BACOLOD CITY, (PNA) — Mayor Monico Puentevella here is looking forward to the staging of the city’s 1st Diwali Festival spearheaded by the local Indian community, and is optimistic that the event will become a major tourist attraction like MassKara and Bacolaodiat.
The Diwali, India’s festival of lights, which celebrates life, light and knowledge, will be held here on November 3-5.
“Diwali will be like MassKara and Bacolaodiat. These festivals started small and eventually grew into what they are now,” Puentevella said.
The city celebrated the 34th year of MassKara Festival from October 1-20. The annual Bacolaodiat is held to celebrate the Chinese New Year.
Puentevella said he also plans to promote the Diwali Festival on national television.
“This is one way to attract more visitors,” he said.
The mayor noted that the contribution of the Indian nationals to the local economy dates back to the 1920s.
Festival chairman Haresh Chugani said they expect about 50,000 visitors to witness the three-day Diwali event.
The festival will feature a Little Indian Bazaar, Indian-themed buffet with traditional Indian music and classical and modern dances, cultural and variety show, and a Bollywood movie screening, among others.