DiwaliSA will illuminate Hemisfair and Arneson River Theatre in downtown San Antonio on Saturday. From 4:30 p.m. to midnight, visitors will enjoy food, music and traditions of India at the free festival of lights, now in its 16th year.
The City of San Antonio and the nonprofit AnujaSA are co-presenting DiwaliSA as a culturally rich event featuring traditional Indian dances representing the states of India, entertainment, food and crafts. The event also includes a ceremonial lighting along the River Walk, a river parade, an Indian bazaar, henna stations and a fireworks display to close out the night.
According to a city news release, the tradition of Diwali marks a triumph of light over dark, and an opportunity for Hindus to begin a new year by championing personal knowledge, truth and perseverance.
Hindus worldwide observe a “festival of lights” during Diwali by placing candles, lamps and lights in homes and streets to light up the night, according to the Spirituality and Practice website. Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, is usually associated with Diwali, and her help is sought by Hindus to grow spiritually.
The popularity of DiwaliSA has grown largely thanks to a sister city agreement that local officials signed with Chennai, India, in 2008.
“San Antonio is rich in culture and honored to support celebrations like DiwaliSA,” Mayor Ron Nirenberg said in the news release. “This event is a prime example of the camaraderie that exists through the city of San Antonio’s alliance with Chennai, India as a sister-city. This event allows residents and visitors alike to celebrate while strengthening friendship and solidarity.”
Through the sister city pact, the nonprofit AnujaSA has been instrumental in helping to develop numerous exchanges, including arts and culture, medicine, education, business, sports and recreation.
AnujaSA President Kausi Subramaniam called DiwaliSA a celebration of Indian culture, a tribute to Indian heritage and an invitation for all San Antonians to enjoy the spirit of unity and diversity.
DiwaliSA festivities began Oct. 19 when AnujaSA collaborated with Pearl to offer a free screening of the film Bollywood Hollywood along with Indian cuisine and crafts.
“We are thrilled to bring this festival to life once again at Arneson Theatre and Hemisfair in the heart of downtown San Antonio,” Subramaniam said in the release. “Join us on Saturday, November 2nd for a night of lights, music, dance, the river parade, vendors, fireworks and much more as we come together to illuminate our community with joy and togetherness.”
Sherry Dowlatshahi, the city’s chief protocol officer, said AnujaSA has worked closely with the city’s economic development department to help ensure the city continues providing culturally diverse events and programming such as Diwali SA.
“The annual DiwaliSA is our most important cultural activity held locally celebrating our sister city relationship in India with Chennai and sharing the beautiful culture of India with our residents,” Dowlatshahi said In the release. “The city is a proud partner of this important arts festival which is made possible through partnership, generous sponsors, and a strong volunteer network.”