Fijian Indian community celebrates Diwali in US

The Fijian Indian community in California organised a multi-cultural "Diwali Festival" attended by more than 500 people from various communities, a media report said.

The festival, held by the Norfolk Sports Cultural Events, was organised at the Hayward High School, Hayward, California recently, India West reported on Monday.

It featured an array of food stalls, clothing boutiques and a heena artist. A local band enthralled the audience with Bollywood hit numbers.

Indian-origin dancer Radhika Tilak and local comedian and singer Hemkumar Joshi entertained the audience.

Pamela Singh, one of the organisers of the festival, said this was the third year Norfolk Sports Cultural Events held the festival.

"It is a kick-off to Diwali," she was quoted as saying. "The Fiji and Indian communities should support each other. This is a cross-community event."

Master Salesh, vice president of Norfolk Sports Cultural Events, said the organisation is involved in promoting community spirit and help the new generation connect to their culture.

Hayward councilman Francesco Zermeno talked about the importance of diversity, the commonality of the immigrant experience and of being proud of one's culture.

"Hayward is the third most diverse city in the US and you are a part of that richness," he said.