By Dr. Abhilash Moroju
November 6, 2026: In a celebration of cultural diversity, religious harmony, and community unity, the City of Fremont commemorated Diwali, the Festival of Lights, with a ceremonial flag-raising event at Fremont City Hall, led by Mayor Dr. Raj Salwan and Councilwoman Kathy Kimberlin.
The celebration marked another significant milestone in Fremont’s recognition of its vibrant Hindu and Indian American communities. The City of Fremont has designated Diwali as a permanent annual holiday observance, honoring the rich spiritual traditions, cultural heritage, and contributions of Hindu Americans to the city’s multicultural identity.
A Celebration of Patriotism, Spirituality, and Cultural Heritage
The flag-raising ceremony was complemented by a patriotic and spiritual musical program featuring the American National Anthem, India’s national song Vande Mataram, and traditional Diwali Dharmic songs, performed by dedicated volunteers representing the Fremont Hindu Temple and Cultural Center, Federation of Indo-Americans (FIA), Festival of Globe (FOG), and Americans4Hindus (A4H).
Dr. Romesh Japra Expresses Gratitude to the City of Fremont
Dr. Romesh Japra, Founder and Chairman of the Fremont Hindu Temple, Festival of Globe, and Americans4Hindus, expressed his heartfelt appreciation to Mayor Dr. Raj Salwan, Councilwoman Kathy Kimberlin, the entire City Council, city officials, and the citizens of Fremont for recognizing and honoring Diwali, one of the most significant festivals of Hindu civilization.
“On behalf of our Hindu and Indian American communities, I sincerely thank the City of Fremont for embracing Diwali as an integral part of our city’s cultural heritage. For more than four decades, our community has contributed to Fremont’s growth, prosperity, diversity, and harmonious coexistence. This recognition reflects the inclusive spirit of Fremont, where people of all faiths and backgrounds come together to celebrate our shared humanity,” said Dr. Japra.
He further emphasized the universal and timeless message of Diwali:
“Diwali symbolizes the Victory of Good over Evil, Light over Darkness, Knowledge over Ignorance, and Hope over Fear. These are not merely Hindu ideals but universal human values that inspire peace, compassion, enlightenment, and prosperity for all.”
A Spirit of Friendship, Unity, and Community Service
The ceremony concluded with the distribution of traditional Indian sweets, the exchange of warm Diwali greetings, and a collective spirit of friendship and goodwill among community leaders, city officials, volunteers, and residents.
The participating organizations reaffirmed their commitment to preserving cultural traditions, promoting interfaith understanding, strengthening community partnerships, and inspiring future generations to embrace the values of service, unity, and mutual respect.
As Fremont continues to celebrate its extraordinary cultural diversity, the annual Diwali observance at City Hall stands as a symbol of inclusion, harmony, and the enduring contributions of Hindu and Indian Americans to American society.
Happy Diwali!
May the Light of Wisdom, Peace, Prosperity, and Hope Illuminate Every Home and Every Heart!
Issued on behalf of:
- Fremont Hindu Temple & Cultural Center (Vedic Dharma Samaj)
- Federation of Indo-Americans (FIA)
- Festival of Globe (FOG)
- Americans4Hindus (A4H)
Dr. Romesh Japra, M.D., FACC
Founder & Chairman
Fremont Hindu Temple | FOG | A4H
Federation of Indo-Americans
About Americans4Hindus (A4H):
Americans4Hindus is dedicated to empowering Hindu Americans through political education, leadership development, strategic endorsements, and community mobilization. Americans4Hindus continues to expand its national presence by building alliances, empowering communities, and advancing democratic engagement across the United States
For further information or media inquiries, please contact:
Americans4Hindus (A4H):
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.americans4hindus.org
“We are not just participating – we are shaping the future. From school boards to the U.S. Congress, American Hindus are ready to lead.”
— Americans4Hindus.
