countries underscore the festival’s global cultural significance.
Diwali’s message transcends boundaries of religion, language, and nationality, promoting love, friendship, and unity among humans. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s greetings, wishing peace, security, happiness, and prosperity to people worldwide, reinforce these universal humanitarian values.
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Original Malayalam report: Malayalam Daily News
