Pupils and teachers at many Indian schools in the UAE will enjoy an extended holiday for Diwali this week, with the majority closing on Thursday, October 31, and resuming classes on Monday, November 4.
This year, celebrations began on Tuesday, October 29, with Dhanteras – the first day of Diwali, which is considered auspicious for buying gold and is associated with good luck and positivity. The main day of festival will be marked on Thursday.
Many educational institutions declare a holiday every year to allow families time to mark the occasion in their homes. Delhi Private School Dubai is one such school.
Vibrant celebrations
Rashmi Nandkeolyar, principal at the school, told The National the Festival of Lights is a symbol of harmony and togetherness.
“When we meet with friends and family and celebrate the traditions associated with Diwali we are filled with joy and nostalgia,” she said.
International Indian School Abu Dhabi will have an extended holiday from Thursday to Sunday, while Gems Our Own Indian School in Dubai celebrated Diwali with pupils on Wednesday before closing for the break.
“Each section of the school held a dedicated assembly where pupils explored the significance of Diwali through presentations on its cultural importance,” said Lalitha Suresh, principal of Gems Our Own Indian School. “The assemblies came alive with vibrant dance performances and heartwarming skits presented by our talented students, capturing the spirit of Diwali with joy and enthusiasm.”
To mark the occasion, pupils wore colourful clothes and members of staff received gifts. “This extended holiday allows everyone to immerse themselves fully in the festivities, by celebrating Diwali with family and friends at home,” Ms Suresh added.
Bonding and togetherness
The Indian Academy in Dubai will be closed for a Diwali break from Thursday until Sunday. Principal Shiny Davison said: “Eighty per cent of our pupils are Indian so it's good to give them time off to celebrate with their families. For the teachers, too, it's a break.”
K George Mathew, principal at Gems United Indian School – Abu Dhabi, said: “As an Indian curriculum school, celebrating the Festival of Lights is calendared and we have approval from our regulator, Adek, to take off Thursday 31 October and Friday 1 November.
“Our community of pupils and teachers celebrate with their families. All light up their homes, share sweets, and pray for prosperity. It is a festive time when families bond and enjoy togetherness.”
Many schools around the world close for Diwali celebrations. Marking a first, public schools in New York City will close for the festival on November 1 this year.
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How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
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Important questions to consider
1. Where on the plane does my pet travel?
There are different types of travel available for pets:
- Manifest cargo
- Excess luggage in the hold
- Excess luggage in the cabin
Each option is safe. The feasibility of each option is based on the size and breed of your pet, the airline they are traveling on and country they are travelling to.
2. What is the difference between my pet traveling as manifest cargo or as excess luggage?
If traveling as manifest cargo, your pet is traveling in the front hold of the plane and can travel with or without you being on the same plane. The cost of your pets travel is based on volumetric weight, in other words, the size of their travel crate.
If traveling as excess luggage, your pet will be in the rear hold of the plane and must be traveling under the ticket of a human passenger. The cost of your pets travel is based on the actual (combined) weight of your pet in their crate.
3. What happens when my pet arrives in the country they are traveling to?
As soon as the flight arrives, your pet will be taken from the plane straight to the airport terminal.
If your pet is traveling as excess luggage, they will taken to the oversized luggage area in the arrival hall. Once you clear passport control, you will be able to collect them at the same time as your normal luggage. As you exit the airport via the ‘something to declare’ customs channel you will be asked to present your pets travel paperwork to the customs official and / or the vet on duty.
If your pet is traveling as manifest cargo, they will be taken to the Animal Reception Centre. There, their documentation will be reviewed by the staff of the ARC to ensure all is in order. At the same time, relevant customs formalities will be completed by staff based at the arriving airport.
4. How long does the travel paperwork and other travel preparations take?
This depends entirely on the location that your pet is traveling to. Your pet relocation compnay will provide you with an accurate timeline of how long the relevant preparations will take and at what point in the process the various steps must be taken.
In some cases they can get your pet ‘travel ready’ in a few days. In others it can be up to six months or more.
5. What vaccinations does my pet need to travel?
Regardless of where your pet is traveling, they will need certain vaccinations. The exact vaccinations they need are entirely dependent on the location they are traveling to. The one vaccination that is mandatory for every country your pet may travel to is a rabies vaccination.
Other vaccinations may also be necessary. These will be advised to you as relevant. In every situation, it is essential to keep your vaccinations current and to not miss a due date, even by one day. To do so could severely hinder your pets travel plans.
Source: Pawsome Pets UAE
