SAN RAMON, Calif. (Diya TV) — Thousands of people gathered at Bishop Ranch in San Ramon on May 9 for the Association of Indo Americans’ Great Indian Food and Shopping Fest and Mango Festival, one of the Bay Area’s largest celebrations of Indian culture, food, and community.
The annual event, known as TGIFS Fest, attracted more than 15,000 attendees from across the region. Families, community leaders, and local businesses came together for a day packed with food, shopping, music, and cultural performances.
Organizers transformed the City Center Bishop Ranch venue into a lively marketplace filled with Indian cuisine, artisan products, entertainment, and family-friendly activities. Visitors explored more than 100 vendor booths featuring clothing, jewelry, handicrafts, home décor, art, and financial services.
The event also highlighted small businesses and entrepreneurs from the Bay Area. Organizers said the festival continues to support multicultural commerce while promoting cultural awareness and inclusion.
One of the biggest attractions at this year’s festival was the Mango Festival, which celebrated India’s famous summer fruit with desserts, drinks, and specialty dishes. Long lines formed throughout the day as visitors sampled mango lassi, sweets, ice cream, and other mango-inspired treats. Food vendors also served popular Indian dishes such as biryani, dosas, jalebi, and chaat.
Attendees described the festival atmosphere as colorful and energetic. Many families spent hours exploring food stalls, shopping booths, and entertainment areas. The event featured more than 20 food vendors representing Indian and global cuisine. Organizers said the growing popularity of the Mango Festival helped draw large crowds from across the Bay Area.
Several public officials and community leaders attended the festival and addressed the audience from the main stage.
Among the dignitaries present was Indian Consulate Consul Mr. Nahas Ali, who praised the festival for bringing together diverse communities and supporting grassroots entrepreneurship. Officials also recognized Jayaram Komati for his appointment as the Andhra Pradesh government’s special representative for North America.
During his remarks, Komati said he felt honored by the appointment and remained committed to strengthening ties between India, Andhra Pradesh, and the United States. Other officials in attendance included Nahas Ali, Elisa Marquez, Ursula Jones Dickson, and Marisol Rubio.
Organizers said the strong support from local leaders reflected the festival’s growing importance in the Bay Area’s cultural calendar.
The festival offered nonstop entertainment throughout the day. Local dance groups, musicians, and karaoke teams performed on stage while DJs kept crowds energized. A special Mother’s Day Saree Promenade drew strong audience participation and became one of the event’s standout attractions.
Families also enjoyed carnival rides, games, and the MayaBazaar Express train ride. Children and adults participated in interactive activities spread across the venue. Organizers designed the event to create a welcoming atmosphere for people of all ages and backgrounds.
The nonprofit organization hosts cultural festivals and community programs across the Bay Area to promote diversity, education, and cultural engagement.
