Diwali coming to Rancho Cordova this weekend

The city of Rancho Cordova is preparing for a celebration of Indian culture, traditions and community unity as Suvidha International Foundation, in partnership with the city of Rancho Cordova, presents Suvidha Diwali 2026 – Festival of Lights on Sunday, Oct. 25, from 3 to 8 p.m. at Stone Creek Park. Following the success of the 2025 celebration which attracted nearly 3,000 attendees, organizers anticipate 3,000-plus visitors this year, making it one of the region's major Indian cultural celebrations. The festival is free and open to everyone, welcoming families and residents of all cultural backgrounds throughout Greater Sacramento. Diwali, known as the Festival of Lights, is celebrated by millions of people worldwide, including Hindu, Jain, Sikh and Buddhist communities. Organizers say the festival symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance and hope over despair. In 2025, Stone Creek Park was transformed by the event with glowing lights, colorful decorations, traditional Indian performances, cultural competitions, food stalls and an aerial fireworks show. This year, organizers say they're hoping to level up the event by inviting several notable guests, including U.S. Congressman Kevin Kiley, California Assembly Member Josh Hoover, representatives from California State Senators'offices, Rancho Cordova City Council Members Siri Pulipati and Joe Little, City Manager Micah Runner, Cordova Recreation & Parks Board Director Rick Sloan, and mayors and other elected officials from neighboring cities. Organizers say their participation will highlight the importance of cultural understanding, civic engagement and strong relationships among communities throughout the Sacramento region.