San Ramon's Sri Karpaga Ganapathi Temple Consecrated; Fatal DUI Crash Claims Castro Valley Woman
San Ramon's South Asian Hindu community marked a joyful milestone in November 2025 with the Maha Kumbhabhishekam consecration of the Sri Karpaga Ganapathi Temple, drawing priests from Tamil Nadu and visiting spiritual leaders from Hawaii. The celebration was shadowed by a fatal DUI crash on November 29 in which an Indian-origin man driving over 120 mph struck and killed a Castro Valley woman. The city also looks ahead to its 15th annual Holi celebration at Bishop Ranch and the imminent opening of Khaki, a new upscale Indian restaurant at City Center Bishop Ranch.
🪔 Sri Karpaga Ganapathi Temple Consecrated in San Ramon
San Ramon's Tamil Hindu community reached a landmark occasion in November 2025 with the Maha Kumbhabhishekam, or sacred temple dedication ceremony, of the Sri Karpaga Ganapathi Temple on November 10. The consecration was preceded by four days of preliminary pujas and prayers leading up to the main rite. The temple was founded by Sivasri Suresh Viswanathan Sivacharyar, and the consecration ceremonies were conducted under the leadership of Chief Priest Sivasri Swaminaha Sivacharyar, who traveled specifically from Mayiladuthurai in Tamil Nadu, India, to perform the rites. He was joined by Sivashri Karthikeya Sivacharyar and Sivasri Balu Gurukkal. The occasion also drew Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami and Sannyasin Yoginathaswami of Kauai Aadhenam, who traveled to San Ramon, located near San Francisco, to attend the historic ceremony. A Maha Kumbhabhishekam is among the most auspicious rites in Hindu temple tradition, involving the formal energizing of the temple's sacred vessels and the installation of the presiding deity. The temple is dedicated to Sri Karpaga Ganapathi, a form of the beloved elephant-headed deity Ganesha. Hindu Press International reported on the event, with additional coverage provided by Himalayan Academy, which also made a video of the ceremonies available on YouTube. [1]
Indian-Origin Man Drove Over 120 MPH Drunk Before Fatal San Ramon Crash
A man of Indian origin, Badal Devendra Dholaria, is alleged to have been driving over 120 miles per hour while intoxicated before causing a fatal collision in San Ramon, California, on the afternoon of November 29. The violent crash claimed the life of Alix Mari Sparks, a resident of Castro Valley, according to American Kahani, a media outlet that covers South Asian-American communities. Police confirmed the details of the incident, identifying Dholaria by name and noting that the high speed and intoxication were key factors in the severity of the crash. Alix Mari Sparks was killed as a result of the impact, marking a tragic loss for the Castro Valley community. American Kahani characterized the collision as violent, underscoring the devastating consequences of driving under the influence at extreme speeds. The crash occurred in the early afternoon, a time when roads in the San Ramon area can carry substantial residential and commuter traffic. Investigators determined Dholaria was responsible and moved forward with charges in connection with Sparks' death. The case drew coverage from South Asian-American media given Dholaria's background. [2]
Crash Driver Jailed at Martinez Detention Facility; Bail Set at $1.2 Million
Following the fatal crash in San Ramon, Badal Dholaria, the Indian-origin driver accused of striking an SUV with his Tesla at 240 kilometers per hour while drunk, was taken into custody and is being held at the Martinez Detention Facility, according to NDTV, which covered the case on December 8, 2025. Dholaria's bail was set at $1.2 million, reflecting the seriousness of the charges he faces in connection with the collision in which a woman was killed. NDTV reported that Dholaria rammed an SUV with his Tesla, describing the impact at the equivalent of approximately 150 miles per hour. The case gained extensive attention in India and among the Indian diaspora globally, with Indian media outlets including NDTV publishing detailed reports about the incident and the accused driver's subsequent arrest and detention. The high bail amount underscores the gravity of the charges, which are expected to include counts of driving under the influence and vehicular manslaughter. Dholaria remained in custody at the Martinez Detention Facility as of the date of NDTV's December 8 report. Authorities in Contra Costa County are pursuing the case, with the woman killed in the crash at the center of proceedings. [4]
🎉 Bishop Ranch Hosts 15th Annual Holi Celebration This April
City Center Bishop Ranch in San Ramon will host its 15th annual Holi celebration on Sunday, April 12, from 2 to 4 p.m. at 2700 Camino Ramon, near the corner of Camino Ramon and Bishop Drive. The event celebrates Holi, also known as the Hindu Festival of Colors, which marks the arrival of spring and the triumph of good over evil. The festival is observed by Hindus around the world through eating, dancing, and the exuberant throwing of colorful powdered dyes. At the Bishop Ranch event, attendees will take part in the traditional color-throwing festivities alongside a full program of entertainment and activities. Live music performances, dhol drummers, dancing, henna artistry, selfie stations, food trucks, and other performances are all scheduled for the afternoon gathering. Admission to the celebration is priced at ten dollars per person, with children aged ten and under admitted free of charge. Tickets are available through the Bishop Ranch ticketing portal at bishopranch.ticketspice.com. The 15th anniversary of the event speaks to its enduring place in the San Ramon community's cultural calendar, bringing together residents of South Asian heritage and others interested in celebrating one of Hinduism's most vibrant and joyful festivals. Patch San Ramon reported on the upcoming celebration in March 2026. [3]
🍛 Khaki to Bring Upscale Indian Dining to City Center Bishop Ranch
City Center Bishop Ranch in San Ramon is set to become a new destination for elevated Indian cuisine with the opening of Khaki, a restaurant collaboration between the teams behind two celebrated South Asian restaurant concepts. The chefs and founders of Curry Up Now, a widely popular Indian fast-casual mini empire, have partnered with the team behind Tiya, a Michelin Guide-recognized San Francisco restaurant, to launch Khaki at 6000 Bollinger Canyon Road in San Ramon. Khaki was set to debut for dinner on Thursday, July 31, operating from a space that previously served as a Curry Up Now location at City Center Bishop Ranch. According to Eater San Francisco, which reported on the opening in late July 2025, the new restaurant is positioned as a considerably more upscale offering than the typical Indian burrito-style fast-casual format with which the Curry Up Now brand is associated. The combination of Curry Up Now's popularity and Tiya's Michelin recognition brings significant culinary credibility to the San Ramon venture. Eater San Francisco described the project as a sign that the East Bay mall could become a new hub for high-quality Indian food, reflecting growing demand for sophisticated South Asian dining options outside of San Francisco proper. [6]
Sources: [1] Hinduism Today · [2] American Kahani · [4] NDTV · [3] Patch · [6] Eater San Francisco