Over 25,000 attendees celebrated the Ganesh Festival in San Ramon, showcasing devotion, culture, and community spirit at the East Bay Ka Raja event on September 19.
The “Ganpati Bappa Morya – Bay Area’s Grand Ganesh Festival” attracted more than 25,000 visitors and devotees to Bishop Ranch and City Center in San Ramon on Saturday, September 19.
Held under the theme “EAST BAY KA RAJA,” the festival featured a stunning 12-foot Ganesha installation, darshan, devotional programs, cultural performances, food stalls, shopping opportunities, children’s activities, and evening celebrations.
The festival commenced with a Sacred Beginning and Ganesha Pratishthapana at 12:30 p.m. Darshan continued throughout the day, welcoming a steady stream of families and visitors seeking blessings from East Bay Ka Raja.
Thousands participated in the festival’s devotional programs, including the Dhoop Aarti, Special Flower Archana, and Sahasra Aarti. The evening festivities included the Sahasra Aarti, followed by the Grand Dhol Tasha celebration, Pallaki Seva Procession, and the traditional Ganesh Visarjan. The Spartans Grand Dhol Tasha group energized the crowd as thousands joined in the procession.
Families enjoyed a day filled with Indian cuisine, shopping, cultural performances, children’s activities, arts and crafts, competitions, and entertainment. The Kids Arts & Activity Zone buzzed with activity, while the Kids Ganesha Art Competition saw enthusiastic participation from children and families alike.
The cultural stage showcased classical dance, devotional music, Ganesh Vandana, Bhajans, Mangal Geet, and other performances, reflecting various aspects of Indian culture and tradition.
The festival grounds featured decorated vendor booths, festive displays, and numerous photo opportunities, creating a vibrant atmosphere throughout the day. Attendees explored a marketplace filled with Indian food, products, services, and local businesses while enjoying the celebrations.
The event was graced by dignitaries, community leaders, and distinguished guests, highlighting the growing presence and civic visibility of the Indian American community in the Tri-Valley and greater San Francisco Bay Area. Notable attendees included San Ramon Vice Mayor Merisol Rubio, Dublin Mayor Sherry Hu, Pleasanton Mayor Jack Balch, San Ramon Councilmembers Sridhar Verose and Richard Adler, and Dublin Councilmember John Morada, along with Melissa Hernandez, President of the BART Board of Directors.
Months of planning and community support culminated in the success of the 2026 Bay Area Grand Ganesh Festival, organized by a dedicated team of organizers, volunteers, sponsors, vendors, performers, community partners, public safety teams, and civic authorities.
“This was much more than an event. It was a collective expression of faith, culture, community, and gratitude,” said the organizers in a press release. “Seeing thousands of devotees continuously waiting for Darshan, participating in every Aarti, celebrating with our children, supporting our vendors, and then coming together for the Grand Dhol Tasha and Visarjan was an incredibly emotional and proud moment for everyone who worked on this festival. East Bay Ka Raja truly brought the community together.”
According to India Currents, the festival’s success underscores the vibrant cultural tapestry of the Bay Area and the enduring spirit of its diverse communities.