Indian Fun + Indian Food = Diwali: Oct. 13

This time of year, saris aren’t just for wearing, and at the 10th annual Diwali festival the trees will get to enjoy saris, too.

Colorful saris will adorn the trees in Memorial Park on Saturday as the Festival of Light gets underway with merriment, food, ponies and more. (Learn more about saris, the traditional Indian women's costume in this Patch article: .)

The annual Indian event, which is practiced worldwide, marks the beginning of the new business year. It is a time to celebrate and traditions include buying new clothes, exchanging gifts, get-togethers with family and friends, offering traditional sweets and wishes for a prosperous new year, according to event organizers.

Watch event organizer and Cupertino resident, Mahesh Nihalani, discuss Diwali in a Comcast news report in an attached YouTube video.

Some of the events at this year’s Diwali that starts at 10 a.m. include a Kids Zone with magic show, face painting, petting zoo, pony rides, wood workshop, jump house, and a coloring contest.

Booths nearby will showcase ethnic Indian art, clothing, jewelry, toys and children’s books.

To feel like part of Indian culture, join in on the dancing with everything from the classical “Kathak” and “Bharatanatyam” to Bollywood to the folk “Koli”. Add to your Indian costume by stopping by the area to get a free decorative “mehendi” tattoo on the palm of your hand.

Hosted by Cupertino Chamber of Commerce and its Asian American Business Council, whose mission is to “promote, strengthen and enhance the inter-ethnic business environment in the Cupertino Chamber” organizers say “the Diwali Festival has proven to be an excellent way to bridge our business community with the residents of Cupertino.”

The event runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Memorial Park with free parking across the street at De Anza College.

For more information about the Diwali Festival of Lights, call 408-252-7054 or visit www.cupertino-chamber.org.