Fireworks light the sky above Ain Dubai (the Dubai Eye), the world’s largest and tallest observation wheel, to celebrate Diwali, in Dubai, on Thursday. AFP

Syed Shayaan Bakht, Staff Reporter

Massive Diwali celebrations adorned Dubai after a year of lockdown and virus protocols on Thursday. The festival of lights, a major festival celebrated by Hindus, lit up several areas and buildings.

The newly opened Ain Dubai (Dubai Eye) lit up with epic views of Bluewaters. As the night fell, fireworks illuminated the sky above Ain Dubai to celebrate Diwali. Dubai resident Shubham Bhandari shared photos on Twitter of buildings lit up with Diwali lights.

Shubham wrote, “It feels amazing to see the whole Mankhool area in Bur Dubai full of lights. “I will be celebrating the 6th Diwali with friends away from family but Kudos to all the people around for sharing and spreading festive vibes on Diwali…”

A Gulf Today staffer toured the Bur Dubai area and reported that the whole locality was illuminated with decorative lights for Diwali celebrations. He said that residents were rushing to famous delicacy shops to buy sweets for Diwali.

Fireworks light the sky above Ain Dubai to celebrate Diwali. AFP

At the Expo 2020 Dubai, Reem Bint Ibrahim Al Hashemy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, and Director General of EXPO 2020, Ambassador of India to the UAE Pavan Kapoor and Consul General Dr. Aman Puri inaugurated the Diwali celebrations at Expo site Thursday morning saw Indian dancers welcome and entertain the visitors at the Expo site.

A host of musical events took place at Al Wasl Plaza with award winning duo composer Salim Merchant and Sulaiman Merchant. Salim and Sulaiman ahead of the show said, We are at the India Pavilion, and it is really really something to see. It captured the culture and heritage of India, and took it beyond.”

The duo wished Happy Diwali to the India community. The artists presented dynamic and uplifting performances, which featured an extraordinary canvas of light, featuring dancers and cultural groups drawn from the rich and diverse Indian community of the UAE. The Indian Consulate building in Dubai was all lit up for Diwali celebrations.

The Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi also marked the festival with decorative lights and sweets.

The embassy wrote on Twitter, “Counting down to Diwali celebrations at the Embassy! #FromUsToYou #HappyDiwali Wishing all a safe and prosperous Diwali...”

A performer awaits her time to dance at the India Pavilion during Diwali at Expo 2020. AP

As part of the Kaleidoscope festival, otherworldly glowing creature installations, the Luminéoles, were flown into Expo 2020 Dubai. Grant Reid, Vice President, Events and Entertainment, Expo 2020 Dubai, said: "Through Kaleidoscope, we are thrilled to be bringing Luminéoles to Expo 2020 Dubai, as we celebrate Diwali with rich and diverse festivities that connect with, and inspire, every visitor.”

Kaleidoscope is harnessing the beauty of photography, light and visual arts to powerfully connect with Expo 2020 Dubai’s impactful initiatives and global entertainment, including Diwali and Christmas, to tell powerful stories in immersive ways.

Fireworks light the sky above Ain Dubai (the Dubai Eye), to celebrate Diwali. AFP

On the other hand, millions of people across Asia celebrated the Diwali, which symbolizes new beginnings and the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness.

The festival is celebrated mainly in India, but Hindus across the world, particularly in other parts of Asia, also gather with family members and friends to socialize, visit temples and decorate houses with small oil lamps made from clay.