By Shanta Nimbark Sacharoff

Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, is celebrated all over the world by more than a billion people.

San Franciscans take pride in honoring diversity – this includes Diwali! 

On Sunday, Nov. 12, 2023, the Outer Sunset Farmers Market and Mercantile (OSFMM) celebrated Diwali with a cultural exhibit, crafts by children, a sari show, dances, a cooking demonstration and food sharing with the community. This was the first outdoor celebration of Diwali in the Outer Sunset of San Francisco.

OSFMM plans to repeat Diwali and other cultural events this year and in the future. Diwali has many interpretations in Hindu mythology, but the common belief is to honor the victory
of good over evil, or light over darkness. In India, houses are lit up with lights, floors are decorated
with Rangoli paintings, food is shared with families and the festivities are marked with dances and
music.

Thanks to the hard-working Diwali committee and the supportive community, the 2023 Diwali
turned out to be a great success, in spite of planning it in a pinch. Building on the success of the
last festival, plans are in the works for a bigger celebration with live Indian music and classical Indian dances.

There are many ways for the community to participate in the event. Contact:
supportship@sunsetmercantilesf.com to find out how.

Here are a few images of last Diwali depicting some activities and a couple of photos of some artists
who will entertain this year. See you at the Outer Sunset Farmers’ Market on Nov. 10!