UAE Indian schools light up campuses with Diwali celebrations

Indian schools across the UAE are gearing up for Diwali with a vibrant mix of traditional celebrations, creative activities and cultural performances, bringing students and staff together ahead of the festive break. The Festival of Lights falls on November 8, this year, and preparations are already underway across school campuses.

From crafting handmade earthen lamps and creating colourful rangoli to dressing in traditional festive attire, students are getting an opportunity to experience the customs and significance of one of India's most widely celebrated festivals. Beyond the festivities, schools are also using the occasion to promote environmental responsibility, inclusivity and respect for different cultural traditions within their diverse communities.

With the Diwali holidays adjoining the weekend at some institutions, families are also looking forward to an extended break to celebrate together.

Handmade diyas take centre stage

At Shining Star International School in Abu Dhabi, students have been creating earthen lamps during their art classes, with the handmade diyas set to feature prominently in the school's celebrations.

Principal Abhilasha Singh said the school had planned activities for both students and staff, including a special engagement programme for employees ahead of the festive break.

“We have planned a special, theme-based engagement celebration for our staff on the evening of November 6, just before the Diwali break,” she said. Students will exchange the diyas they have made themselves, with some also being presented to the school management. The school also uses these handmade creations as corporate gifts.

“We also use these school-made diyas as corporate gifts,” Singh said. The celebrations will include colourful attire, lantern-making and interactive sessions explaining the festival's cultural and traditional significance. “We will also have sessions highlighting the significance of Diwali, helping children understand the festival and its traditions,” she added. At Credence High School, celebrations are scheduled for Thursday, November 5, with students and staff encouraged to come dressed in vibrant festive colours.

CEO-Principal Deepika Thapar Singh said the festivities reflected the school's multicultural character, where celebrations from different communities are embraced with equal enthusiasm. “At our campus, we celebrate festivals from different cultures and traditions with great fervour and enthusiasm, reflecting the vibrant multicultural spirit of our school community,” she said.

Rangoli and eco-friendly festivities

Traditional rangoli, cultural performances and creative classroom activities will add to the festive atmosphere, with schools also encouraging students and staff to make environmentally conscious choices.

At Credence High School, the focus extends beyond decorations to reducing waste and promoting sustainable celebrations. The school is also making arrangements to accommodate employees observing religious fasts. “We extend special care, understanding and support to staff observing religious fasts, reflecting our commitment to inclusivity and mutual respect,” Deepika Thapar Singh said.

The school will remain closed for Diwali from November 6 November 9, allowing families an extended opportunity to celebrate the festival. At Gems Our Own Indian School in Dubai, the adjoining holiday is similarly expected to give families more time to reconnect and enjoy the festivities.

Principal and chief executive Lalitha Suresh described Diwali as a celebration that goes beyond rituals, bringing families and communities together through its message of hope, joy and togetherness. “Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is a cherished celebration that brings families and communities together in a spirit of joy, hope, and togetherness,” she said.

With the holiday adjoining the weekend, families will enjoy a four-day break this year. “This year, with the holiday adjoining the weekend, our families can enjoy a welcome four-day break — a wonderful opportunity to pause, reconnect, and create lasting memories with loved ones,” Suresh said.

For schools, the celebrations are about more than festive decorations and cultural performances. They offer children an opportunity to understand traditions, appreciate cultural differences and share in the spirit of a festival that celebrates light, hope and togetherness.