Southlake, Texas – On Saturday evening, Southlake Town Square was transformed into a vibrant celebration of Diwali, the festival of lights, as the Southlake Foundation hosted its annual DiwaliFest. The event, held on Oct. 24, drew families, friends, and community leaders who gathered to enjoy music, dance, and cultural displays that highlighted the holiday’s message of light overcoming darkness.
Local volunteers lead the festivities
Long‑time volunteers Raghavi Danduboyina, 22, and Ria Singh, 21, served as emcees for the evening. Both have helped organize DiwaliFest since its inception nine years ago, recalling how they once participated in the fashion show as middle‑school students. “It’s a really full‑circle moment,” Singh said. “Going from being little kids in middle school, running around with our parents, eating the good food, to helping out with the event is really exciting.”
Celebrating tradition and unity
Performers in bright pink, saffron yellow and tangerine lehengas and cholis swayed to rhythmic beats on a stage set up in the square. Audience members, including parents and grandparents, watched the dances and cheered, underscoring the holiday’s emphasis on family and community.
Singh paired her deep‑blue lehenga with brown cowboy boots, while board member Buck Gieseke added a cowboy hat and boots to his traditional South Asian attire, symbolizing the blend of cultures that Southlake embraces. “I love everybody coming together, especially at this time when there’s so much divide around the world. This allows us to just, you know, embrace different cultures,” Gieseke said.
Beyond the festival: Youth empowerment
Gieseke noted that DiwaliFest is one of several programs the Southlake Foundation runs to educate and empower youth. The nonprofit also coordinates volunteer trips for kids to local nonprofits and hospitals, and it hosts appreciation lunches for first responders and city departments. “These are our future leaders and we need to treat them as such and celebrate them as such,” he added.
Food, vendors, and memories
The evening featured tents offering clothing, jewelry, and garlands, as well as vendors selling savory and sweet Indian dishes. Attendees could sample traditional sweets, enjoy the aroma of spices, and purchase festive items to take home. Danduboyina expressed hope that the event would leave lasting memories for all. “I hope that people walk away with the meaning of Diwali. It is something that is applicable to everybody, regardless of your ethnicity, religion, etc., and our goal here is to share that with everyone and have everybody join the festivities,” she said.
Looking ahead
While Diwali is traditionally observed on Nov. 8 according to The Old Farmer’s Almanac, the Southlake Foundation’s celebration offered a local preview of the holiday’s spirit. The event highlighted the city’s commitment to cultural inclusion, family values, and community service—principles that resonate with Southlake’s residents and reflect the broader values of faith, family, and liberty.
For more information about upcoming Southlake Foundation events, visit the organization’s website or contact the foundation directly.
Original reporting: Fort Worth Report — read the source article.
