SAN JOSE, Calif. (Diya TV) — More than 10,000 people gathered at Plaza de César Chávez on Oct. 24 for a downtown Diwali carnival featuring live music, dance, food and a marketplace, organizers said. The Association of Indo Americans and Bolly 92.3 FM organized the event, which ran from 2 to 10 p.m.
Singer Abby V headlined the evening, performing several songs, including his track featured in the film Kantara. The program also included traditional and contemporary Indian dance, Bollywood sing-alongs and Tambola, a number game popular at social gatherings. Food stalls served Indian dishes and other fare, while local vendors displayed products and services. Organizers also set up a children’s activity area.
San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan and Indian Consul General Satish Sivan joined the celebration and took part in a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony. Fremont Mayor Raj Salwan, Sunnyvale Mayor Larry Klein and Santa Clara County Supervisor Betty Duong also attended. Other guests included San Jose City Councilmembers Bien Doan and Rosemary Kamei, San Jose Police Chief Paul Joseph, and representatives from the offices of U.S. Reps. Ro Khanna and Sam Liccardo.
The gathering combined Diwali traditions with a public festival in the city center. Diwali, observed by Hindus and members of other religious communities, is commonly known as the festival of lights. Traditions vary, but many celebrations include lamps, music, food and gatherings with family and community.
Organizers said the carnival welcomed visitors from across the Bay Area and aimed to share Indian culture with a broad audience. The reported attendance figure came from the organizers; an independent count was not available.
The Association of Indo Americans thanked the City of San Jose, the San Jose Downtown Association and San Jose Parks for supporting the event. The organization describes itself as a coalition of more than 60 nonprofit groups focused on Indian culture and community engagement.
