Rancho Cordova, California: Unity and Joy Mark Vibrant Diwali Festivities in Sacramento – Suvidha International Foundation

The Diwali Festival of Lights in Rancho Cordova shone brightly as Suvidha International Foundation, in collaboration with the City of Rancho Cordova, hosted a grand celebration at Stone Creek Community Park near California’s capital city of Sacramento. The event beautifully showcased Indian tradition, encouraged community engagement, and brought together nearly 3,000 residents, making it one of the most vibrant Diwali festivals in the region.

Diwali, a festival celebrated globally by Hindu, Jain, Sikh, and Buddhist communities, symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and the power of unity over division. Reflecting this spirit, the celebration welcomed families from diverse cultural backgrounds, with Suvidha International Foundation greeting attendees with traditional sweets to mark a warm and festive beginning.

Stone Creek Park was transformed into a glowing celebration space with diyas, candles, colorful LED lights, photo booths, decorative banners, and festive hangings, while trees throughout the park sparkled with LED lights, creating a magical setting.  One of the most anticipated moments of the evening was the Aerial Fireworks Show, which lit up the sky in brilliant colors. As the fireworks burst overhead, the enthusiastic cheers from the crowd captured the collective joy and true spirit of Diwali.

The celebration was further elevated by the presence of distinguished guests and city leaders. Among the distinguished guests, Mayor Siri Pulipati played a special role in the celebration. She presented an official Proclamation on behalf of the City of Rancho Cordova, formally recognizing the Diwali Festival as a significant cultural celebration for the community. In her address, she praised Suvidha International Foundation not only for organizing a grand Diwali event but also for its impactful STEM initiatives throughout the year.

She highlighted programs such as Speech & Debate training, Robotics projects, the After-School AI Program at Cordova High School, and the Generative AI Boot Camps led in partnership with Suvidha. She commended the Foundation for empowering local youth with real-world skills in communication, technology, and innovation, emphasizing that such initiatives reflect the true spirit of community development and educational enrichment in Rancho Cordova.

Assembly Member Josh Hoover delivered a meaningful message to the community, acknowledging California’s formal recognition of Diwali as an official holiday, a milestone that reflects the growing cultural diversity and inclusion across the state. He emphasized that festivals like Diwali not only celebrate tradition but also strengthen community bonds and promote shared values of light, hope, and unity. To honor the efforts of Suvidha International Foundation in bringing the community together and preserving cultural heritage through large-scale, inclusive events, he presented a Certificate of Recognition from the California State Assembly. He congratulated the organization and its volunteers for their leadership in cultural engagement, youth empowerment, and service initiatives in Rancho Cordova and beyond. 

City of Rancho Cordova Parks Chairman Rick Sloan played a key role by helping secure official approval for the Aerial Fireworks Show, ensuring all safety protocols were met. He also attended the event and personally captured memorable moments through photographs, reflecting his genuine support for the celebration. 

Council Member Joe Little attended the celebration and commended the community for coming together to honor cultural diversity. His presence reflected the city’s ongoing support for inclusive cultural events that strengthen community connections. City Manager Micah Runner joined the festivities and applauded Suvidha International Foundation’s efforts in organizing a large-scale, family-friendly cultural celebration. He emphasized the importance of such community-led initiatives in fostering unity and civic pride in Rancho Cordova.

Judge Jaya Badiga attended the Diwali celebration as a community member and shared in the festive spirit with families and attendees. Her presence added to the sense of pride and representation felt by the local Indian-American community. Other dignitaries, including School Board Members Chris Clark, Jennifer Laret, and YK Chalamcherla, Community Leader Gowri Kowtha, Police Chief Matt Tamayo, Fire Chief Adam House, and Parks General Manager Patrick Larkin, joined in congratulating the community on the successful celebration.

A lively marketplace added to the festive charm with three Indian food stalls, a variety of clothing and jewelry vendors, and over 25 booths representing local nonprofits and businesses. Traditional henna artists enhanced the cultural experience with their intricate designs, offering attendees memorable takeaways.

The cultural showcase on stage featured exceptional performances by Rocklin Rockstars, Phoenix Rocklin Rockers, Dazzling Critters, The High-Fi Groovers, Dhol Damaka, Rhythmic Revolts, Desi Girls of Elk Grove, Senior Folk Dance Group, Classical Singing Ensemble, The Light of Dance Academy, Punjabana Punjab Diyan, and The Sync 6, each bringing Diwali-themed energy, grace, and creativity to the audience. 

