Elk Grove Illuminates the Night with Vibrant Diwali Festivities

On the evening of October 13, 2025, the city of Elk Grove radiated with joy and cultural vibrancy as hundreds gathered at District 56 to celebrate the 6th annual Diwali Festival of Lights.

Hosted by USA Sanatan in collaboration with the City of Elk Grove's Diversity & Inclusion Commission, the free community event showcased a rich tapestry of traditional Indian music, dance performances, and a dazzling fashion show.

Attendees were treated to a complimentary dinner featuring authentic Indian cuisine and traditional Diwali sweets, fostering a sense of unity and shared celebration.

“This festival celebrates the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil,” remarked Bhavin Parikh, the event's lead organizer.

The significance of this year's celebration was amplified by recent legislative developments.

On October 6, 2025, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 268 into law, officially recognizing Diwali as a state holiday in California.

This landmark decision positions California as the third U.S. state to grant such recognition, following Pennsylvania and Connecticut.

The law, effective January 1, 2026, permits public schools and community colleges to close on Diwali, allows state employees to opt for a paid day off, and grants students excused absences to partake in the festivities.

Assemblymember Ash Kalra, the first Indian American elected to the California Legislature and a co-author of the bill, emphasized the importance of this recognition.

“Designating Diwali as an official state holiday will uplift its message to the hundreds of thousands of Californians that celebrate and help introduce it to many throughout our diverse state,” he stated.

Elk Grove's Mayor Bobbie Singh-Allen highlighted the city's commitment to inclusivity.

“We are one of the most diverse cities in the United States. We are a city that is welcome to all,” she affirmed.

The festival's interfaith Diya (lamp) lighting ceremony symbolized the universal themes of Diwali, resonating with attendees from various cultural backgrounds.

As the evening concluded, the community's collective spirit illuminated the night, embodying the essence of Diwali's message: the enduring victory of light over darkness and the unifying power of shared traditions.

For those who missed the Elk Grove celebration, another Diwali event is scheduled at the California State Capitol in Sacramento on October 14, 2025, at 11 a.m., offering another opportunity to partake in the festivities.

For a visual glimpse into the Elk Grove Diwali celebration, watch the following video: