Expo 2020 Dubai lights up for Diwali celebrations

Concerts and spectacular projection shows have begun across the site as part of week-long festivities

Performances to celebrate Diwali – also known as India's festival of lights – got under way at Expo 2020's Dubai Millennium Amphitheatre on Friday. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai

Events to mark the five-day festival began with traditional dancing. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai

The performance told the story of Diwali, a Hindu celebration that marks the return of the Hindu god Rama to his kingdom of Ayodhya, after he defeated the demon king Ravana.

The colourful performance wowed the crowds. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai

This year's Diwali celebrations were a stark contrast to muted meetings last year because of the pandemic. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai

This year, friends and family will unite and celebrate in style. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai

Expo 2020 Dubai has celebrations planned throughout the five-day festival. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai

In the spotlight: Diwali 2021 gets under way at the world's fair. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai

Crowds gather in Al Wasl Plaza every evening to watch immersive shows that light up the dome at the Expo. Photo: Khushnum Bhandari / The National

A special projection show has been prepared for visitors during Diwali celebrations at Al Wasl dome. Photo: EPA

Light and sound shows are being held across the Expo 2020 Dubai site for one of the biggest Hindu celebrations of Diwali. Photo: EPA

Impressive display of a light show every evening at the world's largest 360-degree projection dome, Al Wasl Plaza. Photo: Khushnum Bhandari / The National

A Diwali light show at Expo 2020 Dubai will be beamed from the control room of Al Wasl dome. Photo: Khushnum Bhandari / The National

Al Wasl control room, which delivers spectacular shows each day, will project immersive light displays during Diwali festival. Photo: Khushnum Bhandari / The National

The world’s fair site has sparkled with lights since Diwali celebrations began across Expo 2020 Dubai.

Festivities started on Friday and will continue throughout the week, with plans to attract millions of Indians who live and work in the UAE to join in with the outdoor entertainment on offer.

Stunning sound and light projection shows at Al Wasl dome have been organised for Diwali, one of the biggest Hindu festivals.

Dr Aman Puri, consul general of India in Dubai, said all visitors to the Expo were welcome to be part of the celebrations.

“Diwali is popular across the globe and the Expo has given us a platform to showcase India’s magnificence to the visitors,” he said.

“We look forward to celebrating Diwali, the festival of lights with great zeal to ensure that the visitors at the Expo 2020 Dubai get to experience the festival.”

The four-storey India pavilion has received more than 151,000 visitors since the Expo opened in October and additional digital installations will be beamed across a constantly moving facade.

“Given the large area dedicated to the India pavilion, we are happy to see the enormous turnout and are prepared to host enthusiastic visitors who are eager to get a glimpse of the pavilion in coming days,” Dr Puri said.

Traditional dances, storytelling sessions, rangoli displays – colourful designs drawn out across the floor – and performances by leading Indian artists are scheduled for each day.

An interactive musical LED that matches rhythm with colour will be activated inside the pavilion. When visitors step on sensors, the software beams a series of bright designs that indicate happiness and prosperity.

Parades and cultural performances with hundreds of dancers are being held at the Dubai Millennium Amphitheatre at the Expo to mark the festival.

Headline acts that will perform include popular Dubai-based bands Rooh and Dhurv, siblings Salim and Sulaiman Merchant and Bollywood playback singer Vipul Mehta.

The Jubilee Stage will also feature singers and indie-folk musicians on November 4 and 5.