Pasadena Hindu Temple’s Diwali Festival Reflects Over Two Decades of Bridging Cultures

A modest Hindu organization that began in a Southern California living room in 1986 has blossomed into a cultural cornerstone. This week, the Pasadena Hindu Temple and Heritage Foundation launched its annual five-day Festival of Lights celebration, showcasing how religious institutions can successfully bridge cultural divides while preserving traditions.

The Temple’s evolution mirrors the growth of cultural integration in Pasadena. It has expanded from its fledgling initial incorporation in 1998 to become a vibrant center that partners with a number of local nonprofits.

“We are actually very well assimilated with the local community, not just the Indian American community, but also the local community with the Pasadena Boys and Girls Club, with the destitute women in downtown LA. Our youth group does a lot with them,” said Rima Madan, Events Coordinator for the Temple.

The Festival of Lights celebration, running from October 29 to November 2, begins with Dhanteras, honoring the Goddess of Wealth, Lakshmi, and features daily evening services from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m., culminating in a grand ceremony on Saturday where devotees will present offerings.

“On Friday, we have the Diwali, the big Diwali Festival in the Temple where we light all the candle[s]. Every day is going to be festivities. Then Saturday we will offer 56 different kinds of foods to the Gods, and they’re all decorated in front of the Temple, in front of the altar,” Madan explains.

The Temple’s journey from its humble beginnings to its current status as a cultural bridge represents over two decades of community integration.

“We had a small organization that started in 1986. Then the Hindu Temple was incorporated in 1998. And then we bought the property. We started the Temple as such in 2003,” Madan recalls.

Beyond its religious services, the Temple maintains connections with educational institutions including Caltech, California State University, Los Angeles, and local high schools, while fostering inclusivity through its open-door policy.

The Temple’s youth group plays an active role in maintaining cultural traditions while engaging in community service.

Beyond Diwali, the Temple organizes other major celebrations throughout the year, including the Holi festival in March, which is open to the public and serves as another cultural bridge attracting participation from both Indian Americans and the broader Pasadena community.

“The Temple is open to everyone. They are welcome to come and witness those events in the Temple. They’re welcome to join us in our cultural events,” Madan said.

The Diwali celebration will extend beyond the five-day religious observance with a special cultural program scheduled for November 16 at Huntington Middle School in San Marino, continuing a longstanding tradition of community engagement.

“That’s the cultural event that we’ve been doing over here for years now, 20-plus years. Every year we have the Diwali cultural event where the community gets together and we get to showcase our children’s activities and their talents,” Madan said.

The Temple’s celebration emphasizes traditional aspects of Diwali, which symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. While local regulations prohibit fireworks, the festivities include traditional practices such as lighting diyas (oil lamps), creating rangoli designs, and sharing community feasts. These celebrations have become a model for preserving cultural traditions while fostering inclusivity.

The Pasadena Hindu Temple  is located at 676 S Rosemead Blvd, in East Pasadena. For more visit www.thepasadenahindutemple.org  or call (626) 679-8777.