The evening commenced with a devotional Ganesha Stuthi by Vihaan Gaur, followed by soulful music by the Gongura Singers and artists Mr. Abdul Shaik, Mr. Diwakar Somanchi, Mrs. Sridevi Somanchi, and Mrs. Priya Paladugu. Suraj Jolly and Paromita Das further elevated the ambiance with their melodies. Vihaan Gaur returned with a classical piece, beautifully accompanied by his brother Vyom Gaur on tabla, leaving the audience captivated.

Beautiful photo booths and festive installations by KS Decors of Rancho Cordova and Taksh Decors n Rentals from Roseville/Rocklin became major attractions, earning praise for their creativity and attention to detail. A dedicated carnival and Arts & Crafts zone, organized by Art of Living Foundation volunteers including Kanchana Tatipigari and Nitisha Gilra, added interactive fun for children and families.

Cultural competitions created lively engagement across age groups, with events such as the Rangoli Contest led by Hemalatha Kola, the Lantern Competition by Akshatha Nithin, the Cooking Challenge coordinated by Neha Erraboini and Prabhat Takur, the Youth Costume Show organized by Spoorthi Kotla and Amrutha Chalasani, and the Saree and Lehenga Showcase led by Trupti Tiwari and Priyanka Rathi. Judges Venu Acharya, Lalita Vedula, Latha Acharya, Mrudula Hipparagi, Priya Paladugu, Swetha Miriyala, and Jhansi Paluri were acknowledged for their thoughtful evaluation and support.

Lead organizers including Mr. Bhaskar Vempati (Founder & President), Vandna Sharma, Shobha Rao, Venu Acharya, Trupti Tiwari, Padmapriya Maddy, Avinash Maddy, Bala Kodavatikanti, Srinivas Sankala, Ruma Baruah, Dhrubha Kalit, Prasad Bodapati, and Narsing Devayani, extended heartfelt gratitude to the City of Rancho Cordova, the Parks Department, attendees, sponsors, and volunteers for their support.

Mr. Bhaskar Vempati expressed sincere appreciation to the City for providing Measure H funds, which played a pivotal role in making the event a grand success. He also thanked photographers Bharath Pingali, Manish Ved, Anil Dokula, Padmapriya Maddy, and Rick Sloan, and videographer Lakshmi Manubolu, and Deepak Manubolu for capturing the celebration.

Co-organizer Mr. Vandna extended special thanks to sponsors including City of Rancho Cordova, SMUD, Stratus Environmental Inc., Shankar Pathi, Nag Dondapati, Vijay Bhupathi, Kiranaa Bazar, Bawarchi Restaurant, Curries & Biryanis, Taksh Decors n Rentals, and K&S Decors, with a specific note of appreciation for their décor and photo booth contributions. Co-organizer Shobha Rao acknowledged all performers, competition participants, and emcees Shalini Madra, Nikith Guntaka, Srinidhi Nagunuri, Ridhi Yachavarapu, Uthara Menon, and Avyukth Salver for bringing the stage to life with grace and enthusiasm.

A heartfelt thank you was also extended to decoration team including Ruma Baruah, Dhruba Kalita, Hasini Morasu, Sunitha Morasu, Subbu Morasu, Arjun Dhulipala, Vaishvi Gaddampalli, Shashi Gaddampalli, Anvi, Vihaan Gaur, Vyom Gaur, Jagan Chidella, Geetha Chidella, Raja Kopparapu, Amit Joshi, Hemalatha Kola, Anu Nandagopal, Sloka Pachava, whose efforts transformed the park into a festive wonderland.

Sound and stage coordination by Balu Kodavatikanti, Jagan Yachavarapu, and Syam Yeleti ensured that every announcement and performance flowed seamlessly. The other volunteers included Jithendra Byni, Swetha Ranganath, Lakshmi Manubolu, Sri Ramya Midatha, Satish Midatha,  Neehar Jandhylaa, Bala Jonnalagadda and others. 

The event concluded as a shining example of teamwork and community spirit. Over thirty volunteers devoted their time and energy to ensure a smooth and memorable celebration. Their dedication, along with the support of the community and city partners, made Rancho Cordova’s Diwali Festival of Lights a celebration to remember.