By james art 
FREMONT, Calif. (KGO) — Diwali is the festival of lights observed worldwide by South Asians.
This year’s holiday event fell on the first of November, and thousands of people in Fremont gathered Friday night to celebrate at Gurdwara Sahib.
Diwali is known as the Hindu festival of lights, but other religious communities such as the Sikhs also celebrate the holiday in early autumn.
Sunny Singh of Hayward came with his wife and daughter to celebrate at the temple.
“It’s the festival of lights, the family gathering, helping others,” Singh said. “It’s more like Thanksgiving, more like Christmas.
Everyone came out dressed in their best holiday clothes.
“People come here dressed up and want to come and pay their respects,” said Jasdev Singh, a volunteer.
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It was an opportunity to share good wishes and light small clay lamps called diyas.
Lamps often light up homes and streets for Diwali.
“When you want to welcome someone, our rule is to light up your house with lightning,” Singh said.
College student Avneet Kaur lit a few lamps to continue the tradition.
“I actually came home to celebrate this with my family,” Kaur said.
On that Friday evening, Kaur came with her mother and one of her friends to celebrate the Festival of Lights.
“For me, that’s the most important thing, and to be able to do this tradition and keep it alive,” Kaur said.
After lighting the diya, Kaur joined the others—they entered the temple to pray.
The community celebration continued with neighbors enjoying sweets and other delicacies.
Celebrating Diwali is a chance to celebrate light over darkness and happiness over sorrow.
“It’s a great occasion to wish gratitude and prosperity and health for all family members,” said Vikram Virk of Fremont.
“It’s important for everyone. When you look around, you see everyone celebrating, lighting diyas,” said Inder Saini, a college student.
It’s a family-friendly and ongoing holiday rooted in joy, love and community.
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