Indians across globe perform aartis, light diyas on Diwali

Thane: The five-day festivities of Diwali appear to have been ringing in full-swing even across the geographical boundaries as the Indian diaspora settled abroad were seen swaying in the cultural spirit.

Be it organizing dance performances, hosting skits and plays, installing food stalls consisting of the traditional faral at a local community centre or adorning their houses with lanterns and rows of diyas, Thaneites living oversees left no stones unturned in celebrating the festival in a land away from their homes.

Asmita Belle, a former resident of Pokhran Road 2 currently staying in Ireland said, “There are a huge chunk of Indians in Dublin. So the celebrations were massive. On the weekend we had some celebrities who were flown in from India. They organized a musical night for the residents after which there was time allotted for the bursting of fire crackers. Later, there was a feast for the entire community and people were all dressed in their festive best for the occasion.”

While some participated in the community celebrations, a few had decided to bring the festival of Diwali in their homes.

A former resident of Vartak Nagar, now living in United Kingdom, Praniti Ghatmale said, “This was my first Diwali away from home. So my parents came to celebrate the occasion with me and we together conducted the Lakshmi puja as we would do back in India. We had decorated the whole house with lanterns and had lit diyas all around the place. We even called our friends to visit and had a small get-together party at home.”

Some residents indulged in the traditional henna ceremony followed by an array of activities whilst enjoying the firecracker show that was arranged at some places in United States of America.

“The Newport Waterfront in Jersey city had a firecracker spectacle. Even the kids went to the bridge side to burst the less noisy firecrackers. Earlier in the day the women arranged for a Sangeet ceremony like that of a wedding wherein professionals were called to apply henna. There were games for everyone too,” said, Amit Gore, a resident of New York City, originally from Thane.

The Newport Waterfront in Jersey city had a firecracker spectacle. Even kids went to the bridge side to burst less noisy firecrackers. Earlier in the day women arranged for a Sangeet ceremony like that of a wedding and professionals were called to apply henna