Tag: DIWALI

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India Pavilion Crosses 2 Lakh Footfalls

The India Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai has hosted over 2,00,000 visitors as of November 3 with various sector and state-specific sessions to discuss India’s growth roadmap, reports Asian Lite News

The India Pavilion, inaugurated by Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce and Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and Textiles, on October 1, has successfully completed its first month at the Expo 2020, Dubai.

According to an official release of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the India Pavilion has hosted over 2,00,000 visitors as of November 3 with various sector and state-specific sessions to discuss India’s growth roadmap.

“It also secured investment opportunities for the country and celebrated several cultural events to attract visitors,” the release said.

India Pavilion

Commenting on the success of India Pavilion, Dr Aman Puri, Consul General of India in Dubai and Deputy Commissioner General for India at Expo 2020 Dubai said, “The October month was a huge success for the India Pavilion. We saw a strong visitor turnout and expect this momentum to continue in the coming months”.

“While the India Pavilion will showcase more business opportunities for collaboration and investment, the popularity of India’s festivals, food, and cultural performances, have been crucial aspects in attracting visitors from across the globe”, he added.

The Pavilion started with the Climate and Biodiversity Week from October 3 to October 9.

Glittering Diwali at India Pavilion

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy conducted various sessions that highlighted India’s renewable energy goals and climate action plan to the world.

These weeks were followed by Space and Urban and Rural Development weeks, where discussions around the future of the sectors, the issues and challenges in the sectors, the role of the government regulations, and incentives were discussed.

Besides sector-specific weeks, the India Pavilion also hosted specific weeks for Gujarat, Karnataka, and UT of Ladakh. The state of Gujarat organized events at the India Pavilion where Bhupendra Patel, Chief Minister, Gujarat virtually showcased the state’s vibrant Pharma sector along with its plan for sustainable development.

Similarly, the Karnataka Week also witnessed the presence of Murugesh Nirani, Minister, Large and Medium Scale Industries, Government of Karnataka along with Dr CN Ashwath Narayan, Minister for Higher Education; IT and BT, Science and Technology; Skill Development, Entrepreneurship and Livelihood, Government of Karnataka.

“Additionally, a series of events showcasing opportunities in Ladakh across focus sectors like sustainable infrastructure, connectivity, food processing, and tourism were discussed during the Ladakh Week at India Pavilion,” the release said.

The Ministry informed that the Karnataka week saw an announcement on partnership between the government of Karnataka and Gulf Islamic Investments (GII) to strengthen the investment ties between India and UAE.

HE Reem Al Hashimi, MoS and MD for Expo 2020 Dubai, Pawan Kapoor, Ambassador to the UAE and CGI Dr. Aman Puri, during the lamp-lighting ceremony at Dubai Millenium Amphitheater for the Diwali celebration.

“GII’s investment approach in India is sector-agnostic and the firm plans to invest another USD 500m (Rs 3,500 crores) in India in the next 3 years and was one of the key achievements for the state of Karnataka,” the Ministry said.

The Climate and Biodiversity week saw virtual participation from dignitaries such as RK Singh, Minister of Power, New and Renewable Energy, Government of India, Bhagwanth Khuba, Minister of State, New and Renewable Energy, Chemicals and Fertilizers, Government of India and Indu Shekhar Chaturvedi, Secretary, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Government of India.

The Space sector sessions were addressed by Dr K Sivan, Chairman, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Secretary Department of Space and Dr Pawan Goenka, Chairman, Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe) and Umamaheshwaran R, Scientific Secretary, ISRO.

The Urban and Rural Development week that started from October 31was attended by senior officials of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India including, Kunal Kumar, Joint Secretary and Mission Director (Smart Cities Mission); Jaideep, OSD (Urban Transport) and Dinesh Kapila, Economic Advisor (Housing).

“The month of October at the India Pavilion also witnessed an array of cultural activities during Dusshera and Navratri celebrations. These included folk dances, storytelling and music for countless visitors and dignitaries. The ongoing Diwali celebrations at India Pavilion comprise of colourful installations, lighting in the form of Swarangoli or LED rangoli, virtual display of firecrackers and performances by leading artists such as Salim-Sulaiman, Dhruv and Rooh bands from India and Dubai,” the release said.

