Vidya Vox captivated over 10,000 attendees at San Jose’s inaugural Diwali Carnival, celebrating cultural diversity and community spirit on October 25.
American YouTuber and singer Vidya Vox drew a crowd of more than 10,000 people to downtown San Jose on October 25 for the city’s first-ever Diwali celebrations, marking a significant milestone in the community’s cultural landscape.
Vox entertained the audience with her unique blend of Western pop, electronic dance music, Bollywood hits, and Indian classical music, creating an electrifying atmosphere that resonated with attendees from San Jose and surrounding areas.
The event was organized by a coalition that included the San Jose Downtown Association, the City of San Jose, Mayor Matt Mahan, PARKSJ, the Association of Indo Americans (AIA), and Bolly 92.3FM. This collaboration underscored the importance of community engagement and cultural representation in the city.
Mayor Matt Mahan expressed his enthusiasm for the event, stating, “This celebration truly reflects the values of our city — inclusivity, diversity, vibrancy, and joy.” His support was instrumental in bringing the vision of the Diwali Carnival to life.
The festivities took place at Plaza de Cesar Chavez, featuring a variety of cultural performances, music, food stalls, vendor booths, and carnival games. Local dance schools showcased energetic Bollywood performances, inviting audience members to join in on the fun with impromptu dance opportunities.
As the night progressed, attendees participated in a spontaneous flash mob, culminating in a lively dance party led by DJ Asif, which brought the entire crowd together in celebration.
In a display of cultural appreciation, San Jose City Hall was adorned with Diwali-themed lights and traditional decorations, symbolizing the city’s commitment to multicultural harmony and inclusion.
During the event, Assemblymember Ash Kalra was honored with an “Award of Excellence” for his community leadership and for sponsoring AB 268, which officially designated Diwali as a state holiday in California. Community leader Ajay Jain Bhutoria was also recognized for his significant contributions to the Indian diaspora and his role in securing Governor Gavin Newsom’s vetoes of SB 509 and SB 403.
The celebration attracted over 20 elected officials and dignitaries, including Deputy Consul General of India Rakesh Adlakha, Congressman Sam Liccardo (CA-16), and various mayors and councilmembers from nearby cities. Their presence highlighted the importance of the event in fostering community ties and celebrating cultural diversity.
Gumby Marques, CEO of the San Jose Downtown Association, emphasized the inclusive spirit of the celebration, stating, “You don’t have to be Irish to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, you don’t have to be German to celebrate Oktoberfest, and you don’t have to be Indian to enjoy Diwali.” His remarks encapsulated the essence of the Diwali Carnival as a celebration for all.
The inaugural Diwali Carnival in San Jose not only showcased the vibrant culture of the Indian community but also served as a reminder of the city’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity. As the festivities concluded, the overwhelming sense of joy and community spirit left a lasting impression on all who attended.
Source: Original article