My family and I have been celebrating Diwali in Orange County together for six years, now. While it’s not like the Diwalis I had back at home in London – where families gathered, food and treats were exchanges weeks prior to the big event, I spent time with my 50+ cousins from both sides of the family, and we ended each night with fireworks and stayed up too late for even a non-school night – we have come to make it our own special family event. With the absence of family nearby, we choose to spend this time with close friends – either joining in their traditions with them, or creating our own.
Last year, we went out for dinner to our favorite Indian restaurant with another family of four, and a close friend couple. The other family didn’t actually celebrate Diwali, but we invited them to join us, and the couple celebrated it as much as my husband would without me (which is not at all – on our first date, which happened to fall on Diwali 11 years ago, he had no idea what the day was). At one point during the night, I walked back to the table from the restroom and paused for a moment to watch the group’s activities – the four kids were giggling and drawing, taking bites of chicken tikka masala and rice; butter naan crumbs over their napkins. My husband and our friends talked over the tandoori sizzler, sipping beers, wine and mango lassi, passing around curry dishes from person to person. This was our family, I thought. To me, this was as perfect as Diwali so far away from home could be, and I felt extremely grateful for the memories we were able to make around this time.
As the years of celebrating in Orange County have passed, I’ve also become familiar about the annual events taking place that celebrate the festival. Gone are the days where my friends and I danced all night at Garba events in the lead up to the big day, but I try to take the kids at least once a year so they can experience the music, dance, aartis, and culture.
From dancing to music festivals and all the other fun in between, below are some events to check out this year. And to save some of you from Googling, Diwali is on Monday, October 20, this year!
#1 – DIYA Raas Garba
Saturday, September 13 | 8PM – Midnight
Delta Hotel Garden Grove
$20 per person (group discounts available), children under 5 free
Desi Indian Youth Association (DIYA) hosts this electrifying Raas Garba event with an evening filled with rhythmic beats, vibrant colors, and the energetic spirit of traditional Indian dance.
We haven’t yet made it to this one, and won’t be able to this year, but it’s on my list to go one year, for sure!
#2 – Rameelo Raas Garba Festival
Saturday, September 13 | 6:30PM – 1:00AM
OC Fair & Event Center – The Hangar
$20 per person, children under 5 free
Indulge in an evening of culture, cuisine and captivating rhythms. Savor a delectable array of culinary delights, immerse yourself in the joyous festivities and dance the night away with friends and family.
#3 – Dholida Dhamaal
Friday, September 19 | 7PM
UCI Bren Events Center
$24 per person, children under 5 free
holida Dhamaal brings a world of vibrant colors, rhythmic claps, and devotional energy in a grand Navratri celebration with mesmerizing beats, traditional Raas, and soul-stirring aartis.
#4 – Garba Night Extravaganza
Friday, September 19 and Saturday, September 20 | 7PM – Midnight
Irvine Haveli
$10-$15 per person (advance), $20 per person (regular), children under 5 free
Shrinathji Haveli – Vaishnav Samaj of Southern California, hosts this two-day event with music, dance, and snacks for purchase.
I’ve taken the kids here for the past couple of years and it is a fun way to dance the night away, Indian style!
#5 – Ektaa Diwali Fest
Saturday, October 4 | 1 – 9PM
Great Park Live Ampitheatre, Irvine
Free
Lastly, my favorite: Ektaa Diwali Fest exemplifies Indian culture through food, access to ethnic products and services, community interaction, and artistic and cultural performances. This annual event brings the community together to celebrate the joyous spirit of this festival.
My family and I have been to this event for the past few years, and it’s just a great combination of culture, tradition, current events, music and, of course, food!
Whatever you decide to do, and however you choose to celebrate, wishing you all a Happy Diwali and Prosperous New Year!
