BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) \u2014 California is now the third state to officially recognize Diwali as a statewide holiday. <\/p>\n
The Festival of Lights is shining bright in Bakersfield. Local Indian and Sikh communities are preparing to celebrate Diwali. For Sikhs, it\u2019s also Bandi Chhor Divas, commemorating the historic release of political prisoners by Guru Hargobind.<\/p>\n
Manpreet Kaur the Vice Mayor, of the City of Bakersfield says,
\u201cJust like any other faith tradition, each religion has its own particular holidays. We can point to Christmas in the Christian and Catholic faiths, there’s Hanukkah, and for the Muslims there’s Eid. For the Sikh and Hindu faith traditions \u2014 especially within South Asia \u2014 Diwali tends to be the largest and most popular holiday for us.\u201d<\/p>\n
Local shops like Spice Land are feeling the festive spirit, with sweets, candles, and decorations bringing culture to life.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt means for us it’s good over evil, light over darkness \u2014 that is what Diwali is about.\u201d Ranjit Singh said. <\/p>\n
Ranjit Singh is the owner of Spice Land, an authentic Indian grocery store founded several years ago. He says Diwali is the best time to share light with others \u2014 especially as a small business owner. \u201cBeing a small business owner, and with what\u2019s going on with tariffs and all that, we are a bit struggling right now. But the word is out there that we still want \u2014 as a community \u2014 to celebrate and support small businesses.\u201d He said. <\/p>\n
That\u2019s why Spice Land is also inviting the public to stop by on Monday to enjoy sweet treats and experience the flavors of the holiday.<\/p>\n
Manpreet tells me there will be a big Festival of Lights celebration this Saturday at Kaiser Sports Village \u2014 featuring free performances from artists around the world, and a fireworks show to close out the night. It\u2019s all about reminding the community why Diwali is celebrated. \u201cIt\u2019s bringing light to our everyday lives. It\u2019s making sure we bring light to our neighbors. We\u2019re lighting the way to bring in new energy \u2014 and that\u2019s really what Diwali is about.\u201d She said. <\/p>\n
Here in Bakersfield, communities are preparing to celebrate Diwali all weekend long \u2014 leading up to Diwali on October 20th<\/p>\n
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