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Release Date: October 26, 2011 City of San Antonio Communications Office: 207-7234 City co-hosts annual Diwali San Antonio Festival of Lights in celebration of Indian culture and traditions Downtown San Antonio will be aglow on Saturday, Nov. 5, 2011 with the third annual Diwali San Antonio Festival of Lights. This year's event takes place once again at HemisFair Park by the Tower of the Americas and runs from 5-10 p.m. Hosted by the City of San Antonio's International Relations office, the India Association of San Antonio (IASA) and the Alamo Asian American Chamber of Commerce, this free event celebrates Indian culture and traditions, while also showcasing the City's Sister-City Agreement with Chennai, India and its efforts to provide quality cultural programming to all San Antonians. "Like all of its Sister-City Agreements with cities around the world, the City of San Antonio is proud of its partnership with Chennai, India. The Diwali San Antonio Festival of Lights has grown to become one of San Antonio's signature cultural events. We are thrilled to co-host the festival once again and to continue to provide meaningful cultural programming to residents and tourists, alike," said Elizabeth Costello, Director of the City's International Relations office. This annual celebration of Indian culture will feature Indian dance and entertainment, an Indian craft market with henna body art applications, various food vendors selling authentic cuisine samplings and a special lighting ceremony where 2,000 candles - double the amount from the previous year - will be released into the fountains at HemisFair Park. Last year's festival welcomed an estimated 8,000 attendees, according to festival organizers, and this year's event is expected to be even bigger. "We are proud that this event continues to grow each year and that the community of San Antonio, as well as visitors to the city, join us to celebrate the traditions of Diwali, India's largest and most festive holiday," said Kausi Subramaniam, member of the DiwaliSA Committee. "This year's festival is sure to be the best one yet, especially with a surprise activity planned for the evening that people will not want to miss." Diwali San Antonio Festival of Lights is the only major celebration showcasing Indian culture in San Antonio. Since signing a Sister City Agreement with Chennai, India in 2008, the City, especially through its International Relations office, has committed to strengthening its relationship with the Indian community of San Antonio. The International Relations office attracts global trade, foreign investment and provides protocol services for the San Antonio community and strives to foster foreign relations on behalf of the City in various capacities. 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. For more information, visit www.diwalisa.com or call the City's International Relations office at 207-8100 or the Diwali Planning Committee at 273-2200. For the latest information, follow DiwaliSA on Facebook and Twitter. |
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