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As if San Antonio needed another reason to throw a party, the city now officially celebrates Diwali: the Festival of Lights. Texas Public Radio’s David Martin Davies has the story.
October 14, 2009 ·
The City of San Antonio's International Affairs Department and the India Association of San Antonio are working together to hold the first city-wide celebration of Diwali.
Kausi Subramaniam is the chairperson of the San Antonio-Chennai Sister City Task Force.
“It’s the largest and most festive holiday in India. And we’re doing this in commemoration of our newest sister city Chennai, India, which that document was signed last year by Mayor Hardberger,” said Subramaniam.
India has risen to become an economic power. It was largely hindered during the global recession and city leader look to build cultural and economic bridges with India.
Promoting the celebration of Diwali is one way to do that. Subramaniam says it’s also a way for the city to enjoy it’s cultural diversity.
“We want this to be an annual event, and we want participation from everyone. We don’t want this to be limited to the Indian community. We want to share this with the community at large here in San Antonio,” she said.
The celebration includes food, music and Indian dancing.
“There’s going to be classical, folk and contemporary Bollywood,” said Subramaniam.
There’s also the release of candles into the river and fireworks. San Antonio Celebrates Diwali on November first at the Arneson River Theater. The event is free.
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