“The enthusiasm of visitors resulted in India Pavilion being one of the most visited Pavilions at Expo 2020 Dubai. The activities and events during October were witnessed by hundreds of visitors with zeal and enthusiasm,” it added. (ANI)

ALSO READ – Glittering Diwali at India Pavilion

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SOFT POWER: Diwali Goes Yoga Way

Without realising much, we now know that the world is changing pretty fast. The ‘great resignation’ saga as witnessed by MNCs is a case in point…reports Nirendra Dev.

The move by US lawmakers led by Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney from New York to get a new draft law that would declare Diwali as a federal holiday is a landmark event of our time.

After Yoga, we now have Diwali – the festival of Light and Sound — as a symbol of India’s Soft Power.

Statesmanship, mutual benefits, and strategic significance, not necessarily in that order, decide foreign policy ball games in the contemporary settings. Now, it is time to add ‘Soft Power’ as a major tool. The emphasis is bigger and more thrustful in the post pandemic era.

https://twitter.com/MeghBulletin/status/1455953775915454474

Without realising much, we now know that the world is changing pretty fast. The ‘great resignation’ saga as witnessed by MNCs is a case in point.

For beginners, a Microsoft study says nearly 40 per cent of professionals are keen to give up their existing jobs in the current calendar year. Welcome to a new world era wherein the civilisational and cultural prisms too could prove to be effective tools in the changed world order.

Perhaps this can be underlined better also in the context of developments in Afghanistan and some roles played by Pakistan. Religiosity can have a soothing impact for someone who uses these occasions to gaze in within oneself. These virtues are appreciated in advanced societies as materialistic achievements have made people lonely and friendless.

More than creating ‘segments’ like Hindu culture or fest, certain things are emerging now as a global phenomenon. The timing of Diwali festival in between autumn and winter is not something to be lost. The light and sound kill some bacteria in the air – that’s for the rational school; and in pursuing this argument, one knows the problems lay in overdoing things.

Bursting of firecrackers would have been pleasant and a tasteful experience had not this become a symbol of showmanship. If firecrackers are bad for the environment, so is gambling and the so-called gift-exchange culture of Delhi for human behaviour. Here too, the problem is in overdoing things; not ordering a blanket ban as a presumed corrective strategy.

The global recognition by the UN and ongoing craze for Yoga and a renewed zeal for festivals such as Deepawali have some messages. Of these, the big picture message is – the international game can be no longer about pushing a single-agenda item.

Soft power games also means persuasive diplomacy. It may be out of the box, but not something to be dismissed as out of the blue. Life is often like standing in the dusk, to use poetic jargon. It is all about optimism. Optimism leads to patience. The storm would pass off eventually, no matter how long it is.

https://twitter.com/clientjoysocial/status/1456283059376963588

This is a major takeaway from oriental teachings and India’s perspectives. That’s the essence of India’s civilisational “soft power” strength too. Diwali symbolises glory of virtues over vices like most festivals and rituals across the globe.

Switching on to another chapter now, there are observers who say that Indians thrive on self pity and that’s why we Indians often continue to curse ourselves. The polarization of India’s intellectual class is so deep that it is difficult to express an opinion and that would still be considered an objective one.

If one writes a few lines on Hindu festivals and oriental traditions and values, he is in danger of being called a communal! But the fact of life is that some Indian and, for that matter, Hindu fests have attracted attention and excitement globally. This has not happened because Indians can influence the outcome in an US election, this is also because people see merit in some of these festivals and practices.

The festival of light and sound which essentially marks the victory of Good over Evil and Knowledge over Ignorance is being celebrated with religious zeal in countries such as the UAE, Canada, the African nations and Malaysia. In many countries, Diwali has made a mark as a festival of share and care. People also do charity work at orphanages and old age homes.

It is worth mentioning that in 2016 in the context of Art of Living’s World Culture Festival in Delhi, none other than Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said, “We (Indians) can make contribution (of India’s soft power) only when we ourselves feel proud of our culture. But if we continue to curse ourselves, then how will the world look towards us. The world is not only united by concerns of economic growth, but also by human values and India can play a vital role in it.”

The motive of building a predefined narrative against Hindu fests and practices, if any, has thus fallen flat.

ALSO READ-Delhi’s air quality deteriorates to ‘severe’ on Diwali night

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Delhi’s air quality deteriorates to ‘severe’ on Diwali night

Aerial view of the city is engulfed in heavy smog in New Delhi, India, 05 November 2021, as Delhi's air quality hits the 'hazardous' category after Diwali festival. (Pallav Paliwal)

At 8 a.m., AQI at Delhi’s Ashok vihar was 464, Chandni chowk(371), Dwarka (472), Mandir Marg (466), IGI Airport(458), Lodhi road (459) and North campus (453) according to CPCB…reports Asian Lite News.

