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American YouTuber and singer Vidya Vox entertained a crowd of over 10,000 people from San Jose and surrounding areas who flocked to downtown San Jose to take part in the first-ever Diwali celebrations on October 25, marking a historic milestone for the city. Vox entertained the crowd with her signature brand of Western pop, electronic dance music, Bollywood hits, and Indian classical music
The event was organized by the San Jose Downtown Association, City of San Jose, Mayor Matt Mahan, PARKSJ, Association of Indo Americans (AIA), and Bolly 92.3FM
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“This celebration truly reflects the values of our city — inclusivity, diversity, vibrancy, and joy,” said Mayor Matt Mahan, a strong supporter and guiding force behind the event’s vision.
The festivities at Plaza de Cesar Chavez featured cultural performances, music, food stalls, vendor booths, and carnival games. Performers from various Bay Area dance schools set the pace for the evening with energetic Bollywood dances. Audience members were invited to share the stage in impromptu dance opportunities.
During the evening, attendees joined in a spontaneous flash mob, and the festive night ended with the entire crowd joining DJ Asif’s dance party.
In a tribute to cultural diversity and inclusion, San Jose City Hall was festooned with Diwali-themed lights and traditional Diwali decorations, symbolizing the city’s embrace of multicultural harmony.
During the event, the organizers presented “Award of Excellence” to Assemblymember Ash Kalra for his community leadership and passage of AB 268, making Diwali an official state holiday in California. Community leader Ajay Jain Bhutoria was also honored for his leadership within the Indian diaspora and pivotal role in securing Governor Gavin Newsom’s vetoes of SB 509 and SB 403.
More than 20 elected officials and dignitaries joined the evening’s festivities, including Deputy Consul General of India Rakesh Adlakha, Congressman Sam Liccardo (CA-16), Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen, the mayors of Fremont, Milpitas, and councilmembers representing Santa Clara, Los Altos, Saratoga, and Los Gatos, among others.
Gumby Marques, CEO of the San Jose Downtown Association (SJDA), paid tribute to the first-ever Diwali celebration in downtown San Jose, saying, “You don’t have to be Irish to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, you don’t have to be German to celebrate Oktoberfest, and you don’t have to be Indian to enjoy Diwali.”