Belmont partnered with the library to host a Diwali Celebration in Twin Pines Park to celebrate the cultural diversity within the community.
The event was hosted on Oct. 27 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. and featured numerous performances, including one by Carlmont’s Indian Club.
“Both the city and the library are committed to celebrating the diversity of our community and giving our community spaces to highlight their culture,” said Brigitte Shearer, Belmont Parks and Recreation Director.
Held in the Twin Pines Senior and Community Center, the celebration featured catered food from Eats Meets West Bowls, instrumental music, henna, craft tables, books, and poetry reading.
“Arts and culture take many forms. It isn’t just paintings on the wall, it’s music, it’s poetry, and it’s dance,” Shearer said.
Dance was the main element of the event, with styles ranging from classical Indian dances like Odissi and Bharata Natyam to the more modern Bollywood style.
The event started by recognizing the significance of the event, with certificates gifted by California State Representative Diane Papan, Vice Mayor Gina Latimerlo, and San Mateo County Supervisor Ray Mueller to the city, the library, and the organizers of the event.
“We gather for Diwali to celebrate the light and the celebrate new beginnings,” Papan said. “Thank you for enriching our community and our lives with beautiful celebrations like Diwali.”
The holiday of Diwali is a Hindu festival that symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. It is typically celebrated by lighting candles, oil lamps, and lanterns in homes and places of worship, along with other rituals.
“Diwali means row of lights. It connects to the act of removing the darkness from within to kindle sparks of positivity,” said Purvi Jejurkar, an Indian classical dancer.
In addition to its symbolism, Diwali also has a strong social aspect. The holiday is celebrated through feasts and large gatherings, and it can serve as an opportunity to reunite with relatives and visit with other people within the community.
“Diwali is a chance for me to display my culture and connect to friends and family,” said Asha Mehta, the president of Carlmont’s Indian Club.
Moving forward, the Parks and Recreation Department wants to host more events like the Diwali Celebration, opening its doors to other cultural celebrations.
“I feel like we’ve gotten the traction that we wanted to make this community-driven,” Shearer said. “We’re providing the stage, and we want the community to share its talents.”
