The Bay Area is home to a rich mixture of cultures, and one such culture is ‘the Indian culture’. Being one of the places with a big Indian community in the USA, the area is full of different types of festivals that represent the diversity of the nation. No matter the type, these festivals also include those that are meant only for the Indian communities in the Bay Area. This is a feast for the eyes and ears. This guide shall showcase some of the major Indian festivals that the Bay Area mentions, so you will have a field day with all the colorful impressions waiting for you.
Diwali: The Festival of Lights
When: October/November (dates are subject to the lunar calendar)
Where: San Francisco in San Mateo County and Fremont/Milpitas
Also through the history of Hinduism it had managed to establish itself as the “ Festival of light” as one of the biggest and most important celebrations in the Indian calendar. While in the region it is celebrated in style and spirit and the Bay Area diwali festival is characterized with indoors artificial lighting, tasting sugary snacks, diverse arrangements of the cultural shows, and stunning outdoor lighting shows. Often accompanied by an array of traditional dances, music, fireworks and all those put together leave the impression of being unbroken and having fun.
Must-See Events:
Diwali Fair: Located in Fremont, this fair is characterized with some degree of food, some shopping, entertainment of different kinds to make a fun filled day for family and friends.
Diwali Celebration at the San Francisco Hindu Temple: This event has a highlight pooja that is worshipped first and afterwards people gather to celebrate with food and fun.
Holi: The Festival of Colors
When: March (dates vary based on lunar calendar )
Where: Different places which include particularly Palo Alto and Berkeley
Holi also known as the Festival of Colors is a full of mood celebration which celebrates spring time. Powders of color are thrown among the participants who also dance and eat the local delicacies. When it comes to celebrating Holi in the Bay Area, a vision of bright glasses, laughter and communal fun among people results.
Must-See Events:
Stanford University Holi Festival: Another popular event is where Students and families have a social good time enjoying music, dance and of course color and just feeling alive!
Holi at the Berkeley Hindu Temple: Starting with the customary rites, this event devotes the remaining day in spirited feasting and physical entertainment for children and grown up’s.
Navratri: A parade of the Goddess
When: September/October (nine nights)
Where: Various places, predominantly in San Jose and Fremont
Navratri, a nine-night festival performed in honor of Goddess Durga, is one of the most awaited festivals of the Bay Area. It is observed with filling zeal in the Bay Area over a period of nine nights dedicating each night to a swapna, usually a ‘Garba’ or ‘Dandiya Raas’ is performed. Here participants wear colorful costumes and dance to the mat music.
Must-See Events:
Navratri Garba Nights in San Jose: With great enthusiasm, the organisers arrange energetic dance nights that attract thousands of participants. A DJ or band adds to the atmosphere, and everyone has a great time.
Fremont Navratri Festival: Curiously, this week-long bash includes a performance of artistic pieces, a showing of street vendors, and a customary prayer ritual.
Eid: Bringing People Together
When: Takes place at a different date every year, usually in April/May
Where: Various locations such as Santa Clara and San Francisco
Eid al-Fitr is one of the most important events of Islam that usually signifies the end of Ramadan. In the Bay Area, some of the ways in which the four-day community includes public prayers, known as salah, community meals, and charity. Eid much like most holidays embodies togetherness, and this is seen when the people come out en masse for this celebration.
Must-See Events:
Eid Celebrations at the Muslim Community Association (MCA) in Santa Clara- this is made up of prayers, feasting, and children’s entertainment.
Eid Bazaar, San Francisco- Indian Events’ There is array of activities which includes, various stalls selling ethnic dresses, ornaments, yummy food and much more.
Pongal: Harvest Festival of South India
When? January 14-17
Where? San Francisco Bay Area
Pongal is predominantly a Tamil Nadu four days festival. It is a harvest festival, which is celebrated among Tamil along with the repast in honour of the sun god as soon as the southern winter solstice is over. Pongal in the Bay Area centers around food, music, and dance.
Must-See Events:
Pongal Celebration, at the Tamil Cultural Center is a cooking competition, there are traditional music and traditional dances celebrating the richness that the south Indian culture has.
At the local temples, some community held Pongal Fest where many temples celebrated by performing traditional rituals and offering a festive banquet in the form of sweet rice called Pongal which is made of jaggery.
Baisakhi: The Fresh Harvest Festival of Punjab
When: April 13/14
Where: Multiple places especially in and around the ‘Sikh’ belts of the Bay Area.
Punjab New Year and the harvest season in Punjab, are marked out by the harvest festival called Baisakhi. It is characterized by community interactions, music and dances such as Bhangra & Gidda.
Must See events:
Baisakhi Mela in San Jose is an event where stalls are set up to serve food, showcase culture and conduct community prayers inclusive of punjabi cultural appeal.
Indians at Sikh Guruduwaras throughout the Bay area: There are several Gurudwaras that run special programs consisting of prayers, Langar, and performances.
Conclusion
One can enjoy the marvelous celebrations of such Indian festivals in Bay Area, where one can impart a gist of the intoxicating Indian depth and emotionality. One can afford to relish on sizzling Indian dala, or participate in the festive and fairy tale rioting of colors or simply enjoy the just animated atmosphere of a festive period—the spirit of the environment is there for the one and all. So do not forget to jot the dates and get ready for the festivities this time as these events guarantee to be memorable ones which would bring the society together. So gather friends and family and apply as one of the participant in the action packed celebrations which one can say are sanctified by the spirit of India!
