Mahesh Vishwanathan, speaking for a local Hindu dharmic organization, asked the Helotes City Council on Oct. 23 to support a Diwali celebration at the Cardinal grounds. Vishwanathan said the festival, a free community carnival-style event, will include traditional music, food stalls and cultural performances and that last year’s event drew more than 6,000 attendees.

Vishwanathan named community partners including Sewa International and local student associations and said the event is supported by the City of Helotes and the carnival grounds operator, David May. He invited council members to be guests of honor at the celebration.

The item was presented during the citizens-to-be-heard portion of the meeting; council members did not take formal action during the Oct. 23 meeting.

Next steps: Organizers will coordinate with city staff and event partners on permits, logistics and safety planning as needed.