HOLLY SPRINGS, N.C. (WNCN) -- Holly Springs celebrated its first-ever Grand Diwali, The Festival of Lights, Saturday as part of the Hindu New Year.

Hundreds of people attended the free, family-friendly event held Saturday at Sugg Farm at Bass Lake Park along Grigsby Avenue.

“We wanted to do a big Diwali event in the town for a long time. It happened this year,” Jayachandra Dippanura said.

“I’m so happy the town is allowing us to do this event,” Mahendra Naiavu added.

The festival featured multi-colorful sights and sounds, including traditional Indian music, dance, and elaborate costumes that showcase the rich, ethnic fabric of the Indian community in the Triangle and across the globe.

Organizer Arpitha Reddy said their group, Tuta Diwali, set out to host the festival as a homecoming a

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