By james art India-West Staff Reporter
IRVINE, California – Ektaa Center, in partnership with the City of Irvine, is celebrating its 10th annual Diwali Festival on October 26th from 1:00pm to 9:00pm at Great Park Live Amphitheater.
This year’s event will offer a variety of entertainment, food, vendor booths and resources related to arts and cultural activities in Southern California. A highlight of the festival will be a segment showcasing collaborative artistic projects with other ethnic groups, as well as a marquee performance by South Asian social media sensation Abby V.
The main stage will feature an array of dance and music performances by local artistes and dance companies highlighting classical and regional folk genres from across India. To ensure a family atmosphere, the festival will include activities for children as well as a festive photo booth to help capture memories.
The South Asian, particularly Indian, diaspora in Irvine has grown significantly over the past few decades, becoming one of the city’s most vibrant and successful communities. The Diwali festival is in line with Ektaa Center’s mission of bringing people together. “Irvine is a wonderful bowl of crop salad. If people take the time to taste every bite, they will not only enjoy what the city has to offer, but also create their own cultural mix in their lives. And of course, it’s ‘healthy’ for everyone,” said a spokesperson for Ektaa Center.
Since its founding in Irvine in 2004, the Ektaa Center has served the Southern California community through classes, events and activities that promote appreciation of India’s rich artistic and cultural heritage. The Diwali Festival is free to attend, but RSVPs are encouraged