SeeCalifornia.com

Diwali – Festival of Lights

While many Californians embrace the foods of various countries and cultures before anything else, the familiarity we gain may provide our entryway into other experiences such as festivals. At Oktoberfest bratwurst, sauerkraut and beer are a must. In Mexican culture tamales have become a popular staple and theme for Christmas festivals; Greek festivals are known for their pastries and lamb dishes; and in Indian (from India) Diwali, vegetarian meals make ample use of curry spices, enjoyed with Indian sweets.

Diwali celebrations are in full swing in California, where more Indo-Americans reside than in any other state. More educated than native-born populations (70% are college graduates; 40% have graduate or professional degrees,) and attaining higher average household incomes than any other immigrant population, around two-thirds of Indians live in Silicon Valley / Bay Area, with approx. one-third living in the greater  Los Angeles area. We’re telling you this because it helps to explain why Diwali festivals are popular in these regions.