SF BAY AREA DESIS CELEBRATE DIWALI, BRAVING THE RAIN
Dancers all fired up. (Vasudha Badri Paul/Siliconeer)
Festival of Globe Diwali 2016 was celebrated in the sprawling venue of the Alameda Fairgrounds, Pleasanton, Calif., Oct. 15. Vasudha Badri Paul was there and presents this report. – @Siliconeer #Siliconeer #FOG #FestivalofGlobe #FIA #FIANC #Diwali #SFBayAreaIndians #IndianAmerican
The day was rainy and overcast, but the “light” of the event attracted crowds from all over Bay Area, with cars streaming into the ample parking spots. People were soon to forget the rains because there was so much brilliance ahead.
We walked into the large, colorful tent hosting the festival. As soon as we entered the event, our senses were filled with music, beauty, and the spicy aroma of Indian cooking. There were families strolling with their kids everywhere, often with grandparents in attendance.
A large stage, in the front, was literally on fire with dance teams from across the Bay Area. Bollywood and classical Indian music streamed to the movements of the child and adult dancers. The audience was captive, with many people clapping, capturing the live entertainment.
The celebration included adorned deities and a priest offering his blessings. The ISKCON temple offered free prasad to all, with books available on Bhagavad Gita and Ramayana, talking about the victory of good over evil.
Much to the delight of the women in attendance, there were boutique stalls with arrays of the latest styles of Indian clothing and costume jewelry. Special holiday sales drew crowds and many families walked away with their shopping bags brimming with items.
On the far end, Indian food stalls had a sumptuous choice of North and South Indian fare. Samosas, dosas, biryani, chaat, and Indian beverages were sold at participating restaurant booths. There were also tea vendors such as Tea India, offering samples of their product and giving customers special deals for Diwali. A nice touch of hot, spicy food for a rainy day.
FOG’s grand celebration of Diwali was in true spirit, the festival of lights.
