Diwali 2024: Thousands of people came to the Diwali Festival of Lights in Fremont

FREMONT, Calif. (KGO) — Diwali is the festival of lights celebrated all over the world by South Asians.

This year the holiday fell on November first and thousands of people from Fremont came to celebrate at Gurdwara Sahib on Friday evening.

Diwali is known as the Hindu festival of lights, but other religious communities, such as the Sikhs, also celebrate the festival in early autumn.

Sunny Singh from Hayward came with his wife and daughter to celebrate at the temple.

“It’s a celebration of lighting, family gatherings and helping others,” Singh said. “It’s more like Thanksgiving, more like Christmas.”

Everyone came out dressed in their Sunday best.

“People come here dressed up and want to pay their respects,” said Jasdev Singh, a volunteer.

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It was an opportunity to make wishes and light small clay lamps called diyas.

Lamps often illuminate homes and streets during Diwali.

“When you want to greet someone, our policy is to light the house with lightning,” Singh said.

Student Avneet Kaur lit several lamps to continue the tradition.

“I actually came home to celebrate it with my family,” Kaur said.

That Friday evening, Kaur came with her mother and one of her friends to celebrate the Festival of Lights.

“For me, the most important thing is to be able to continue this tradition and keep it alive,” Kaur said.

After lighting the diya, Kaur joined others who entered the temple to pray.

Then the celebration continued, during which the neighbors enjoyed sweets and other delicacies.

Diwali is an occasion to celebrate light over darkness and happiness over sadness.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to express gratitude and wish prosperity and health to all family members,” said Vikram Virk of Fremont.

“It’s important for everyone. When you look around here, you will see everyone celebrating, lighting Christmas decorations,” said Inder Saini, a college student.

It is a family-friendly holiday rooted in joy, love and community.