This Friday at the National Automobile Museum in Downtown Reno, more than 30 businesses are coming together for a celebration of Indian food, art and culture. It’s a benefit for the Food Bank of Northern Nevada called Diwaliwood.
“On that night you can expect to sip on Indian whiskey and chai, savor festive cuisine, and delight in the beauty of Bollywood dance,” said Michael Tragash, a community director for Yelp. “We are also going to have a community Mandala painting from a world-renown Indian artist based here in the Reno-Tahoe area.”
It’s a night to showcase the growing Indian community here, and put the spotlight on local businesses, new and old. India Kabob & Curry in Midtown has been serving up Indian delicacies for decades.
“Twenty years and we’re still here,” said owner Bishan Singh. “The Reno community loves me and I love the Reno community; this is my family. Many have come and gone but I’m still here.”
Just down the road, a Maharaja Royal Bites opened its doors just a few weeks ago. This restaurant is truly a family affair.
“My dad, he’s a chef, he’s been doing that for 25 years,” said owner Sohan Singh. “He was here before us that’s what his passion is. We were looking for a restaurant for a long time and we finally got this place. We are really happy people are so supportive in this community, it keeps us busy and that’s good.”
Diwaliwood is a free event, but suggested donations all go to the Food Bank of Northern Nevada. The goal is to provide 60,000 meals to local families in need.
“We’re in a situation where we are really needing the help; it’s unbelievably busy in our line of work,” said Jocelyn Lantrip with the Food Bank of Northern Nevada. “We’re helping 150,000 people every month and that number continues to rise. In times like this, the community always shows up for us, and this is a really fun way to do it.”
The businesses are all donating their time and resources to the cause, a community effort that’s part of the culture.
Registration info: https://faire-handshake.my.canva.site/diwaliwood