From temples and gurdwaras to local grocery stores, the Fresno area is gearing up for Diwali, the South Asian festival of lights.
Worldwide, nearly 1 billion people across Hindu, Sikh, Jain and Buddhist communities celebrate Diwali, which falls on Sunday, Nov. 8.
For the nearly 24,000 Indian residents living In the Fresno metropolitan area, the holiday holds deep religious and cultural significance.
Celebrations across California and the county will feature traditional prayers, festive shopping deals and public firework displays.
Chino Hills, CA, Friday, November 13, 2020 – Volunteers tend to a Rangoli (sand art) dedicated “unity and selfless service,’ as part of Diwali is celebrations at BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir. (Robert Gauthier/ Los Angeles Times)
How is Hindu temple observing Diwali in Fresno?
During Diwali, worshipers gather at local temples and gurdwaras to offer prayers and share meals, many of them dressed in traditional attire.
A representative for BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Fresno, said the Hindu temple will remain open all day Sunday for devotees and visitors.
For Hindus, Diwali symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil.
“The holiday commemorates the return of Lord Rama and his wife Sita to their kingdom of Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana, leading townspeople to light clay lamps (known as diyas) to guide their path home,” The Washington Post reported.
How does Sikh community celebrate holiday?
In the Sikh community, Diwali is celebrated as Bandi Chhor Divas.
“The occasion marks the day the sixth Sikh guru, Guru Hargobind, was released from Gwalior Fort by Mughal Emperor Jahangir after negotiating the release of 52 Hindu kings who were also imprisoned,” The Post reported.
“Bandi Chhor Divas reminds us of the Sikh values of freedom, justice, equality and compassion, and the responsibility to stand against injustice while respecting the dignity and freedom of all people,” said Gurminder Sangha, general secretary of the Sikh Council of Central California.
“These values inspire Sikhs to serve humanity and help build a more just, inclusive and peaceful society,” Sangha said.
Sikh temple Gurdwara Gur Nanak Prakash in Fresno will hold a celebration from 5 to 9 p.m. Sunday.
The event will feature evening prayers and community meals, though no fireworks will be hosted at that location.
Other local Sikh temples are also planning Bandi Chhor Divas events.
Popular Indian grocer store Shan-E-Punjab is opening its second location in Fresno
Indian grocery stores offer festive discounts
More than a dozen Indian grocery stores across the Fresno area were bustling with shoppers purchasing traditional sweets, gifts and ingredients for celebratory meals.
Shan-E-Punjab, a popular Indian grocery store and restaurant in Fresno, is running a month-long Diwali promotion featuring discounts on more than 100 items, along with a jackpot raffle for shoppers.
Raffle prizes include iPhones, iPads and gold coins.
“Diwali comes once a year, and our customers support us year-round, so this is our way of giving back to the community,” said Satnam Singh, owner of Shan-E-Punjab.
When are fireworks allowed in Fresno and Clovis?
According to the city of Fresno, only so-called “safe and sane” fireworks are legal to purchase and use in California.
These include fountains, sparklers, smokeballs and pinwheels.
In Fresno, “safe and sane” fireworks are generally allowed “365 days a year between the hours of 7 a.m. and 10 p.m.,” the city said.
Exceptions apply from June 28 through July 6, when fireworks can be discharged from 7 a.m. to midnight, The Fresno Bee previously reported.
Ground-based “safe and sane” fireworks are also allowed in Clovis, according to the Clovis Police Department.
Sikhs light candles in honor of the Sikh and Hindu holiday Diwali at the Livingston Sikh Temple on Peach Street in November 2010.
Where can I watch Diwali fireworks in Fresno County?
Residents looking to attend a public Diwali fireworks display can head to Caruthers on Sunday evening.
The pyrotechnics show will take place at the Gurdwara Pacific Coast Khalsa Diwan Society in Caruthers from 8:15 to 8:30 p.m.
Sohinder Athwal, a representative for the gurdwara, said the temple began celebrating Diwali in 1995 and launched its annual community fireworks show in 1998.
“Festivities will begin with prayers followed by kirtan — the singing of sacred hymns — before the fireworks show starts,” Athwal said.
Up to 3,000 attendees turn out each year, Athwal said.
He advised visitors to arrive early, as parking at the temple typically fills up by 8 p.m.