The air quality index (AQI) crossed the 600-mark at several places across the national capital with a few places in east Delhi, Ghaziabad and Noida crossing the 800-mark on Friday morning, hours after the people burst firecrackers on Diwali night making the Delhi-NCR air hazardous.

The already severe condition of the air quality on Thursday evening deteriorated further with pm2.5 concentration at 467 and pm10 concentration at 631 at 9 a.m., according to SAFAR data. There was moderate fog early in the morning, indicative of air quality may not improve much for the day.

The fog conditions intensified in Delhi-NCR on Friday with moderate fog at visibility 200 to 500m range reported at its two airports from 5.30 a.m. to 8.30 a.m.

Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) Palam lowest visibility was 350m while the city side had a poorer visibility at 200m, said the India Meteorological Department (IMD)

At 9 a.m., AQI was 920 and 904 in Noida’s sector 116 and in Sector 62 respectively; 617 in Ghaziabad’s vasundhara; 897 and 699 in Delhi’s Patparganj and Sriniwaspuri respectively, according to the data from World Quality Index project, a non-profit organisation.

However, the data given by CPCB did not reflect these station’s and showed much lesser AQI levels for other stations.

At 8 a.m., AQI at Delhi’s Ashok vihar was 464, Chandni chowk(371), Dwarka (472), Mandir Marg (466), IGI Airport(458), Lodhi road (459) and North campus (453) according to CPCB.

The Meteorological agencies had predicted an AQI of 500 plus for Thursday and Friday if Delhiites burst firecrackers on Diwali day. However, none of the stations touched the 500-mark

According to the India Meteorological Department, there will be partly cloudy sky in Delhi and maximum temperature is expected to be 29 degree Celsius and minimum temperature is expected to be 14 degree Celsius.

An AQI between zero and 50 is considered “good”, 51 and 100 “satisfactory”, 101 and 200 “moderate”, 201 and 300 “poor”, 301 and 400 “very poor”, then 401 and between 500 is considered “severe”.

ALSO READ-Air Commission lists suggestions to check air pollution in Delhi-NCR

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Glittering Diwali at India Pavilion

Glittering Diwali at India Pavilion

India Pavilion at the Expo 2020 Dubai marked Diwali, the festival of lights, lights with all the gaiety and festive fervour over five days…reports Asian Lite News

From Bollywood music composer duo Salim-Sulaiman’s musical night with popular playback singer Vipul Mehta to performances by famous bands, dance schools and students, an array of entertainment enthralled Expo visitors.

Glittering Diwali at India Pavilion

India Pavilion is welcoming the visitors with a grand entrance arch designed with floral patterns. On both sides of the arch the Pavilion has larger-than-life diyas (oil lamps traditionally made of clay) with a backdrop inspired by Mandala art. Diyas symbolically destroy darkness and ignorance and usher in hope and knowledge.

ALSO READ:DIWALI: Dubai Expo 2020 Gears Up To Host Diwali Fest

Along the walls of the pavilion, a large lotus tree with hanging Akash kandils (light lanterns) will illuminate the surroundings. The lotus tree with rangoli patterns will be a beautiful photo-opportunity for visitors.

  • Glittering Diwali at India Pavilion
  • Glittering Diwali at India Pavilion
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-Top News USA

US lawmaker pilots bill for Diwali holiday, rocks Twitter

Maloney and Krishnamoorthi also introduced a resolution in the Congress recognising the religious and historical significance of Diwali, reports Nikhila Natarajan

New York Congresswoman, Carolyn B. Maloney has piloted a bill that aims to secure a federal holiday on Diwali.

Maloney, 75, is chair of the House Committee on Oversight and Reform and former chair of the Joint Economic Committee, the first woman to hold both of these positions. Only 18 women have chaired Congressional committees.

She is most remembered among Indians for a seven-year long battle, before US postal service, in 2016, finally issued a stamp commemorating Diwali.

“I’m very, very happy and excited to be introducing the Deepavali Day Act this week alongside members of the Congressional Indian Caucus, which will enshrine Diwali into law as a federal holiday,” Maloney said at an event at the US Capitol on Wednesday.

