Los Angeles City Council Celebrates Diwali

For Immediate Release: November 15, 2024

Last week, the Los Angeles City Council recognized Diwali with a Council Presentation and celebration led by Councilmember Nithya Raman and Councilmember John Lee. 

Leadership from the Valley Indian Senior Association, the Indian Association of Los Angeles, and members of the South Asian community gathered in Council Chambers to share remarks and officially recognize the holiday city-wide. The atmosphere in Council Chambers was vibrant, with a mix of festive decorations and the warmth of shared traditions as diyas illuminated from the center of the horseshoe and participants adorned colorful sari’s– celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the South Asian community and Diwali traditions. The presentation also featured a traditional invocation by Pundit Balmiki Sharma, who chanted Rigvedic mantras, and a special recognition of the Indian seniors and elders that have paved the path for progress.

“As the first South Asian ever elected to the Los Angeles City Council, it was my absolute pleasure to lead the presentation recognizing this joyful holiday and celebrating the vibrant Indian community that radiates throughout our City,” said Councilmember Nithya Raman. “Diwali is not just a time to celebrate with family and friends, but a moment to reflect on the values that unite us all—hope, triumph, and the power of light to overcome darkness. Today, we hold these values close to our hearts and we stand united in the celebration of community.”

“As we light our diyas today, let us remember that we have the power to bring light into the lives of others,” said Councilmember John Lee.

“As an ethno-geriatric consultant, it is critical for everyone to recognize and uplift the contributions of our senior citizens,” said Nishtha Raheja Goel, President of the Valley Indian Senior Association (VISA). “Our elders, especially our Indian immigrant seniors, have played an essential role in preserving and passing on traditions, and it is our responsibility to ensure they are respected and supported in their later years.”

Known as the ‘festival of lights,’ Diwali is a vibrant festival, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness, and good over evil. 

The Valley Indian Seniors Association is a San Fernando Valley based organization that provides programming, food, and more to Indian Seniors once a month at the Robert M. Wilkinson Multi-Purpose Senior Center to empower, entertain, and educate our Indian senior citizens. Last year, the Valley Indian Senior Association (VISA) held a Diwali celebration with over 150 Indian seniors from across the San Fernando Valley at the Valley Indian Senior Center. This year, these efforts were expanded to bring Diwali to the City stage for all to participate in! VISA held another Diwali celebration on Saturday, November 9, 2024 featuring guided dances, live performances, and intergenerational bonding highlighting the importance of what matters most: our compassion for humankind. 

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