From colourful traditional outfits to energetic dance performances, Dubai’s Zabeel Park transformed into a vibrant celebration of Indian music, culture and community.
By Muna Al Sumaiti, Consulting Editor- Lifestyle, Travel, Fashion & Beauty, EmiratesReporter.com
Dubai, UAE — Thousands of dancers, music lovers and families came together for an unforgettable evening as more than 9,000 people gathered at Zabeel Park Amphitheatre on Saturday, October 24, to celebrate the spirit of Garba with celebrated Indian singer Falguni Pathak.
Organised by Ever Events and Enara Events, Falguni Pathak Live in Dubai brought together residents from across the UAE and visitors from other countries, turning the heart of Dubai into a colourful celebration of Indian heritage.
From the moment the music began, the atmosphere was filled with excitement. Dressed in traditional chaniya cholis, colourful kurtas and beautifully embroidered outfits, thousands of participants moved together in circles, clapping and dancing to the familiar rhythms of Garba and Dandiya.
The open-air venue became a sea of colour, with music, laughter and traditional dance continuing throughout the evening.
Falguni Pathak Brings the Magic of Garba to Dubai
Known for her energetic performances and her connection with traditional Gujarati music, Falguni Pathak was the highlight of the evening.
Her live performance brought thousands of people together on the dance floor, creating a festive atmosphere that reflected the strong cultural connection between India and the UAE.
For many attending, the event was about more than entertainment. It was an opportunity to reconnect with traditions, celebrate with friends and family, and experience a little piece of India in Dubai.
Bringing Traditional Garba to a New Generation
Among those taking part was Suraj Soni, founder of Soni School of Garba Dance, who travelled from India to join his students in Dubai and encourage the traditional practice of Garba.
Speaking to Emirates Reporter during the event, Soni explained that his dance school teaches Garba to students around the world, including a growing community in Dubai.
“I came specially to perform this dance with my students, to lead them and help them perform. We teach Garba across the world, including Dubai, where we have many students learning this traditional dance form.”
Soni also highlighted that Garba is not limited to experienced dancers. Anyone interested in learning the traditional steps can take part, regardless of their background or previous dance experience.
“Anybody can come and learn from us. Even someone who is a complete beginner and has never performed before can be trained. We have already taught many students in Dubai over the past few years.”
His message reflected one of the most welcoming aspects of the evening: Garba is a celebration that encourages everyone to participate.
A Home Away from Home
For many Indian residents in Dubai, the event offered a familiar cultural experience and an opportunity to celebrate traditions they grew up with.
Madalika Dixit, who attended with fellow members of Soni School of Garba Dance, described the evening as a joyful reminder of home.
“This is our fourth year with SSGD, and it has been incredible. Dubai is amazing. We are getting the Indian Garba feeling here, and it is a home away from home for us.”
She added: “We are really enjoying ourselves, and we are very thankful to be able to dance together as a group. It is a lot of fun, very energetic, and we are loving the vibe.”
Her enthusiasm captured the atmosphere across the venue, where friends, families and dance groups gathered to celebrate a tradition that continues to bring communities together.
Dubai: Where Cultures Come Together
What made the evening particularly memorable was the diversity of the crowd. While Garba is deeply rooted in Indian culture, the celebration attracted people of different ages and backgrounds, reflecting Dubai’s multicultural character.
Some participants arrived as experienced Garba dancers, while others were discovering the traditional dance for the first time. Together, they created an atmosphere where cultural exchange happened naturally through music and movement.
The sight of thousands of people dancing beneath Dubai’s illuminated skyline offered a reminder of how the city continues to provide a home for cultural traditions from around the world.
Events such as Falguni Pathak Live in Dubai also highlight the important role of community celebrations in bringing residents together, particularly during the city’s increasingly active outdoor entertainment season.
More Than a Concert, a Celebration of Community
As the evening continued, the energy remained high, with colourful outfits spinning across the grass and groups of dancers moving together to the beat of the music.
For the organisers, Ever Events and Enara Events, the gathering marked a large-scale celebration of Indian music and dance, attracting more than 9,000 attendees to one of Dubai’s well-known outdoor venues.
But beyond the numbers, the real success of the night could be seen in the smiles, laughter and excitement of those who participated.
For some, it was a chance to relive childhood memories. For others, it was an introduction to a cultural tradition. And for many, it was simply an opportunity to spend an evening surrounded by music, friends and a shared sense of celebration.
As the lights illuminated the stage and the music carried across Zabeel Park, one thing was clear: Dubai had once again shown how cultures from around the world can come together, not only to celebrate their traditions, but to share them with others.
And on this particular night, that celebration happened one Garba step at a time.
ABOUT MUNA AL SUMAITI: With more than 14 years of experience in the UAE media industry, Our Consulting Editor, Muna Al Sumaiti, has worked closely with some of the country’s most recognized media brands, including Dubai TV, Sama Dubai, Dubai One, Al Bayan, Emarat Al Youm, Dubai Radio, Noor Dubai, Emirates 24/7, and Dubai Post. Her extensive background in media, marketing, partnerships, audience engagement, and brand development has made her a respected name in the industry. She is also the Founder of RSV Communications, a UAE-based consultancy specializing in strategic communications, reputation management, and brand growth.
