Hayward Hindu Temple Defaced with Pro-Khalistan Graffiti as Diwali Draws 25,000 to East Bay

A Hindu temple in Hayward, California was defaced with pro-Khalistan graffiti in January 2024, marking another in a series of incidents targeting South Asian places of worship in the state. The Hindu American Foundation condemned the attack and said it was in contact with both temple leaders and local police. Separately, more than 25,000 people from across the Bay Area — including Hayward residents — gathered at the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton for a Diwali celebration organized by the Association of Indo Americans.

🪔 Sherawali Temple in Hayward Hit with Anti-India Graffiti

A Hindu temple in Hayward, California was defaced with pro-Khalistan graffiti in early January 2024. The affected site was the Sherawali temple, and the incident came weeks after the Swaminarayan temple in California's Newark had also been defaced with anti-India graffiti. The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) condemned the defacement and said it was in contact with temple leaders and in touch with police. HAF described the defacement as an attack on the Hindu community and called for official attention and accountability. The organization noted its active engagement with authorities in the aftermath of the vandalism. The Sherawali temple incident added to a pattern of vandalism targeting Hindu and South Asian places of worship in California that had been drawing concern from community groups and advocacy organizations. The temple serves as an important religious and cultural site for the Desi community in Hayward and the surrounding East Bay region. Reports of the vandalism were published in Indian and international media outlets, bringing broader attention to security concerns facing Hindu institutions in the area. The HAF's swift response reflected the community's resolve to seek accountability and protection for its religious sites. [6]

🎉 25,000 Celebrate Diwali at Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton

More than 25,000 people gathered at the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton for a Diwali festival organized by the Association of Indo Americans, supported by more than 150 dedicated volunteers. Saturday night fireworks over the fairgrounds were the centerpiece of the celebration of the Festival of Lights, drawing attendees from across the Bay Area including Hayward residents. Neha Agarwal, a Union City resident who attended with her family, said she brings her children to events like this so they can connect with their heritage. I love this celebration, because I have a lot of memories from India going to these kinds of events, she said. Sachin Syal noted that the event offered a way to learn about the local South Asian community alongside other Bay Area traditions. California Attorney General Rob Bonta attended and tied Diwali's message to the current political climate: good over evil, right over wrong, and knowledge over ignorance — those are important right now, at a time when we are seeing attacks on our immigrant communities and on diversity, equity and inclusion. Fremont Mayor Raj Salwan, who is of Indian descent and grew up in the East Bay, said the growth of Diwali corresponds to the expansion of the South Asian diaspora in the region. Deepika Bajpi, a Hayward resident at the event, observed that the holiday's prominence reflects the community's standing: Indians are one of the majority populations now in California, so it gives you that recognition. Diwali subsequently became an official California state holiday. [2]

Sources: [6] NDTV · [2] ABC7 Bay Area