Dussehra Diwali Dhamaka (DDD) – Festival of Lights FAQ

Presented by Association of Indo Americans (AIA) & Bolly 92.3FM www.aiaevents.org

📍 Event Details

Q: When and where is the festival taking place?
A: The Dussehra Diwali Dhamaka will be held on Saturday, October 11, 2025, from 12:00 PM (Noon) to 11:00 PM at the Alameda County Fairgrounds (Gate 8 or 12 off Valley Avenue), Pleasanton, CA.

Q: How much are the tickets and where can I buy them?
A: Tickets are available online at www.AIAEvents.org

🎟️ Ticket Options:

Entry Only – $10
Dandiya + Entry – $15
Kids under 5 – FREE

(Tickets are limited — early purchase is recommended!)

Q: Is parking available, and what is the cost?
A: Yes, parking is available inside the Alameda County Fairgrounds for $15 (Credit Card only). Please enter through Gate 8 or 12 off Valley Avenue.

🎭 Entertainment & Cultural Highlights

Q: What makes this event unique?
A: This is North America’s only celebration that brings together the grand traditions of Dussehra and Diwali on one spectacular day — a truly unforgettable experience for families and visitors of all ages!

Signature Highlights:

🔥 Dussehra Highlight:
- 40-Foot Ravan Dahan (effigy burning) at 8:00 PM
- Spectacular Fireworks Show at 8:15 PM
✨ Diwali Highlight:
- Maha Mangal Aarti
- Ram Leela theatrical performance
- 10-Foot Durga Idol & Ayodhya Mandir Replica
💃 Evening Extravaganza:
- Garba (6:30 PM – 8:30 PM)
- Disco & Laser Dandiya (9 PM – 11 PM)
- Bollywood Extravaganza & Raffles

Q: How many stages and performances can we expect?
A: The festival features two major stages and nonstop entertainment all day:

🎤 Main Stage: Cultural showcases, Garba, Disco & Laser Dandiya, Ram Leela, and the Fireworks Grand Finale
🎶 Outside Stage: Bollywood Live Music, Bolly Tambola, Raffles, and Giveaways

🛍️ Shopping, Food & Family Fun

Q: What kind of shopping is available?
A: Enjoy over 150+ vendor booths in the Bay Area’s largest Indian shopping bazaar, offering:

Festive Fashion: Sarees, Lehengas, Kurtas, Jewelry, Handicrafts
Home & Lifestyle: Decor, Handlooms, Gift Items
Community & Business Booths: Education, Health, and Financial Services

Q: What activities are available for families and children?
A: The event is designed as a complete family festival with:

🎡 Kids’ Carnival Zone – fun Rides & Games
🏆 Competitions – Dance, AIA Idol Singing, Chess, Carroms, Rangoli
🎨 Workshops and cultural craft activities for kids
🍴 Desi Street Food Festival – savor regional favorites from all over India
📸 Selfie Spots – Ayodhya Mandir Replica & Grand Festive Decor

🗓️ Festival Schedule Highlights

Time	Event	Location
12 PM – 5 PM	Competitions (Dance, AIA Idol Singing, Chess, Carroms, Rangoli)	Competition Stage
12 PM – 4:30 PM	Bollywood Live Music	Outside Stage
4:30 PM – 6 PM	Bolly Tambola	Outside Stage
5:30 PM	Maha Mangal Aarti	Main Festival Area
6:30 PM – 8:30 PM	Garba	Main Festival Area
8:00 PM	40-Foot Ravan Dahan	Main Festival Area
8:15 PM	Spectacular Fireworks Show	Main Festival Area
9:00 PM – 11 PM	Disco & Laser Dandiya	Main Festival Area
All Day (Noon – 11 PM)	150+ Vendor Booths, Carnival Rides/Games, Desi Street Food, Ram Leela, Bollywood Extravaganza	Throughout Festival

Q: When does the festival end?
A: All entertainment and activities close promptly at 11:00 PM.

🌟 Why You Shouldn’t Miss It

✅ The biggest Diwali & Dussehra celebration in North America
✅ Ravan Dahan + Fireworks – a one-of-a-kind spectacle
✅ Garba & Laser Dandiya – nonstop music and dance
✅ Family Carnival & Kids Activities – fun for all ages
✅ Ram Leela & Durga Idol – immerse in rich Indian traditions
✅ Authentic Indian Food Festival – tastes from every state
✅ Massive Shopping Bazaar – 150+ booths of festive fashion & crafts
✅ Raffles, Giveaways & Live Music All Day
✅ Perfect for Families, Students & Visitors — Celebrate Together!