Redlands/Colton, CA: On the afternoon of November 15, members of the Indian American community in Redlands gathered at the Whitmer Auditorium at Colton High School to celebrate the festival of Diwali in a lively cultural show that blended music, dance and community spirit. The event drew more than 500 participants and guests of honor included Mario Salcedo, Mayor of Redlands, and Eddie Tajeda, City Councilmember.
(Photo courtesy: Dr Akshat Jain)
Dressed in traditional silhouettes of shimmering saris, lehengas and kurta-pajamas, the dancers and musicians opened the program with a lively fusion of Bollywood and classical Indian movement. The music ranged from devotional chant to foot-stomping Bollywood mashups: first a serene invocation to the Goddess Lakshmi, candles flickering on stage, then a modern step-up number set to a recreated film-song beat. Later, a medley of regional folk styles — including Bhangra and Telugu-style folk-pop — brought the crowd to its feet.
In his speech thanking and honoring the dignitaries Dr Akshat Jain of Redlands thanked the enthusiastic attendees who braved the winter rains to be there and the parents, performers and teachers who had worked so hard in putting up a dazzling show in the spirit of keeping the cultural traditions alive.
The show closed with dynamic performance on stage by adult participants (Photo courtesy: Dr Akshat Jain)
Mayor Salcedo praised the community’s commitment: “This celebration shows how our city thrives when we embrace our many cultures,” he said, congratulating the organizing committee for pulling together such a polished show. Councilmember Tajeda echoed the sentiment, adding that he looked forward to the event becoming a fixture in Redlands’ cultural calendar.
Organizers noted that the show’s goal was as much about cultural education as it was celebration: offering younger children a chance to connect with heritage, and welcoming the broader Redlands public into the joyful, inclusive atmosphere of Diwali. Indeed, many newcomers were spotted navigating the program booklet, sampling delicious snacks and raising a toast to new friendships.
The show closed with dynamic performance on stage by adult participants from the community performing a series of well-rehearsed Hollywood dance numbers in a hall that radiated the final tableau of the Festival of Lights.
