Inland Empire Community Joyfully Blends Culture & Community Spirit At Diwali Event

India-West Staff Reporter

REDLANDS, CA — On the afternoon of November 15, members of the Indian American community here, gathered at the Whitmer Auditorium at Colton High School to celebrate the festival of Diwali in a lively cultural show that blended music, dance and community spirit.

The event drew more than 500 participants and guests of honor included Mario Salcedo, Mayor of Redlands, and Eddie Tajeda, City Councilmember.

Dressed in shimmering saris, lehengas and kurta-pajamas, the dancers and musicians opened the program with a lively fusion of Bollywood and classical Indian movement. The music ranged from devotional chant to foot-stomping Bollywood mashups: first a serene invocation to the Goddess Lakshmi, candles flickering on stage, then a modern step-up number set to a recreated film-song beat. Later, a medley of regional folk styles brought the crowd to its feet.

Dr Akshat Jain thanked the enthusiastic attendees who braved the winter rains to be there.

Mayor Salcedo praised the community’s commitment saying, “This celebration shows how our city thrives when we embrace our many cultures.” Councilmember Tajeda echoed the sentiment, adding that he looked forward to the event becoming a fixture in Redlands’ cultural calendar.

Organizers noted that the show’s goal was as much about cultural education as it was celebration. Indeed, many newcomers were spotted navigating the program booklet, sampling delicious snacks and raising a toast to new friendships.

The show closed with dynamic performance on stage by adult participants from the community performing a series of well-rehearsed Hollywood dance numbers in a hall that radiated the final tableau of the Festival of Lights.