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Temple City students and Hindu Sewa Sangh propose a Diwali festival and community outreach
Summary
Student volunteers from Hindu Sewa Sangh (HSS) described Diwali traditions, detailed HSS’s local food drives and asked the council to support a Temple City Diwali Fest next year; HSS volunteers said they would follow up with the city manager to coordinate.
Students and youth volunteers from Hindu Sewa Sangh (HSS) addressed the council on Oct. 21 to explain Diwali and request support to host a community Diwali festival in Temple City next year.
Avantika Varapali, a Temple City High School junior and HSS youth volunteer, described Diwali as a festival of lights that celebrates the triumph of good over evil and detailed cultural practices such as lighting oil lamps, sharing sweets and community service. Ritik and Augustia (HSS volunteers) described the organization’s "Seva Diwali" food/donation drives; the presenters said the national initiative has, since 2018, collected and donated close to three million pounds of food for people experiencing hunger and noted local chapters collaborate with Foothill Community Center and Friends in Need.
The students asked for city collaboration to develop a Temple City Diwali Fest as an inclusive, open community celebration and said they would work with city staff and the city manager to coordinate timing and support. The volunteers offered traditional sweets to council members at the meeting.
What it means: The group’s request is an outreach and community‑engagement proposal rather than a formal application for city funding; presenters said they will coordinate with the city manager and staff to develop details.
Next steps: HSS volunteers will contact the city manager to plan logistics and follow up with staff about permits, staging and public‑safety coordination.
