Diwali is India's biggest holiday that celebrates light, prosperity, and brightness through a week of vibrant festivities, delicious feasts, traditional puja (prayers), and so much more. Here in the San Francisco Bay Area, our large South Asian populations all commemorate this radiant holiday in joyous events that bring together their entire local communities. With Diwali set on Monday October 24th this year, here is a list of a few of the happenings all on Saturday October 15th to partake in.
See also: Best SF Bay Area Indian Fashion Shops
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1275 Minnesota St / (415) 580-7662 / Website
besharamrestaurant.com | @besharamsf | milkandcardamom.com | @milkandcardamom
Head to Besharam, as you truly won't want to miss the talented Chef Heena Patel's luxuriously exclusive one-night-only Gujarati feast. This grand $125 banquet will be a prix fixe vegetarian menu that showcases authentic Gujarati flavors which all harken back to the culinary visionary's childhood favorites. From exquisitely crafted gunpowder potatoes, to samosas, naan, and Maska Paneer, this is a truly nourishing family-style experience, especially with the divine dessert course presented by Chef Patel's friend Chef Hetal Vasavada Milk & Cardamom fame!
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1168 Folsom St / (415) 913-7256 / Website
DECANTsf on Folsom will be partnering with Naidu Wines to celebrate the occasion in posh style as she pours her newly released fall wine collection, but the free fun doesn't end there. Chef Siddhi Balaji is alo slated to bring a Biryani Pop-Up for all party goers to replenish on in both vegetarian and lamb. There will also be irresistable Indian snacks like Gulab Jamun, as well as premier charcuterie and wine for purchase, guaranteeing a party both in this cute wine lounge, and in your stomach.
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1538 Fillmore St / Website
Beginning at 9:30pm, RIZE SF will be throwing an absolutely electric Diwali Dance Party with hip-hop, pop house, and South Asian beats, all co-presented by Parivar Bay Area and the GLBTQ+ Asian Pacific Alliance. Parivar Bay Area is a Transgender-led organization devoted to centering, empowering, and advocating for Transgender South Asians, while GLBTQ+ Asian Pacific Alliance (GAPA) has been a trusted resource since 1988 for the local queer and transgender API community. This highly enjoyable evening will also be put on by QT Nightlife, a safe and inviting space for all intersectional identities to have fun and build lasting friendships.
41717 Palm Ave, Fremont / (510) 304-5619 / Website
Down in Fremont, the FOG Diwali Fair will run from 10am until 7pm at the Mission San Jose High School. This is a free-entry event that includes a stunning parade showcased by Hollywood & Bollywood actor Omi Vaidya, a fashion show, tasty food, and so much more.
550 East Remington Dr, Sunnyvale / Website
Over in Sunnyvale's Community Center will be an entire day of live music, food trucks, a costume parade, and Diya lighting from 10am until 5pm. This fun local gathering is organized by the South Asian Cultural Association of Sunnyvale, which strives to further city inclusion and kind tolerance.
357 Castro St, Mountain View / Website
Sat Oct 15 2022 at 04:00 pm
Dandies Barbershop is a Downtown Mountain View landmark for their precise handiwork and commitment to their community. On Saturday at 4pm, they, along with DZ Lashes, will graciously host a trendy gathering with music, vegan bites crafted by Date Night Catering Services, and more. This is a fantastic opportunity to connect with the downtown businesses, as well as show off your most fashionable Desi outfits!
650 Shell Blvd / Website
Over in Foster City from 2 to 7pm, celebrate the Festival of Lights with cultural performances, kid-friendly art activities, and end it all with a serene Diya Lighting on the waterfront at sunset.
We hope you have a joyous Diwali and that it's as brilliant as these charming events!
See also: San Francisco's Best Authentic Indian Restaurants
Photography by: Rahul Pandit/Unsplash
