By K.B.NAIR
ARTESIA, CA – The “Festival of Lights” was in full display on shop fronts and sidewalks of the stretch of the sidewalk on which there is a concentration of Indian establishments and eateries. Bright floral Diwali decorations atop the stores and vibrantly colored lights ushered in an air of festivity and revelry to the thousands of people from the Indian community who converged on the strip to make their purchases on the weekend before the festival. Parking was at a premium with visitors to the area having to place their vehicles blocks away and make their way by foot to the center of the shopping area.
Many of the vendors had set up colorful and attractive stands extending on to the pavement and others had constructed brilliantly lit ‘shamianas’ in the parking lots to show off their best and latest designs in Diwali ware. Restaurants also did roaring business throughout the season with patrons seen standing outside the establishments waiting for tables.
The festive Diwali look on Pioneer Boulevard.
- Color and Spirit: Shoppers thronged ‘Little India’ weeks before Diwali.
