First city-wide Diwali celebration this weekend

The City of San Antonio and the India Association of San Antonio (IASA) invite all residents to the first city-wide celebration of Diwali: Festival of Lights this Sunday, November 1 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Arneson River Theater. The event is free and all will enjoy Indian dance, cuisine and a professional fireworks display.

The inaugural event marks the first time the City has partnered with the IASA to showcase the Indian culture since signing a Sister City Agreement with Chennai, India last year.

Diwali (also known as Deepavali) is a significant festival celebrated in India and recognizes the victory of good over evil. Fireworks and diyas (candles) are central to the cultural tradition. At the San Antonio celebration, hundreds of tea lights will be released into the San Antonio River. In addition, no other city in the country celebrates the occasion with a fireworks display. Event organizers hope that it will soon be the biggest Diwali celebration in the United States.

Indian Cuisine will be available for purchase. The fireworks display starts at 7:45 p.m. with the event ending at 8:00 p.m. For more information, visit http://www.sanantoniotrade.org/diwali-festival-2009.html or call 207-8102.