13th Annual Diwali SA Festival of Lights to Feature Culture, Tastes, Arts and Music of India

CONTACT: Economic Development Department
Caitlin Cowart, O: 210-207-3996
[email protected]

SAN ANTONIO (Oct. 19, 2021) - Culture, tastes, arts, and music of India will be celebrated during the 13th Annual Diwali SA Festival of Lights on November 6, 2021 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Hemisfair starting from Alamo street to the Tower of the Americas which is an event partner this year. This year, the event will take place onsite after celebrating virtually in 2020. In addition to the Festival being fully outdoors, additional COVID-19 safety measures will be taken such as hand sanitization stations, masking for event staff and vendors and an event layout that spaces out activities.

Co-hosted by the City of San Antonio and Anuja SA, Diwali SA commemorates San Antonio's Sister City relationship with Chennai, India. Anuja SA's mission is to foster relationships between San Antonio and Chennai in the areas of Arts and Culture, Medicine, Education, Business and Commerce, and Sports and Recreation. The festival is partially funded by the City of San Antonio's Department of Arts and Culture and the City's coordination is facilitated through the Global Engagement Office under the Economic Development Department.

"DiwaliSA's return to Hemisfair this year is welcome news. DiwaliSA has grown into one of the most important cultural arts festivals in San Antonio and brings together our community in a celebration of the diverse rich culture of India where we have a sister city relationship with Chennai," said Mayor Ron Nirenberg. "I commend the organizers on their careful planning to facilitate an event that takes all the necessary public health guidance into account to ensure a safe evening."

Akin to New Year's Eve, Diwali is the biggest and brightest festival in India - celebrating the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance. Since its inception in 2009, the San Antonio spin-off has grown to become the largest city-sanctioned Diwali in the United States, attracting tens of thousands attendees to the downtown area annually.

"We are excited to be back at Hemisfair for Diwali SA this year. This year's event has several new attractions and activities that we are certain that everyone will enjoy," Anuia SA President Kausi Subramaniam expressed.
The festivities at Hemisfair and will include the Tower of Americas as part of the footprint of the event which is held between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. on November 6 include:

• Lighting up of Hemisfair from Alamo Street to the Tower of Americas with automated lights moving and changing color to music from the Indian film industry. Hemisfair will be more saturated with light than it has been for any Diwali event in the past.
• Rangoli/Kolam (Indian floor art) designs created by the regional Indian associations unique to their states will be on display.
• Special procession and Diya release by the regional Indian associations will feature members of 12 associations dressed in the unique traditional attire of the state of India they are representing.
• Diya or floating candle release by event visitors into the fountains of Hemisfair as they make a wish for health, happiness, and peace for all.
• Dance performances by UTSA Sapna (Bollywood/Fusion Dance Team), UTSA's Alamo City Bhangra and local, classical Indian dance schools.
• Food, Clothing, Jewelry, Handicraft, and Henna Vendors
• DJ Lakha performing top Bollywood hits

"This year, with a return to onsite activity, attendees will be able to experience and enjoy firsthand the food and music as well as experience the other vendors who will be present. We take this opportunity to wish all our residents of Indian heritage in the San Antonio region a happy Diwali," said Shahrzad Dowlatshahi, Chief Diplomacy & Protocol Officer for the City of San Antonio.

For more festival information and updates, visit www.DiwaliSA.com or call (833) 4-ANUJASA.

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