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Around this time of year, many people around the world celebrate the South Asian festival of lights: Diwali. In Oakland on Saturday night, families from all backgrounds and from all around the Bay Area came together for the 4th Annual Oakland Diwali festival, held at the Block15 venue near Jack London Square. The event (including food and entertainment) is free for the public. Oakland District 4 City Council Member Janani Ramachandran, who was the first South Asian elected to office in the city of Oakland, organizes the festival. She said Oakland s festival is unique in that it provides free food for all attendees. Ramachandran also noted that last year, the event drew around 1,200 attendees. As you can see here, there was a line at the door at 6 p.m., people want a Diwali celebration that feels inclusive, that feels Oakland, she said. Ramachandran noted that many people across the globe celebrate Diwali or similar holidays, and the Oakland event is designed to be a w