San Francisco, CA – Mayor London N. Breed has officially announced San Francisco’s inaugural Diwali celebration, set to take place on Friday, November 15, from 5 to 10 p.m. This family-friendly event, which is free of charge, will occur during the Bhangra & Beats Night Market, transforming the three blocks between Battery and Clay Streets into a lively cultural hub. City Hall will be illuminated in vibrant pink and yellow hues to honor the Festival of Lights.
This event is a collaborative effort between the Office of Economic and Workforce Development (OEWD), Into The Streets, and Non Stop Bhangra. It culminates the 2024 Bhangra & Beats Night Market series, which has attracted over 34,000 visitors to the Financial District throughout this year, showcasing the richness of Indian and South Asian culture while creating economic opportunities.
Mayor Breed expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “Diwali is a time where we come together to celebrate the beautiful and rich culture of our Indian and Hindu communities; where we find moments to celebrate the good and lift up light and joy, together.” She emphasized the ongoing transformation of Downtown into a vibrant 24/7 neighborhood filled with restaurants, entertainment, and art. Her administration has invested over $15 million since 2022 to revitalize the area, generating over $2.5 million in local business revenue through the Night Market.
Sarah Dennis Phillips, Executive Director of the OEWD, highlighted the vitality that the Bhangra & Beats Night Market brings to Downtown, stressing its role in attracting visitors to various night markets, concerts, and events. The inaugural Diwali celebration is positioned as a must-see event among many winter festivities planned for the season.
The significance of Diwali is profound among Indian and South Asian families across various faiths, and this celebration will feature an assortment of activities. Highlights include artists creating intricate rangoli designs, diya giveaways to share the festival’s light, and a vibrant bazaar with over 30 local vendors providing Indian snacks, drinks, jewelry, clothing, and more.
Katy Birnbaum, CEO and founder of Into The Streets, expressed joy in observing families find pride in their heritage and the local community’s eager embrace of the Night Market tradition.
Non Stop Bhangra, celebrating its 20th anniversary alongside this inaugural Diwali event, aims to highlight the joy of Indian culture through a lively music and dance presentation featuring DJ Frenzy, renowned for his electrifying Bhangra performances.
Participants are encouraged to wear traditional Indian attire and engage in interactive activities such as sari-tying and drum circles. Glow-in-the-dark features will enhance the festive atmosphere, making for a truly magical evening.
This celebration of Diwali not only honors tradition but also promotes community, inclusivity, and cultural pride, uniting families and friends in San Francisco to partake in a vibrant night of laughter, music, and unforgettable memories.
In summary, this event stands as a beacon of cultural celebration and economic revitalization, inviting the entire community to appreciate and take part in the beauty of Diwali while fostering connections that enhance San Francisco’s diverse and rich cultural landscape.