Hayward South Asian Community Confronts Temple Vandalism and Celebrates Record Diwali

Two Hindu temples in the East Bay — including the Vijay's Sherawali Temple in Hayward — were vandalized with pro-Khalistan and anti-India graffiti, drawing swift condemnation from Sikh organizations, law enforcement, and elected officials across the South Asian community. Even as the community reckoned with the attacks, tens of thousands gathered at Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton to celebrate Diwali in what organizers described as a record turnout, coinciding with California's move to make the festival an official state holiday.

🤝 Sikh and Hindu Communities Stand Together Against East Bay Temple Vandalism

Members of the Bay Area Sikh community stood alongside Hindu organizations, elected officials, and law enforcement to condemn the vandalism of two Hindu temples in the East Bay. The Vijay's Sherawali Temple in Hayward was defaced in January with graffiti reading 'Modi is (a) terrorist' and 'Khalistan Zindabad,' or 'Long live Khalistan.' The Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Newark had been vandalized the previous month. Rakaab Singh, a youth organizer with the Jakara Movement, expressed dismay: 'Reading in the newspaper about two vandalism events in mandirs (temples) in Newark and Hayward, left me wondering: How can this still be happening in 2024?' The Jakara Movement joined local law enforcement, city leaders from Hayward and Newark, and South Asian community organizers of multiple faiths at a press conference to condemn the attacks. Several Bay Area law enforcement agencies are investigating, and federal authorities have also been brought in. 'We actually got our federal counterparts with FBI involved as well. So, we definitely take this seriously,' said Captain Gurvinder Singh Gosal with the Alameda County Sheriff's Office. As of the press conference, no leads had been developed and no suspects identified. Surveillance footage did not capture relevant images. The case is being treated as a possible hate crime, with the FBI monitoring the investigation alongside local agencies. [2]

🎉 25,000-Plus Mark Diwali at Alameda County Fairgrounds as California Prepares Official Holiday

Tens of thousands from across the Bay Area converged on the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton for a major Diwali celebration organized by the Association of Indo Americans with over 150 volunteers. Saturday night's fireworks over the fairgrounds lit up the sky in honor of the Festival of Lights, drawing more than 25,000 attendees. 'I love this celebration, because I have a lot of memories from India going to these kinds of events,' said Neha Agarwal, a Union City resident who brought her children to connect with their heritage. California Attorney General Rob Bonta attended and tied Diwali's message to the current civic climate: 'Good over evil, right over wrong, and knowledge over ignorance. Those are important right now. At a time when we are seeing from the federal government — a lot of challenges — attacks on our immigrant communities.' Fremont Mayor Raj Salwan, who grew up in the East Bay and is of Indian descent, reflected on the community's growth: 'It legitimizes the South Asian community as a solid community in our area. They have much to contribute. They want to give back.' Deepika Bajpi, a Hayward resident, welcomed Diwali's elevation to official California state holiday: 'Indians are one of the majority populations now in California. So it gives you that recognition.' The celebration featured music, food, fashion showcases, and a fireworks display. [5]

Sources: [2] ABC7 San Francisco · [5] ABC7 San Francisco