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San Jose hosts first Diwali carnival with 10,000 attendees
Thousands gather in downtown San Jose as the city partners with local organizations to celebrate Diwali with music, dance, and cultural programs highlighting community inclusivity.
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Staff Reporter - Thu, 30, Oct 2025
- 14:34 EDT
- 46
Nearly 10,000 attendees were seen at the San Jose Diwali Carnival / Courtesy: Association of Indo Americans (AIA)
Downtown San Jose witnessed a historic cultural celebration on Oct. 25 as the city hosted its first-ever Diwali Carnival, drawing an estimated 10,000 attendees to Plaza de Cesar Chavez.
The event, jointly presented by the San Jose Downtown Association, the City of San Jose, Mayor Matt Mahan, PARKSJ, the Association of Indo Americans (AIA), and Bolly 92.3FM, brought India’s Festival of Lights to the heart of Silicon Valley.
The celebration featured live performances, cultural showcases, and a headline act by singer Vidya Vox, whose fusion music performance drew enthusiastic applause from the crowd.
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The venue transformed into a lively carnival with food stalls, vendor booths, dance performances, and games, creating a festive environment that lasted into the night.
The evening opened with energetic Bollywood dance routines by Bay Area artists, followed by impromptu audience participation and a spontaneous flash mob that added to the celebratory spirit.
The night concluded with a large DJ-led dance session, where hundreds joined in for a collective celebration of Diwali. City Hall was illuminated with Diwali-themed lights, symbolizing cultural unity and inclusion.
Traditional decorations adorned the venue, enhancing the festive atmosphere and reflecting the city’s growing cultural diversity.
“This celebration truly reflects the values of our city—inclusivity, diversity, vibrancy, and joy,” said Mayor Matt Mahan, who supported the initiative from its inception.
Gumby Marques, CEO of the San Jose Downtown Association, noted the event’s broad appeal. “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,” he said, describing it as a “Diwali for all.”
During the ceremony, Assemblymember Ash Kalra received an “Award of Excellence” for his role in passing AB 268, making Diwali an official state holiday in California. Another award was presented to community leader Ajay Bhutoria for his advocacy within the Indian diaspora and contributions to state policy discussions.
More than 20 elected officials and dignitaries attended, including representatives from local, state, and federal offices, all extending Diwali greetings to the crowd. Their presence underscored the city’s commitment to cultural inclusion and community engagement.
The event was graced by over 20 elected officials and dignitaries / Courtesy: Association of Indo Americans (AIA)The AIA-led Diwali Carnival was seen as a milestone event, emphasizing how cultural celebrations can strengthen civic connections and promote shared values across communities.
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