{
  "id": 18627919,
  "title": "Indian expats illuminate Abu Dhabi with Diwali traditions and festive cheer",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/07/indian-expats-illuminate-abu-dhabi-with-diwali-traditions-and-festive",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-07T03:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Gulf News",
    "slug": "gulf-news",
    "url": "https://gulfnews.com/uae/abu-dhabi/indian-expats-illuminate-abu-dhabi-with-diwali-traditions-and-festive-cheer-1.500739012"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Abu Dhabi is adorned with festive lights for the Diwali celebrations, which are set to commence on Sunday, November 8. The festival kicks off a week early, starting from November 6th to 10th at the BAPS Hindu Mandir in the city. This year, malls across Abu Dhabi have transformed festive shopping into an engaging family experience. Indian schools have also been bustling with activity, as children prepare for the festival by crafting paper lanterns and decorations for their classrooms. The celebration has also permeated workplaces, with Indian employees sharing their customs with colleagues from different nationalities. Colleagues have come together to mark the occasion, exchanging sweets and enjoying Diwali together.\n\nFor many Indian residents in Abu Dhabi, the festival is observed within the comfort of their homes. Riti Bahel, a senior manager who has lived in the capital for seven years, begins her Diwali celebrations by adorning her apartment with marigolds, rangoli, fairy lights, and diyas. She finds solace in recreating the festive atmosphere that she grew up with in India. Similarly, Vanitha Vinod lights up her home with a thorough cleaning, marigold garlands, oil baths, and rangoli at her entrance. The kitchen fills with the aroma of chakli and besan ke laddu, which she associates strongly with the festival. Both women celebrate Diwali in their own way, finding the festival's essence in their respective traditions.",
  "summary": "Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi is lighting up for Diwali. The festival falls on Sunday, November 8, and celebrations across the UAE begin the week before. At the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi, families are invited to celebrate Diwali and other celebrations from November 6th to 10th, with no entry fee. Malls have embraced the season with colourful decorations and activities for visitors of all ages. At WTC…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Indian Express",
        "title": "Two Indian soldiers tied to the cannon mouths, blown apart: Diwali execution of 1857",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/07/two-indian-soldiers-tied-to-the-cannon-mouths-blown-apart-diwali",
        "published": "2026-11-07T02:30:21.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Hindustan Times - World News",
        "title": "Trump celebrates Diwali at White House, Indian entrepreneur gifts him copy of Hanuman Chalisa",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/07/trump-celebrates-diwali-at-white-house-indian-entrepreneur-gifts-him",
        "published": "2026-11-07T03:14:43.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}