13th October 2019 – Dubai: FOI Events under the patronage of the Indian Consulate will be holding a cultural extravaganza for celebrating Diwali in collaboration with Team Deepavali Utsav-2019. This event will be held on Friday, 18th October 2019 from 5.00 to 11.00 pm at Etisalat Academy's Sports & Leisure Club, Muhaisanah 2–Dubai, UAE. 
Inspired by the unique heritage of India’s multi-ethnicities coupled with different linguistic and demographic identities, the central theme of Deepavali Utsav-2019 is to exemplify ‘unity in diversity’ of India by showcasing various folk dances encompassing majority of Indian States along with a display of traditional games and rangoli competitions. With Diversity being the theme of the event, India is a unique example of multitude of faiths co-existing harmoniously enlivening linguistics, cultural and demographic identities. The theme Diversity will be brought to the fore through dances from various Indian States by teams who will showcase their talents on this glamorous occasion.

RANGOLI COMPETITIONS:

Rangoli is a folk art from India. Rangoli are decorative designs made on the floors of living rooms and courtyards during Indian festivals. They are regarded as sacred and drawn near the welcoming areas for the guests and relatives. The ancient symbols have been passed on through the ages, from each generation to the next, thus keeping both the art form and tradition alive. The patterns are typically created with materials including coloured rice, dry flour, coloured sand or even flower petals. Rangoli and similar practices are often followed in different Indian states. The competition will start at 3pm and more than 100 teams are expected to participate in the competition this year.

TRADITIONAL GAMES OF INDIA:

India has rich heritage of traditional sports and games which are widely played in rural & urban areas enhancing affinity & spirit of community living among the society. Variety of indoor and outdoor games played using localized easily available accessories are hallmarks of Indian soil. Games like Kabbadi, Khokho, Goli, Ghilli-Danda and even the indoor games like Snake and Ladder (Indian tradition), Shatranj are barely played these days. These games imbibe rich culture and heritage values and are even tools for passing on ancestral knowledge through simple mechanism and build team spirits with care & share attitude from an early stage of life. They sharpen motor & soft skills unlike the hit and run games of the west that are uni-dimensional and strengthen only hand – eye coordination. In order to keep our current and future generations aware such traditional Indian games and their unique benefits, we will make an arrangement to play some of the traditional games during this event. Games will be organized from 3pm onwards specially for young children offering them a chance to see or play these kinds of games. Adults are welcome to try their skills & revive old memories.
LIVE CONCERT: The special evening boasts of a live orchestra by none other than Mr. Vijay Prakash, an Academy & Grammy awards winner and also includes other singers who will be performing. The event is expected to attract 12,000 people inclusive of adults and children based on the success of the previous years. 

Deepavali Utsav-2019 is a one-of-its-kind celebration held in UAE and is very popular with Indian families who value the tradition of celebrating the festival of lights with their family and loved ones. A true fiesta in every way, the venue will also include food stalls and a market place for both fashionable as well as traditional Indian wares. 
An event expected to attract the Indian audiences across all age groups, there will be something for everybody to enjoy at the Deepavali Utsav-2019.