She also tweeted 30-minutes of speeches by community leaders to this effect. This had 2,400 retweets at the time of publication.

The legislation is co-sponsored by a number of US lawmakers, including Indian-American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi.

Krishnamoorthi has also introduced a resolution in the US Congress recognising the religious and historical significance of Diwali.

Maloney said Diwali this year symbolises the nation’s continuing journey out of the darkness of Covid-19.

Pic credits @RepGregoryMeeks

For context on stature, Maloney has authored and passed more than 74 measures, either as stand-alone bills or as measures incorporated into larger legislation packages. Twelve of these were signed into law at formal Presidential signing ceremonies.

She is the first woman to represent New York’s 12th Congressional District. The district includes most of Manhattan’s East Side, Astoria and Long Island City in Queens, Greenpoint, Brooklyn as well as Roosevelt Island.

Maloney is a member of the Democratic Party.

She is the author of Rumors of Our Progress Have Been Greatly Exaggerated: Why Women’s Lives Aren’t Getting Any Easier — And How We Can Make Real Progress For Ourselves and Our Daughters, used as a textbook in women’s studies courses.

Other legislations include the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act, its reauthorization, and the ‘Never Forget the Heroes: James Zadroga, Ray Pfeifer, and Luis Alvarez Permanent Authorization of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund Act to make sure all those suffering health aliments associated with 9/11 get the medical care and compensation they need and deserve; the Debbie Smith Act, which increases funding for law enforcement to process DNA rape kits and has been called ‘the most important anti-rape legislation in history;’ and the Credit CARD Act, also known as the Credit Cardholders’ Bill of Rights, which according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), saved consumers more than $16 billion annually since it was signed into law in 2009.

ALSO READ: Biden proceeds with Covid-19 vax mandate

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DIWALI: Dubai Expo 2020 Gears Up To Host Diwali Fest

DIWALI: Dubai Expo 2020 Gears Up To Host Diwali Fest

Dubai’s prestigious Expo 2020 venue is celebrating Festival of Light Diwali with all its glitter and glory. Popular Indian composer duo Salim and Sulaiman are goimng to perform at Amphitheatre, Dubai Millennium at 9 pm UAE Time

Dubai’s prestigious Expo 2020 venue is celebrating Festival of Light Diwali with all its glitter and glory. Popular Indian composer duo Salim and Sulaiman are goimng to perform at Amphitheatre, Dubai Millennium at 9 pm UAE Time.

A special performance that incorporates martial arts and dances by artistes in colourful costumes inspired by the festival processions and the Diwali Mela will also be held from 9.05pm.

DIWALI: Dubai Expo 2020 Gears Up To Host Diwali Fest

Expo 2020 Dubai is also offering a colourful bouquet of more than a dozen events for visitors in the run up to and on Diwali. The Diwali celebrations will conclude at the Millennium Amphitheatre on the night of 5th November.

Al Wasl Plaza at Expo 2020 Dubai will mesmerise viewers with special Diwali-inspired projections inside its large 360-degree projection surface on 4th November.

Parallel performances by several bands and musical troupes at the Jubilee Stage and the Millennium Amphitheatre are designed to make the occasion memorable.

Meanwhile, the India Pavilion is welcoming the visitors with a grand entrance arch designed with floral patterns. On both sides of the arch the Pavilion has larger-than-life diyas (oil lamps traditionally made of clay) with a backdrop inspired by Mandala art. Diyas symbolically destroy darkness and ignorance and usher in hope and knowledge.

Along the walls of the pavilion, a large lotus tree with hanging Akash kandils (light lanterns) will illuminate the surroundings. The lotus tree with rangoli patterns will be a beautiful photo-opportunity for visitors.

The pavilion said it will also have a delightful hamper of larger-than-life firecrackers, including the familiar chakris, ladis and ‘rockets’. Visitors could pose in front of these giant crackers and click pictures.

The events organised by India Pavilion will also be held at the Dubai Millennium Amphitheatre (DMA) at the Expo 2020 Dubai until November 5.

