Sundar Shadi Holiday Display

Sundar Shadi's Holiday Display was one of the perks we discovered living here in these parts of the East Bay when we were not on airplanes. It was driving by during the holidays that we discovered this Christmas display back in the days of yore, way before extreme Christmas decorations and lights extravaganzas and productions. Many Yelpers here have given the history lesson about the origins of Mr. Shadi's display. I will just leave my notes here.This was always a family tradition to drive by Arlington Avenue and Moser Lane to drive by Mr. Shadi's house to view his labor of love and gift to the community. And if it was not too crowded and too congested, we would park and view the display up close and personal. My favorite was the Angel that appeared to the Three Kings. It was always about the Angel dressed in pink and purple for me, she was so beautiful.We were fortunate to make Mr. Shadi's acquaintance back in the day through family friends and the UC Berkeley affiliation. We knew a family who were good friends of the Shadis. The Late Father, The Sibling, and I volunteered to help Mr. Shadi either set up the display and/or take it down with the Boy Scouts and other members of the community over the years. I remember after taking it down, we were treated to refreshments of tea and biscuits (cookies) with Mr. and Mrs. Shadi afterwards at their home.After Mr. Shadi's passing, the holidays were not the same. Fortunately years later, the community brought the display back to life on Moser Lane, not too far from the former Shadi residence. It started out small yet restored to original format and glory. Many generations can enjoy the late Sundar Shadi's gift and tradition on Moser Lane just like their parents and grandparents before them.I plan on making an overdue pilgrimage to Sundar Shadi's Holiday Display this year. Ah, yes, the holidays are upon us.

The first time I passed by this elaborate display a few years ago, I thought it was certainly bold of someone to hold a holiday garage sale on a patch of public land. Then when I saw it up close, I thought it was the handiwork of a local church since I didn't see any animatronic Santa waving at me. Exactly a year ago, by sheer coincidence, I was in the real Bethlehem which is now a busy, tourist-infested city on the West Bank, but the spirit of brotherhood was resonate and prevalent, especially when it makes economic sense for all concerned.So this year, I walked by this annual display with a more informed sense of what Sundar Shandi was trying to do. As a Sikh, he must have enjoyed conveying the message of brotherhood for others to enjoy because he decided to become an expert In papier-mache in order to recreate the spiritual feeling of the Holy Land. It's an admirable accomplishment for just one person. This is the 70th anniversary of this display though I understand it's been on this hillside only since Shandi's passing in 2001. OK, I get it now.RELATED - Celebrating the holidays? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed in the spirit of sharing: http://bit.ly/39aT63N

The display was put up yesterday and will be up until December 26th. When I drove down Moeser I saw a multitude of volunteers setting up the figures and the lights. It rained today, but I'm sure people are still driving by, bringing their children, being a part of this longstanding tradition. I notice that Yelp reports the hours are from 5:00-10:00, but that's not accurate. The display is there all day, although it's more magical at night when it's lit. If you come by, drive slowly and pay attention, because often people are crossing the street inattentively, dazzled by the display.

I 'm not sure what's more fascinating: The rebirth of the town of Bethlehem on the top of a hill in El Cerrito, or the story of the man, who wasn't even Christian, who created and maintained it for 50 years.I guess it doesn't matter; I enjoy seeing it on cold December nights.

Ditto to everything Anne K., Toni M., and others say about Mr. Shadi's proud legacy. I still remember watching old guy carefully tending to his flock on the hillside where this Display used to reside. And I continue to be impressed on how this Tzadik's efforts live on through others who are similarly inspired.In addition, if you happened to drive towards Moeser via Kensington, there were some pretty impressive home lighting displays along the way. There was one just past Arlington Circle that was amazing. Then once past the Kensington Village Centre, Santa, Snowmen and other holiday cheer were waiting to dazzle for those who just enjoyed driving around and taking it all in.

Thank you everyone who supports this year after year. The soroptimists, the City, Everyone. The display is tucked away but will be back again next Christmas. Have a happy New Year! www.shadidisplay.comhttps://www.facebook.com/pages/Sundar-Shadi-Christmas-Display-El-Cerrito-Ca/207229456028912#!/pages/Sundar-Shadi-Christmas-Display-El-Cerrito-Ca/207229456028912

I see Toni M. has given you the links to history, but I thought I would include a brief bit here.A very nice Sikh man, Mr. Shadi, moved to El Cerrito back in the day. He was so impressed with the warm welcome he received that at Christmas time he put a star up in his yard as a thank you to everyone who had welcomed him. Over the years the star somehow grew into an amazing nativity scene that covered 2/3rds of a tripple lot where he lived. Years ago (when they were in high school) my uncles helped him put the things out. When he passed on, his children sold the property and gave the nativity scene to the city of El Cerrito, who now put it up on the empty hillside along Moeser.It is a little harder to see there than it had been on his property on the Arlington, but is still well worth it. It has every possible compenent of the traditional Nativity, plus a plethora of other things that Shadi collected over the years. It is charming and inspiring. My family used to make an annual pilgrimmage here every year. We should get back into that tradition.

Each year my wife and I make a pilgrimage to see this display. The handmade decorations fill about an acre and provide a unique look into the life of one man and the community that has embraced him. The faithful, loving and tireless work of volunteers keeps this unique folk art alive as well as preserve hope for cooperation between people and peace on earth. Take a moment to stop by if you can and enjoy this display.My wife and I made a video about the various Christmas displays in El Cerrito, highlighting this particular one at the end. You can see it on YouTube.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uA580HvviE4

Seeing this display year after year simply makes me smile - particularly this year when the holidays otherwise snuck up on me. [Although per my other reviews, I have in vain tried to get the Yelp review name changed to the "Sundar Shadi Holiday Display" - which it is technically called].

Ever since I was a little kid it was part of tradition to drive up Arlington to see the display, no matter how cold or foggy it was we always went. Now I take my own children to visit this wonderful display. Its a tradition to many of us locals.