Diwali Lights Up Rancho Cordova – California: Thousands Gather for Cultural Celebration

Rancho Cordova, CA — On Sunday, October 12, 2025, at 2 p.m., Stone Creek Community Park in Rancho Cordova came alive with the glow of Diwali, the Festival of Lights. Nearly 3,000 residents gathered to celebrate one of the region’s most vibrant cultural events. Hosted by Suvidha International Foundation in collaboration with the City of Rancho Cordova—a suburban community near California’s capital, Sacramento—the celebration highlighted Indian traditions, encouraged civic engagement, and welcomed families from all backgrounds.

Diwali, celebrated globally by Hindu, Jain, Sikh, and Buddhist communities, symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness. Reflecting this spirit, attendees were greeted with traditional sweets and a festive atmosphere featuring diyas, candles, LED-lit trees, photo booths, and decorative installations.

Dignitaries Celebrate Cultural Unity
Mayor Siri Pulipati presented an official city proclamation recognizing Diwali’s cultural significance. She praised Suvidha International Foundation for its STEM initiatives, including speech and debate training, robotics programs, and AI boot camps at Cordova High School.

Assembly Member Josh Hoover acknowledged California’s formal recognition of Diwali as an official holiday and presented a Certificate of Recognition to Suvidha for its leadership in cultural engagement and youth empowerment.

Other city leaders in attendance included Parks Chairman Rick Sloan, Council Member Joe Little, City Manager Micah Runner, Judge Jaya Badiga, and School Board Members Chris Clark, Jennifer Laret, and YK Chalamcherla. Their presence underscored the city’s commitment to inclusive community events.

Cultural Showcase and Community Spirit
The evening featured a dazzling aerial fireworks show and performances by groups such as Rocklin Rockstars, Dhol Damaka, The Light of Dance Academy, and Punjabana Punjab Diyan. Musical highlights included devotional and classical pieces by Vihaan and Vyom Gaur, and soulful renditions by the Gongura Singers.

A bustling marketplace offered Indian cuisine, clothing, jewelry, and booths from over 25 local nonprofits and businesses. Henna artists and interactive zones organized by Art of Living Foundation volunteers added to the festive charm.

Cultural competitions—ranging from rangoli and lantern design to cooking and costume showcases—engaged attendees of all ages. Judges and organizers were recognized for their thoughtful coordination and support.

A Community Effort
Lead organizers, including Suvidha President Bhaskar Vempati, Vandna Sharma, Shobha Rao, and others, extended gratitude to city officials, sponsors, and over 30 volunteers. Measure H funding and support from local businesses helped make the event a resounding success.

About Suvidha International Foundation:

Suvidha International Foundation (https://suvidhainternational.org) is a California-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to empowering communities through education and service. In the United States, Suvidha offers a wide range of youth-focused programs, including speech and debate training, robotics and AI camps, summer and coding workshops, and seasonal tutoring opportunities. The foundation also mobilizes youth volunteers for park clean-ups, clothing drives, and community events, cultivating leadership, teamwork, and civic responsibility. As a certified organization for the Presidential Volunteer Service Award (PVSA), Suvidha recognizes and honors outstanding volunteers for their service and impact.

Internationally, Suvidha focuses on educational and economic empowerment for underprivileged students, women, and communities across India. The foundation supports over 100 students pursuing degrees in medicine, engineering, nursing, and related fields, offering financial aid ranging from $500 to $2,000 per student. It also distributes school supplies and sports gear to more than 2,500 students, provides specialized training and mentorship, and organizes programs that promote self-employment, environmental sustainability, and food security. Through these initiatives, Suvidha International Foundation continues to build pathways to education, dignity, and opportunity—bridging service and impact across continents.

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