DUBAI – Expo 2020 Dubai has added to its jam-packed Diwali calendar, with more events set to highlight the very best of India’s customs and culture, running until Saturday 6 November.
At Al Wasl Plaza, visitors will be able to experience ‘Diwali – the Festival of Lights’ at the world’s largest 360-degree projection dome. Accompanied by 70 performers, dancers and drummers, the light and sound show can be seen on Thursday at 2200 and 2300, Friday at 2000, 2200 and 2300, and Saturday at 2000 and 2200.
‘Diwali For All’ is the name of a special concert series that takes place from Wednesday, featuring both emerging and established artists. Shows are scheduled for Wednesday at 2200 at Dubai Millennium Amphitheatre, switching to the Jubilee Stage for Thursday at 1600. Then it’s back to Dubai Millennium Amphitheatre for a midnight start on Friday, and the Jubilee Stage once again to finish at 1900 on Saturday.
Late Nights @ Expo, taking place at the Jubilee Stage on Thursday and Friday from 2130, will also carry a Diwali theme, with highlights set to include Badshah Presents the Live Experience, featuring Aastha Gill and Rico; Peter Cat Recording Co; When Chai Met Toast; and Shilpa Ananth.
And other acts will be performing at Dubai Millennium Amphitheatre in the name of Diwali. On Tuesday, the award-winning Dubai-based band Rooh will play from 2030 onwards, singing in English, Arabic and Hindi, with Dance, Drums and Diwali! on Wednesday night from 1930, with musicians from across India. Acclaimed sibling duo Salim and Sulaiman Merchant take to the stage on Thursday from 2100, and the Dubai-based Hindi rock band Dhruv will wrap up the showcase on Friday from 2030.
Look for other Diwali celebrations across the Expo site. The India Pavilion will offer dance, music and food throughout, from Tuesday until Saturday. It even has an interactive musical LED rangoli – an art form originating in the Indian subcontinent, created on the floor for special occasions – activated when visitors step on sensors, radiating light and patterns to represent happiness, positivity and prosperity.
And if you want to try Diwali food, Kutir by Rohit Ghai in the Opportunity Zone has some unique dishes to offer. Expo mascots Rashid and Latifa will also receive a Diwali makeover for their appearances during the festival.