Diwali SA Festival of Lights

Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is one of the most important festivals in India, celebrating the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil and the human ability to overcome. The festival is an annual homecoming for families and communities.

Diwali is a holiday widely celebrated in India, South Asia, and across the Indian Diaspora. Traditional Diwali customs include the illumination of lights, candles, firecrackers, and diya (clay lamps) to symbolize the victory of inner light over spiritual darkness. Diwali SA features immersive light displays for children and adults. Festival attendees gather for a collective lighting of diyas, floating them into the night down the San Antonio River. Throughout the day, there are performances of Indian music and dance, fusion performances blending elements of Indian dance with Flamenco, ballet folklorico and other styles, a River Parade of Indian States, displays of Indian art, and vendors selling food, jewelry, and handicrafts. A huge fireworks display concludes the evening.

Diwali SA is produced by Anuja SA, a local, volunteer-led nonprofit founded in 2008 to support the Sister City relationship between San Antonio and Chennai, India.