FREMONT, CA: Alameda County Fairgrounds here was bustling with activity as Federation of Indo-Americans of Northern California” hosted their third annual “Diwali Mela” on October 25. It was attended by over 15,000 of Indian Americans and other Bay Area residents.
Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, marks the time of year when Hindus symbolically cast away evil and invite good and prosperity with the light of lamps and candles. Where darkness represents evil to Hindus, lighting the lamp is a metaphor for the attainment of knowledge and symbolizes the destruction of negative attitudes and behaviors.
The Mela kicked off the festive season in East Bay, charming its visitors with variety of stalls selling fashion jewelry, handicrafts, henna art, colorful Indian apparel, home décor and an assortment of delectable mouth watering food from all over India. The park played host to happy children as they were seen jumping in inflatable bouncers, playing games, and participating in petting zoo, pony rides, face painting, and coloring.
Live dance and music performances were crowd pullers with Indian Bollywood music by Harjit Mehndi and group.
The action-packed day started with live entertainment on two stages. The performers, dressed in bold colors with ornate decorations, executed precise movements as they moved to the beat. The purpose of this festival is to get together and celebrate intercultural understanding that promotes economic and cultural prosperity.
The Ramayana came to life with the Ram Lila performance. Participants wore colorful costumes and re-enacted scenes from the Ramayana.
“I would like to thank all our sponsors, volunteers and scouts for making this event a success,” said Dr. Romesh Japra, Convener of FIA.
Sponsors who made this event possible were Wells Fargo, Bank of the West, Etihad Airways, Star Tours, Star TV, Life OK and Nurture kids to name a few. Wells Fargo were the sponsors for Gala fireworks and laser show which started at about 8:15 pm and was a 15 minute non-stop treat for the Bay area. Etihad Airways, who are starting their service to India from San Francisco in November, raffled two tickets to India.
Bollywood actress Celina Jaitley and actor Manav Gohil were the festival celebrities and main attraction. Raas Garba and Dandiya night was a perfect way to end the celebrations. Thousands of Bay areans joined the Dandiya night and enjoyed the true Diwali spirit with food, fireworks and fun.
Many local dignitaries and community leaders participated in the celebrations. Congressman Eric Swalwell, Pleasanton Mayor Jerry Thorne, Milpitas Mayor Jose Esteves, Raj Salwan, Ro Khanna, Peter Kuo, and many others who are running for local school boards joined the FIA team and honored the Bollywood celebrities and sponsors.
The ancient tradition of Diwali includes the lighting of candles, setting off fireworks, and exchanging gifts and sweets. It celebrates the light of knowledge and truth overcoming the darkness of ignorance, said Rajesh Verma, Chairman of FIA, who worked meticulously for two months on this grand event. He attributed its success to the entire FIA team and its volunteers.
Vidya Sethuraman
India Post News Service
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