  • DIWALI: Dubai Expo 2020 Gears Up To Host Diwali Fest
  • DIWALI: Dubai Expo 2020 Gears Up To Host Diwali Fest
  • DIWALI: Dubai Expo 2020 Gears Up To Host Diwali Fest
  • DIWALI: Dubai Expo 2020 Gears Up To Host Diwali Fest
  • DIWALI: Dubai Expo 2020 Gears Up To Host Diwali Fest
  • DIWALI: Dubai Expo 2020 Gears Up To Host Diwali Fest
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HAPPY DIWALI

I learned a lot about Diwali growing up and saw how much it means to people. From the kids bringing halwa and jalebi to the playground, to the decorations at Dr Gandhi’s GP practice in Bristol, it was always a point of light at a dark time of year … writes Mr Sajid Javid, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care

I want to wish everyone celebrating a very happy Diwali, especially all those in the NHS and social care who have worked tirelessly to support us throughout this pandemic.

I learned a lot about Diwali growing up and saw how much it means to people. From the kids bringing halwa and jalebi to the playground, to the decorations at Dr Gandhi’s GP practice in Bristol, it was always a point of light at a dark time of year.

Decoration at Diwali on Trafalgar Square celebrations

This year’s celebrations will feel different to last year. With no restrictions on who we can meet, it’s a great time to meet with family and friends. However, the pandemic isn’t over and I want us all to do everything we can to stay safe this Diwali. We must continue to follow advice and get the COVID-19 vaccine and booster jab.

We know vaccines work and are the number one weapon in our armoury as we continue to fight COVID-19. To anyone who is eligible for a vaccine but still hasn’t yet taken up the offer – it is never too late to come forward and book yours. It could save your life.

We also know the protection from a COVID-19 vaccine wanes over time, just as it does with other vaccines, and this is likely to be most evident in those who are older or in at risk groups. It is so important that, as we approach winter, you do not delay in coming forward to top up your immunity by getting your booster to protect you and your loves ones over the colder months.

More than eight million people across the UK now have the vital protection boosters provide, and it’s never been easier to get a booster jab with walk-in sites across the country now open for those eligible – if it’s been six months since your second dose, get your booster as soon as you can.

We know that this winter could be challenging with the easing of restrictions resulting in a rise in flu cases. The government has launched our largest ever flu vaccine campaign this year – and if you are eligible, I urge you to get your flu jab as soon as you can.

As we all reflect on the message of Diwali and gather to celebrate the triumph of light over darkness, I ask that you be cautious and enjoy a Diwali that is not only special but safe too.

HAPPY DIWALI

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Modi Celebrates Diwali With Army Troops in J&K

On the occasion of Diwali, Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the soldiers for serving on Indian borders and pointed out that security personnel were the “suraksha kawach” (armour) of the nation, reports Asian Lite News

Continuing his annual tradition, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday arrived in Nowshera, Jammu to celebrate Diwali with soldiers.
Last year, PM Modi while celebrating Diwali with soldiers at Longewala in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan had said that as long as the Indian soldiers are present, this country’s Diwali celebrations would continue in full swing and be luminescent.

The Prime Minister lauded the soldiers for serving on Indian borders and pointed out that security personnel were the “suraksha kawach” (armour) of the nation.

The Prime Minister further said that it is because of the soldiers that people can sleep peacefully.

“Our soldiers are the ‘suraksha kawach’ of ‘Maa Bharti’. It is because of you all that people of our country can sleep peacefully and there is happiness during festivals,” the Prime Minister said while addressing the soldiers at Nowshera in Jammu and Kashmir.

“I have spent each Diwali with soldiers guarding our borders. Today, I have brought along with me the blessings of crores of Indians for our soldiers here,” he said.

The Prime Minister continued his annual tradition of celebrating Diwali with soldiers. Notably, PM Modi has been visiting soldiers on Diwali, ever since he was the Chief Minister of Gujarat.

Lauded soldiers for carrying out surgical strike

Prime Minister Modi on Thursday praised the soldiers for carrying out the surgical strike across the border and said that it fills everyone with pride.

He also said that the country has been giving a befitting reply to those attempting to disturb the peace in the region.

(Photo: ANI)

“It fills every Indian with pride on the role this brigade played during the surgical strike,” the Prime Minister said while addressing soldiers at Nowshera in Jammu and Kashmir.

He also said, “The role played by this brigade during the surgical strike fills everyone with pride. I will remember that day forever as it was decided that all soldiers should return before sunset… I was sitting beside the phone and was asking about the whereabouts of every soldier,”

Diwali

“There were many attempts to disturb the peace here but each time a befitting reply has been given,” the Prime Minister added.

