Gujaratis Of North America Hosts Vibrant Diwali Celebration In SoCal

India-West Staff Reporter

NORWALK, CA – Gujaratis of North America (GONA), in collaboration with Love Sports, hosted a ‘Gujarati Unity’ Festival Diwali celebration on October 26 at the Sanatan Dharma Temple, bringing together the vibrant Gujarati community for an evening of culture, pride, and togetherness.

The celebration opened with a live bhajan performance by Bhavik Haria from the U.K., whose devotional melodies and garba tunes set the perfect festive mood.

A highlight of the night was the recognition of the “Eight Jewels of Los Angeles” – inspiring women behind successful men – who were honored with plaques and a standing ovation. The honorees included Harsha Patel, Rika Shah, Pushpa Patel, Usha Wadher, Nalini Solanki, Rekha Bajaria, Dr. Daksha Jain Kapadia, and Preeti Shah.

The audience was also captivated by a thought-provoking presentation and interview with Shantanu Gupta, acclaimed writer, storyteller, and producer known for his works on the Ramayana. The evening’s entertainment continued with roaring laughter during a stand-up comedy act by Indian American comedian Rajiv Satyal, leaving the crowd thoroughly delighted.

Hosted by GONA President Pramod Mistry, the event concluded with a sumptuous Gujarati dinner by Jaybharat, perfectly wrapping up a night that celebrated unity, culture, and the festive spirit of Diwali.