Indian expats light up their homes as they prepare to celebrate Diwali

Oman Saturday 18/October/2025 18:17 PM
By: Times News Service
Indian expats light up their homes  as they prepare to celebrate Diwali

Muscat: Indian expatriates living in Oman are all set to celebrate the festival of light and spirit — Diwali, which will be marked on Monday, October 20.

Diwali, or Deepavali, is a Sanskrit word meaning “row of lights,” named after the deepa (lamps) that people light to symbolise the triumph of light over darkness.

Across Muscat, string lights snake along balconies, LED lamps flicker gently on window sills, and candles shimmer on driveways. For Indian families across the city, Diwali is more than a festival — it is a bridge to home, a way of staying rooted even while living miles away.

Even the city’s top restaurants, hotels, and destinations are rolling out special celebrations to mark the Festival of Lights.

From lavish Indian feasts and creative cultural events to family-friendly getaways, there’s something for everyone looking to embrace the warmth and joy of the season.

Among the highlights, Sheraton Oman will host a Diwali special dinner on Monday, October 20, 2025, at its beautiful gardens. Guests can enjoy an enchanting evening under the stars, featuring a vibrant buffet, unlimited house beverages, and festive entertainment.

The event promises a dazzling atmosphere filled with glowing lights, laughter, and the joyful spirit of Diwali. Attendees can choose between a special buffet for OMR 10 per person or buffet with unlimited house beverages for OMR 20 per person. The celebration will run from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM, offering guests a delightful mix of flavours, music, and cultural festivities.

In Ruwi and Rex Road, sweet shops are overflowing with colourful trays of traditional Indian sweets and savouries.

Bombay Sweets, a household name in Muscat celebrating 35 years of serving the community, is offering a special range of festive hampers.

 “Celebrate the festival of lights with our premium sweets hampers, crafted with love and tradition since 1990. Whether for family or friends, our sweets make every moment sweeter and brighter,” said Ali Asghar Vajihi, Director of Bombay Sweets.

With the festival around the corner, it’s the perfect time to indulge in a mix of traditional favourites such as dilbahar, jhangri, motichoor laddoos, and kaju cassatta, along with modern creations.

 “People should visit our outlets and discover a delightful array of sweets, savouries, and sugar-free options. Our delicacies are crafted with the finest ingredients, respecting religious traditions and ensuring exceptional quality,” he added.

The popular vegetarian outlet offers a wide variety of festive gift boxes — from mixed sweet and namkeen hampers to dry fruit assortments. “We make sure that our customers purchase not just the best quality sweets, but also packaging that makes it worth the buy,” Vajihi said.

Bombay Sweets features over 100 varieties of colourful and delicious sweets, with Bengali sweets, kaju katli, kaju roll, and motichoor laddoos among the fastest-selling items during Diwali.

Meanwhile, jewellery stores across Ruwi are witnessing heavy festive crowds, as residents queue up to buy gold for Dhanteras and Diwali.

Many buyers are opting for small coins and pendants — a traditional way to mark the auspicious occasion.

Sudha, a Muscat resident for the past 18 years, shared that for her family, Diwali is as much about giving as it is about celebration. “We cook traditional food, invite friends who are like family, and make grocery gift packs for those in need,” she said.

Her home glows with lights, and for nearly two decades, she and her closest friends have gathered for a special Diwali evening — a cherished tradition that has stood the test of time.

“Diwali is about celebrating bonds with family, friends, and everyone who is part of our lives. I like marking it with lights, laughter, and not the noise of firecrackers,” she smiled.