REYNOLDSBURG, Ohio — Thousands gathered in Reynoldsburg on Saturday for the city's fifth annual Diwali festival.

The tradition started in Reynoldsburg in 2020 with around 60 attendees outside city hall. The event has grown tremendously since then and organizers estimate around 15,000 people attended this year's celebration of the Hindu Festival of Lights, with visitors traveling from places including Nashville, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Harrisburg.

"Festival of Lights, festival of colors, its happiness and joy. It's just peaceful in general," said Ujjwal Bhattarai, who traveled from Nashville to attend.

Bhattarai said he was drawn back after performing at last year's event.

"Last year I was fortunate enough to perform, and I just loved the vibes," Bhattarai said.

Diwali is a Hindu

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