Happy Diwali 2013 from Balboa Park

I could not miss going to Balboa Park after the wonderful experience last year.  I looked forward to another Diwali spectacular, and I was not disappointed.  Here’s a video that I made:

October 26th, 2013 was the date set for the Festival of Lights Celebration to take place in Balboa Park, and it started at 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm for activities leading up to the big show.  These preliminary activities included stalls from various regions of India that displayed their region in all it’s splendor, including displaying arts and crafts, and putting on some pretty amazing dances.  Then at 6pm, the “big show” was performed on the stage at the Organ Pavilion. The weather was cooperative, and unlike last year, there wasn’t any rain, and it was a beautiful San Diego day!

Here are some pictures showing you some of the preliminary activities that took place prior to the big show.

Festival Of Lights, Balboa Park

Sometimes, you will see the banners that display the region, and sorry if I don’t always show them

Festival Of Lights, Balboa Park

Festival Of Lights, Balboa Park

Festival Of Lights, Balboa Park

Festival Of Lights, Balboa Park

Festival Of Lights, Balboa Park

Festival Of Lights, Balboa Park

Festival Of Lights, Balboa Park

Here’s my little Indian Princess (she’s also seen dancing at the end of the video).

Festival Of Lights, Balboa Park

So, now I will show you some scenes from the “big show” that started at 6pm and went on until 7:45 pm or so.

First, there was the introduction, and the Mayor Elect of San Diego was present and also talked to the audience

Festival Of Lights, Balboa Park

Then the show began

Festival Of Lights – Balboa Park

Festival Of Lights – Balboa Park

Festival Of Lights – Balboa Park

Festival Of Lights – Balboa Park

Festival Of Lights – Balboa Park

Here’s the display of lights on the stage towards the end of the show, you can’t really see it very well, but this is where many participants paraded around the stage and the surrounding area with tiny little lamps – it was truly beautiful!

Of course, there’s nothing like a Bhangra Finale at the end of the show!  The crowd joined in and danced to Bhangra!

In the next post, I am going to show you a few pictures of Balboa Park.  In the meantime, Happy Diwali, 2013!  I hope it will be a joyful and wonderful time for you, your family and friends.