Hundreds Celebrate Festival of Lights in Sienna

About 800 people came out for a joyful celebration of Diwali in Sienna that included art, fashion and fireworks.

Among those attending were Missouri City Mayor Robin J. Elackatt and City Councilman Anthony Maroulis.

The annual Festival of Lights event featured dhol drummers, a fashion show and entertainment by Infused Performing Arts and Kajal Desai Dance Studio. Artist Amy Malkan, popular artist/muralist with the Malkan Group, created an elaborate chalk art display and henna artists with pRIYAnshi Fun were on hand to draw tattoos. The evening culminated with a fireworks display.

“It was another sold-out event as people who live in and near Sienna came to celebrate and immerse themselves in this beautiful culture,” said Allison Bond, Marketing Director for Sienna.

Vendors offered silk, handmade leather shoes, jewelry, clothing, candles, lanterns, wellness items and more. Food trucks The Monk’s Indian Bistro and Tikkas and Takkos served authentic Indian food. Guests ages 21 and older were able to enjoy beverages from Wine Vibes Micro Winery and Bistro.

Sponsoring the event were The Beach House Pediatric, Highland Homes, Memorial Hermann Sugar Land and J. Patrick Homes.

Earlier in the month, nearly 2,000 people came out for the Sienna Art Festival, another popular annual event. Most events in the community are resident-only, but a handful — such as Diwali and Sienna Art Festival — are open to the general public, Bond said.