Buoyant Community Spirit Marks IASA Diwali Celebrations

India-West Staff Reporter

RIVERSIDE, CA – The Indian American Social Association (IASA) hosted a vibrant Diwali celebration in Southern California, bringing together 500 attendees for a night filled with cultural performances, delicious cuisine, and music. The event, held to celebrate the spirit of Diwali, attracted a diverse crowd from the local community.

IASA co-founders Rajbir Singh Taneja and Jasmine Kaur, along with members of the executive team, welcomed a number of distinguished guests to the event. The evening began with a captivating Bollywood performance, featuring singer Rashmi Kate, who entertained the audience with her soulful voice. The performance was followed by a dance routine from Vinani Jayasinghe, a popular artist with over 24 million YouTube followers, whose show-stopping routine earned a standing ovation from the crowd.

The event reached its peak with a high-energy concert by renowned Sufi and Bollywood singer Yash Wadali, whose electrifying performance turned the night into an unforgettable Diwali party. Guests flocked to the dance floor, enjoying the lively atmosphere.

During the event, IASA took time to recognize several community leaders for their contributions. Dr. Manoj Shah, Chief and Associate Professor in Pediatric Gastroenterology at Loma Linda University, was honored for his work in medicine. Mahesh Wadher, a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist, was also acknowledged for his philanthropic efforts. Ravi Marwaha and Dr. Bharat Patel were recognized for their ongoing support and guidance to IASA.

Naresh Solanki, Mayor of Cerritos, commended IASA for its commitment to the local community, particularly its focus on projects addressing homelessness and mental health.

The evening also featured delicious food from Swad of India and was emceed by Meenu Jain and Pritpaul Singh.