Over 2,500 Celebrate Suvidha International Diwali 2026 in Rancho Cordova

Festival of Lights brings together elected leaders, diverse communities, cultural performances, nearly 40 stalls, and spectacular aerial fireworks.

More than 2,500 people gathered at Stone Creek Park on Sunday, October 25, for Suvidha International Diwali 2026 – Festival of Lights, organized by Suvidha International Foundation in partnership with the City of Rancho Cordova.

The free, family-friendly celebration showcased Indian culture through colorful dance performances, live music, traditional competitions, nearly 40 business and nonprofit stalls, children’s activities, and a spectacular aerial fireworks finale.

Celebrating Culture, Diversity, and Unity
The festival welcomed families from diverse backgrounds to celebrate Diwali, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil.

Bhaskar Vempati, Founder and President of Suvidha International Foundation, thanked California Governor Gavin Newsom and his administration for officially recognizing Diwali as a state holiday.

“This historic recognition sends a powerful message that our cultural heritage is valued and celebrated. It reflects California’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, and community unity,” said Vempati.

“Diwali is more than a festival of lights. It celebrates unity, hope, and togetherness. Through this event, we bring diverse communities together and create lasting memories for families from all backgrounds,” said organizing team member Vandna Sharma.

Distinguished Leaders Join the Celebration
More than 20 elected officials, civic representatives, educational leaders, and business executives participated in the celebration.
Congressman Kevin Kiley and California Assemblymember Josh Hoover congratulated Suvidha and the City of Rancho Cordova for organizing a successful multicultural celebration.

Rancho Cordova City Council Member Siri Pulipati highlighted the festival’s role in bringing together elected representatives, educational institutions, businesses, and community organizations.

Other distinguished guests included representatives from Senator Roger Niello’s office, Sacramento County Supervisor Patrick Hume’s office, Folsom City Council Member Sara Aquino, Cordova Recreation and Park District Director Rick Sloan, SMUD Board President Dave Tamayo, FCUSD Board President Jennifer Laret and Vice President Y.K. Chalamcherla, Folsom Lake College President Art Pimentel, Sacramento Metro Chamber President Robert W. Heidt Jr., Rancho Cordova Chamber President Diann H. Rogers, and Elliott Stevenson.

Vibrant Performances, Entertainment, and Fireworks
Audiences enjoyed colorful performances by The Light of Dance Academy, Team Kaladhaara, BK Raj Yoga Meditation Center, Rhythmic Revolts, Natya Tarang, and Seniors of Sacramento. Live singing performances by the Gongura and Raaganjali groups, along with talented individual singers, added vibrant energy and festive cheer to the celebration.

Traditional Rangoli, costume, and Indian attire competitions celebrated creativity and cultural heritage.

Nearly 40 business, nonprofit, and food stalls offered shopping, community resources, and delicious cuisine. Families also enjoyed carnival games, henna, and a Diwali-themed photo booth designed by KS Decors.

The evening concluded with spectacular aerial fireworks, illuminating the Rancho Cordova sky.

Local Television Coverage
Suvidha representatives appeared on Good Day Sacramento on October 19, sharing a preview of the festival, Indian traditions, and festive cuisine.

Watch Good Day Sacramento’s Diwali Preview
CBS13 News also visited the October 25 celebration, interviewing organizers and capturing festival highlights.

Volunteers and Community Partners Make It Possible
The success of Suvidha Diwali 2026 was a beautiful reflection of the passion, generosity, and dedication of its incredible volunteers. The celebration was brought to life by a committed organizing team led by Bhaskar Vempati, Vandna Sharma, Padmapriya Maddy, Avinash Maddy, Balu Kodavatikanti, Venugopal Acharya, Tripti Varma, Akshatha Nithin, Srinivas Sanka, Jaganmohan Yachavarapu, Syam Yeleti, Prasad Bodapati, Shobha Rao, Ruma Baruah, Lalita Vedula, Dhrubha Kalita, Gayathri Ganeshan, Raajesh Ganeshan, Paresh Sinha, and Nikitha Guntaka.

Special appreciation goes to the enthusiastic youth volunteers from the Art of Living Foundation, employees from Intel, Microsoft, NVIDIA, Blue Shield, Micron, and AMD, and the many wonderful community volunteers who generously contributed their time, energy, and talents. From weeks of behind-the-scenes planning to countless hours of service on the event day, their selfless contributions, teamwork, and unwavering commitment were the heart of this celebration. Suvidha International Foundation extends its heartfelt gratitude to every volunteer who helped transform this festival into a memorable celebration of culture, unity, and community spirit.

Vempati thanked the City of Rancho Cordova, elected leaders, sponsors, volunteers, performers, and community partners for their contributions. Vandna Sharma and Akshatha Nithin appreciated the cultural performers, while Venugopal Acharya and Srinivas Sanka thanked sponsors and vendors.

Suvidha Directors Balu Kodavatikanti and Padmapriya Avinash expressed gratitude to event supporters, including SMUD, Golden 1 Credit Union, Korean Plaza International Market, Reliance Supermart, Realtor and Loan Officer Shankat Pathy, ClearEfficiency HVAC | Insulation Windows, and other businesses.

Event photographer Anil Dokula of Golden Hour Photography captured memorable moments throughout the celebration.

Beyond Diwali: Serving Communities Year-Round
Suvidha International Foundation is a California-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit advancing education, youth development, and community service in the United States and India.

Its Sacramento-area programs include After-School AI, Robotics, Speech and Debate, and career exploration. In India, the foundation supports educational scholarships, school improvements, women’s empowerment, and humanitarian initiatives.
Suvidha Diwali 2026 demonstrated the power of cultural celebration to unite communities, strengthen partnerships, and inspire a shared spirit of belonging.

Contact Information
Website: https://suvidhainternational.org
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (916) 390-9945