Suvidha International Foundation is a California nonprofit focused on education, youth and women’s empowerment, health, food assistance and environmental programs. Photo by Rick Sloan

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - Thousands of people are expected to gather at Stone Creek Park on Oct. 25 as music, dance, food and fireworks return for Suvidha International Foundation’s annual Diwali Festival of Lights.

The free celebration will run from 3 to 8 p.m. at the park, 3625 Spoto Drive, and is presented by Suvidha International Foundation in partnership with the City of Rancho Cordova.

Organizers said nearly 3,000 people attended last year’s event and anticipate more than 3,000 visitors this year.

This year’s festival will include Indian classical, folk and contemporary cultural performances, live music and singing, food and local business vendors, henna artwork and Diwali decorations. Photo by Rick Sloan

Diwali, commonly known as the Festival of Lights, is celebrated by Hindu, Jain, Sikh and Buddhist communities around the world. In announcing the event, Suvidha International Foundation described the holiday as symbolizing “the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance and hope over despair.”

The Rancho Cordova celebration is intended to introduce those traditions to residents from across the Sacramento region while providing a gathering place for families already familiar with the holiday, according to the foundation.

This year’s festival will include Indian classical, folk and contemporary cultural performances, live music and singing, food and local business vendors, henna artwork and Diwali decorations. Rangoli and traditional attire competitions are also planned, along with carnival games and other activities for children.

Diwali, commonly known as the Festival of Lights, is celebrated by Hindu, Jain, Sikh and Buddhist communities around the world. Photo by Rick Sloan

An aerial fireworks show is scheduled for approximately 7:45 p.m.

The festival also is expected to draw elected officials and community leaders. According to the press release, invited or expected guests include U.S. Rep. Kevin Kiley, Assemblymember Josh Hoover, Rancho Cordova City Council members Siri Pulipati and Joe Little, City Manager Micah Runner and Cordova Recreation and Park District Director Rick Sloan. Representatives from state Senate offices and officials from neighboring cities are also expected to attend.

Organizers said the event is supported by adult and youth volunteers who help coordinate performances, logistics and activities throughout the festival.

The free celebration will run from 3 to 8 p.m. at the park, 3625 Spoto Drive, and is presented by Suvidha International Foundation in partnership with the City of Rancho Cordova. Photo by Rick Sloan

Suvidha International Foundation is a California nonprofit focused on education, youth and women’s empowerment, health, food assistance and environmental programs. In Rancho Cordova, the organization also operates youth programs in speech and debate, robotics and after-school artificial intelligence training.

The foundation said the festival reflects its broader emphasis on “service, collaboration and community engagement.”

Support for the celebration also comes from the SMUD, Golden 1 Credit Union, local businesses, sponsors and volunteers, according to the organization.

Admission to the Oct. 25 festival is free and open to the public. Registration and additional information are available at suvidhainternational.org/diwali.