The Consulate General of India in Los Angeles hosted a joint celebration titled “Celebrating Light, Faith & Friendship – Diwali & Hanukkah” at Sinai Temple in Los Angeles on November 1, 2026. Bringing together distinguished elected representatives, diplomats, faith leaders, and members of the Indian-American and Jewish-American communities, the event was jointly organized by the Consulate General of India, American Jewish Committee Los Angeles, Smart Village Movement in Alliance with Berkeley Haas, Sinai Temple, FLESH Family Sinai Temple Israel Center, and the Hindu Jewish Coalition of America. Dr. K. J. Srinivasa, Consul General of India in Los Angeles, addressed the gathering to emphasize interfaith harmony and the shared significance of light, alongside opening remarks from Marcie Goldstein, Rabbi Erez Sherman, and Dr. Anil Shah.
The celebration featured remarks from notable figures, including Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove, tennis star and producer Ashok Amritraj, La Palma Mayor Nitesh P. Patel, Beverly Hills City Councilmember Dr. Sharona R. Nazarian, Carlsbad Mayor Pro Tem Priya Bhat-Patel, Irvine Vice Mayor James Mai, Torrance Mayor Pro Tem Asam Sheikh, La Palma City Councilmember Vikesh P. Patel, and Ambassador Kristina A. Kvien. A central highlight of the evening was the ceremonial lighting of Diwali diyas and Hanukkah candles, accompanied by sacred invocations and prayers representing Hindu, Sikh, BAPS, Jain, and Jewish traditions. The cultural program showcased classical Bharatanatyam, traditional Hanukkah songs by Cantor Marcus Feldman and Benjamin Fingerhutat, energetic performances by the Portola Bulldogs Bhangra Group, and musical presentations by Bappa Lahiri and Neha Jaitley, highlighting shared values of peace, hope, resilience, and unity.
