Celebrating Diwali at the Indian Consulate in San Francisco
On October 17, the Indian Consulate in San Francisco celebrated its first Diwali, marking a significant moment at their new location on Stevenson Blvd. The event brought smiles and joy as members of the Indian community gathered to honor this important festival.
Dr. K. Srikar Reddy, the Indian consul general, expressed gratitude to California for acknowledging the contributions of the Indian diaspora. He noted that Diwali holds great meaning for many, especially for those following Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism. “We have a vast Indian community here, and this acknowledgment really makes them happy,” Reddy explained.
The celebration comes after Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 268 on October 6, officially recognizing Diwali as a state holiday starting in 2026.
Prathima Reddy, the consul general’s wife, shared her excitement about celebrating Diwali for the first time at the new consulate. “Being with loved ones makes it even more special,” she said.
Deputy Consul General Rakesh Adlakha also expressed his pleasure at hosting this festive occasion, thanking California for its recognition of Diwali.
The 22nd floor of the consulate was brimming with colorful decorations, lights, traditional dance, Bollywood music, and a variety of delicious Indian dishes, creating a warm festive atmosphere.
Mark Chandler from the San Francisco Mayor’s Office highlighted the importance of the Indian community in San Francisco. He emphasized the city’s rich tapestry of cultures and called for a special moment to celebrate the Indian community during Diwali.
Evan G. Reade, international affairs advisor to California’s Lieutenant Governor, praised the consulate’s new home, reflecting the strength of India and its people. He reiterated California’s recognition of Diwali as an important holiday.
Rana Sarkar, the consul general of Canada in San Francisco, delivered warm wishes, emphasizing the spirit of peace that Diwali represents. Derrick Lew, acting chief of the San Francisco Police Department, noted that the timing of the celebration is meaningful given the city’s commitment to safety and community partnerships.
Local leaders, including Raj Chahal and Murali Srinivasan, expressed their pride and excitement about the growing presence of the Indian community, underscoring their contributions to the city.
M.R. Rangaswami, founder of Indiaspora, spoke about the journey of the Indian diaspora’s growth in San Francisco, hoping for Diwali to become a mainstream holiday in the U.S.
Vijaya Aasuri, co-founder of the Association of Indo Americans, shared the dream of celebrating Diwali as a national U.S. holiday. Dr. Romesh Japra highlighted the festival’s significance in combating darkness and promoting goodness.
Khanderao Kand praised the achievements of the Indian community in various fields, noting their contributions to peace and prosperity in the U.S. Ajay Bhutoria thanked local leaders for their efforts in establishing Diwali as a state holiday.
Gurdeep Kaur Chawla, a longtime San Francisco resident, expressed her joy in celebrating Diwali at the consulate. “This place feels like home,” she said, reflecting on the festival’s message of light overcoming darkness.
Finally, Mufaddal Bohri, a high school student, shared his appreciation for being part of the event, highlighting the joy of coming together across different cultures.
The celebration at the Indian Consulate not only brought the community together but also showcased the enduring spirit of Diwali, a festival representing light, hope, and unity.
