16th annual Diversity Spring festival promotes interfaith goodwill in Todos Santos plaza

Concord’s Spring Festival celebrated “goodwill and harmony” among diverse faith groups in Todos Santos plaza on April 27.

The festival began in 2003 with guidance from Dr. Harmesh Kumar, the Interfaith Council and Sri Guru Ravidas Sikh Temple in Pittsburg. The founders wanted to “build bridges and understanding between each faith community and to showcase the talents and culture of each faith,” according to the South Asian Behavioral Health and Training (SABH) Foundation.

The small but enthusiastic crowd gathered on a beautiful spring day to watch dance and musical performances by community members, including Anoop Cheema, Sangeeta Kopalker and Jass Singh. The festival was sponsored by the Contra Costa County Desi Association and SABH Foundation and Interfaith Council of Contra Costa County.