The Prime Minister during his address also lauded the soldiers for serving on Indian borders and pointed out that security personnel were the “suraksha kawach” (armour) of the nation.

The Prime Minister further said that it is because of the soldiers that people can sleep peacefully.

“Today I have in front of me brave brothers and sisters who have the good fortune of serving our motherland. I can see the dedication to protect our land in your eyes. It is because of you, we are able to celebrate our festivals with peace,” said the PM.

‘Self-reliance in defence sector’

Reiterating his vision of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’, PM Modi said that the commitment to self-reliance in the defence sector is the only way to change old methods of procuring defence equipment.

(Photo: ANI)

While addressing soldiers at Nowshera in Jammu and Kashmir, the Prime Minister said, “Earlier, it used to take years together to procure defence equipment for the security forces. The commitment to self-reliance in the defence sector is the only way to change old methods.”

The Prime Minister also that this will make the defence sector stronger.
PM Modi further said that the connectivity of the border has significantly improved our security deployment capability.

“Connectivity in border areas has improved- be it from Ladakh to Arunachal Pradesh, Jaisalmer to Andaman and Nicobar Islands. This has helped us enhance our deployment capability,” the Prime Minster said.
Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister paid tribute to soldiers who lost their lives in the line of duty.

Visits in recent years

In 2019, the Prime Minister had celebrated Diwali with soldiers in the Rajouri district along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir.

He had called soldiers as his family and lauded them for guarding the borders even during festivals. He had exchanged Diwali greetings with the Indian Air Force (IAF) personnel at Pathankot Air Force Station.

In 2018, Prime Minister Modi had celebrated Diwali with jawans of the Indian Army and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), at Harsil in Uttarakhand. Following that he had offered prayers at the Kedarnath shrine.

(Photo: ANI)

In 2017, the Prime Minister celebrated the festival of light with army soldiers and Border Security Force (BSF) personnel in the Gurez Valley of Jammu and Kashmir’s Bandipora District.

In 2016, the PM went to Himachal Pradesh to celebrate the festival with Indo-Tibetan Border Police personnel at an outpost.

He visited the Punjab border to celebrate Diwali with soldiers in 2015.
In 2014, Prime Minister Modi spent Diwali in Siachen with soldiers. (ANI)

ALSO READ – UK issues coin to honour Mahatma on Diwali

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Lawmaker to introduce Bill to make Diwali holiday in US

Expats, retailers upbeat about Diwali in UAE

If the bill gets approval, the holiday would be observed in federal institutions, with significant populations that celebrate Diwali and honour the cultural heritage of millions of Indian Americans…reports Reena Bhardwaj

Congressman Carolyn Maloney will introduce a bill in US Congress, which aims to establish Diwali as a federal holiday in the United States.

On Wednesday, the Democrat Congressman from New York will be joined by members of the India Caucus including Congressman Ro Khanna, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi and other advocates to introduce her legislation at the Hill.

Representing the Indian American community members, Sanjeev Joshipura, Executive Director, Indiaspora will also join the congresswoman who has been a long supporter of the Indian diaspora.

If the bill gets approval, the holiday would be observed in federal institutions, with significant populations that celebrate Diwali and honour the cultural heritage of millions of Indian Americans who celebrate the holiday in the United States.

Congressman Maloney in the past has successfully worked with advocates across the country and led efforts in Congress urging the US Postal Service to approve and issue a commemorative stamp honouring Diwali, which has been in circulation since 2016. Maloney relentlessly fought for this cause as she felt that “a relatively small action would hold great meaning for millions of people.”

Diwali will be celebrated on November 4 this year. (ANI)

ALSO READ: Big push to exempt India from defence sanctions

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Expats, retailers upbeat about Diwali in UAE

Expats, retailers upbeat about Diwali in UAE

Many UAE retailers, hypermarkets and supermarket chains have been riding the festive wave for weeks leading up to the big Diwali day celebrations on November 4…reports Asian Lite News

A dip in recent Covid cases in the UAE and easing restrictions in the country is raising hopes of a bumper pre-pandemic Diwali amongst expat Indians and retailers here alike.

A day after authorities in the UAE approved the Pfizer-BioNtech Covid-19 vaccine for children aged 5-11, the country on Monday, November 1, registered 78 new cases for Covid-19, the lowest since figures touched two figures for the first time in over 19 months. This, aided by falling gold prices and a 10-year-high consumer confidence, are making many long-time residents in the UAE upbeat about a Diwali like before.

