‘Diwali’ or ‘Deepavali’ often referred to as the ‘Festival of Lights’ is celebrated all over the world by people of Indian origin. Drawing on traditions, epics and simple truths of life experienced by civilizations past, the festival celebrates ‘the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, good over evil, and hope over despair’.

Diwali Fest will be an evening event featuring vendor / resource booths, food vendors, cultural experiences and performances. We want to bring the community together at the OC Great Park and have them explore Indian culture through food, access to products and services, community interaction and artistic and cultural performances. Fitting centerpiece for this festival will be a ‘Lamp Lighting Ceremony’ when we will have everyone including City officials participating by lighting a ‘diya’ (lamp) – symbolic of lighting up their life by new knowledge and experiences. We want people leaving the evening with a taste of Indian culture and knowledge of resources available for them to learn and experience more.