The largest Dussehra & Diwali Dhamaka in Northern California with 45+ organizations: AIA & Bolly 92.3

Association of Indo Americans (AIA) and Bolly 92.3 presented “Dussehra & Diwali Dhamaka” – (DDD), an annual flagship event to celebrate Dussehra and Diwali festival at Alameda County Fairground, Pleasanton, California.

It is a unique and one of the largest Diwali festivals in Northern California supported by over 45+ Indian organizations in Bay Area. The event was refreshingly endearing, visually stunning, and entertaining. This event highlighted Indian traditions and diversity and culture.

There were around 20,000+ people who seem to have attended the event throughout the day as there were crowds that came and left as a continuous flow. The parking lots and nearby roads were filled with incoming crowds towards the evening to witness the most popular activities such as Ravan Dahan, Fireworks, Disco Dandia, etc.

This event’s Grand Sponsor was Sanjiv Gupta CPA (Fireworks), Dr Prakash Advani (Ravan Dahan). Other sponsors include Relator Nagaraj Anniah, US Bank, ICICI bank, Travelopod, OnShore Kare, NBC Bay Area News & Vijetha Supermarket.

There was huge support and compliments from many of the elected officials and dignitaries who have attended the event, and they conveyed their Dussehra and Diwali greetings.

Dignitaries and local elected officials such as Alameda County Supervisor David Haubert (Co-Host) , India Consul General Dr. Srikar Reddy, State Senator Dave Cortese, Assemblymembers Liz Ortega, Alex Lee, Alameda County Supervisors Elisa Marquez, Lena Tam, Mayor Carmen Montano (Milpitas), Vice Mayors Michael McCorriston, Jack Balch, Councilmembers Raj Salwan, Sridhar Verose, Jean Josey, Marisol Rubio, and Sherry Hu have addressed the gathering with their Diwali greetings. Also, the district staff from Congressman Ro Khanna, Eric Swalwell and Supervisor Cindy Chavez attended the event.

Event Highlights

Largest Raavan effigy (30 + ft ) in North America was burned to signify a win over evil. Also, wonderful Fireworks (~9 mins long) were showcased on this occasion of festival of lights. During the day-long event, traditional prayers/poojas in terms of “Maha Mangal Arthi” were performed to goddess Lakshmi Devi.

Also, large number of participants have pulled the chariot “Rath Yatra” with a long procession at the venue vicinity. Post fireworks, Disco Dandia went on until the end of the event where all ages of participants took an active part. Live music concert by singers from Association of Indo Americs (AIA)/Bay Area Telugu Association (BATA) & East Bay Karaoke (EBK) groups.

The venue was filled with attractive shopping stalls such 100+ Clothing/Jewelry/Home Decors/Real Estate/Educational Booths. A large number of attendees too part in Rangoli Competitions/Diya Making, Carroms/Chess competitions and Carnival Games. One of the newer attractions this year was “Thambola” which had attracted 1000+ participants.

Participants of the event have also enjoyed a variety of food served by the local restaurants at the venue resembling like a Food Festival. Younger kids seem to have enjoyed the variety of games available in the Kids Play Area. Families has also deeply involved Family fashion show (Ramp Walk) – “ROSHNI” & Raam Leela.

Lakshmi puja Laddu was auctioned to share the love, health, and wealth. The AIA team was very pleased with the grand success of the event and noted that they were truly touched by the amazing response, seeing more 45+ Indian community members worked very hard in making the event a grand success & one of the biggest in West Coast. Also, the AIA team thanked all the sponsors for their continued support.