“We live in a great and culturally diverse city like Dubai where everything is special about Diwali. Be it shopping or decoration or food, we get every vibe of Diwali. We get special discounts in every jewellery and apparel stores. We get variety of Indian sweets and savouries. This is that time of the year when we organise parties for our friends and family. We go out to see fireworks on Diwali night. So it’s a perfect combination of food, festivity and firework. All of this was a bit muted last year with high number of Covid cases and various restrictions but this year, it is going to be like before,” said Sudhashree Dash, a Dubai resident for over a decade.

With the festival of lights just three days away, many like Dash have already gone on their customary Diwali shopping spree. And not all of them are buying candles and lanterns for the festival of lights. “I am planning to buy some gold jewellery for my wife this Diwali, something I had held off for a long time owing to the Covid situation. But the time for it seems just about right,” said Alok Behera, an Abu Dhabi-based engineer buoyed not just by fresh prospects at his new job but also recent fall in gold prices.

The bullion dollar story

Gold prices on Monday morning dipped, extending the previous session’s losses with the dollar strengthening. According to top retailers, this not only means more Indian rupees against the UAE dirham for an expat remitting money but also greater boost to customer confidence.

Spot gold fell 0.1 per cent to $1,781.78 per ounce on Monday morning, after slipping to an over one-week trough on Friday while US gold futures dropped 0.1 per cent to $1,782.80.

In the UAE, the Dubai Gold and Jewellery Group data showed 24K trading at Dh216.0 per gram, 22K at Dh203.0, 21K at Dh193.75 and 18K at Dh166.0 per gram on Monday morning. Yet retailers in the country are don’t seem to mind.

Expats, retailers upbeat about Diwali in UAE

“Diwali and the subsequent six months are all about festivities and celebrations. With the ease of restrictions and tourists returning, we are seeing a considerable increase in footfall across all our stores and we are expecting a significant transformation in the market in the coming weeks as well. The overall consumer sentiment is about celebrating important festivals with family and friends as well as being part of events like weddings and related celebrations, that have become more frequent in the UAE,” said Shamlal Ahamed, MD – International Operations of top UAE gold retailers Malabar Gold & Diamonds, also a BIS certified Indian jewellery group headquartered in Kozhikode, Kerala, India.

ALSO READ: Expo set to celebrate glittering Diwali

“Regardless of the gold price, it is a good time for consumers to invest in gold, considering the diverse collections and attractive offers we have launched as part of the festive season. With Dhanteras falling on November 2, we expect a good sale with our customers making the best use of this opportunity,” he added, hinting at the general festive mood of the country with several big-ticket events including Expo 2020 Dubai and ICC Men’s World T20 currently taking place in the UAE.

Anil Dhanak, Managing Director of the Dubai-based Kanz Jewels echoed similar sentiments. “We are very optimistic especially with the flights open and the tremendous response of the Expo 2020 so far. Diwali is also an auspicious time to buy jewellery and the wedding season is just around the corner so we expect sales to be very good especially with the designs and offers we have for our clients this time,” he added while indicating that the drop in the recent gold rate was an added incentive for potential buyers of gold jewellery.

“We are certainly looking to achieve numbers of 2019 or perhaps even better this year,” he said, emphasizing that the “post-pandemic era” had already begun in UAE with all the top events taking place.

“The world is very positive about the upbeat momentum UAE has been able to create through its miraculous handling of COVID-19 whereby placing the country on the forefront of global tourist wish-list. We already see double digit growth across our jewellery stores since summer this year and expect this only continue into the upcoming festive (Diwali) season,” added Karim Merchant, the Managing Director of another UAE company Pure Gold Jewellers.

There’s glitter in retail too

However, it’s not all about gold. Many UAE retailers, hypermarkets and supermarket chains have been riding the festive wave for weeks leading up to the big Diwali day celebrations on November 4. “We have done brisk business with our daily sales topping Dh2,000 (INR 40,000 approx.) since we expanded with our second outlet here with Diwali in mind and life’s good,” said Amit Madak who runs the newly-opened Indian goods store selling Diwali items in the busy Abu Shagara area of the emirate of Sharjah. “This wasn’t the case last time around,” added Madak who comes from Pokhara in Nepal that’s represented by a significantly huge Diwali celebrating Hindu population in UAE.