Diwali , known as the Festival of Lights, is a vibrant celebration that symbolises the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. Each year, millions of people around the world come together to commemorate this joyous occasion with a myriad of festivities, including prayers, feasts, and the illumination of homes with lamps and candles.
On Saturday, New York City hosted a lively Diwali celebration in the heart of Times Square, where a diverse group of Indian community members and American citizens came together to honour the festival of lights. This iconic location in Midtown Manhattan was transformed into a kaleidoscope of colours, showcasing the rich culture and unity of the Indian community.
Diwali 2024 in Times Square: Prominent attendees celebrating together
The event featured prominent attendees, including New York Mayor Eric Adams, New York state representative Jenifer Rajkumar, and Consul General Binaya Pradhan. Their presence underscored the significance of the festival and the importance of community engagement.
Mayor Adams expressed his pride in being part of the celebration, stating on social media, "What better place to celebrate the festival of lights than in the Crossroads of the World? Proud to be with our Hindu brothers and sisters today for the annual Diwali at Times Square celebration as we push away the darkness and welcome in light all across our city." His words resonated with attendees, highlighting the spirit of togetherness that Diwali embodies.
The Diwali festivities in Times Square have become an annual tradition with a vibrant atmosphere filled with traditional music, dance performances, and the festive spirit, drawing crowds who came to witness the spectacle and participate in the joy of the occasion.
Diwali 2024 celebrations extend beyond New York City
Celebrations also took place in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, where Deputy Consul General of India, Varun Jeph, joined the Khalsa Asian American Association's festivities. The event was attended by Upper Darby Mayor Ed Brown and State Senator Tim Kearney, who expressed their support for the Indian American community and the strengthening of India-U.S. relations . The Indian Embassy in the U.S. acknowledged their participation on social media, thanking them for their support.
In a historic decision announced in November 2023, New York State Governor Kathy Hochul declared Diwali a school holiday for New York City public schools each year. This move reflects the state’s commitment to recognizing and celebrating the diverse religious and cultural tapestry of its residents. Governor Hochul remarked, “New York City is rich in different religions and cultures, and we’re taking an important step to recognize and celebrate this diversity in the school calendar.”
The Indian American community is a significant presence in the U.S., with over 4.8 million members, with nearly half residing in California, Texas, New Jersey, and New York. Events like the Diwali celebration in Times Square highlight the cultural contributions of Indian Americans and promote a sense of unity and celebration among diverse communities.
On Saturday, New York City hosted a lively Diwali celebration in the heart of Times Square, where a diverse group of Indian community members and American citizens came together to honour the festival of lights. This iconic location in Midtown Manhattan was transformed into a kaleidoscope of colours, showcasing the rich culture and unity of the Indian community.
Diwali 2024 in Times Square: Prominent attendees celebrating together
The event featured prominent attendees, including New York Mayor Eric Adams, New York state representative Jenifer Rajkumar, and Consul General Binaya Pradhan. Their presence underscored the significance of the festival and the importance of community engagement.
What better place to celebrate the festival of lights than in the Crossroads of the World?
— Mayor Eric Adams (@NYCMayor) October 20, 2024
Proud to be with our Hindu brothers and sisters today for the annual Diwali at Times Square celebration as we push away the darkness and welcome in light all across our city. pic.twitter.com/VauEgY14IO
Mayor Adams expressed his pride in being part of the celebration, stating on social media, "What better place to celebrate the festival of lights than in the Crossroads of the World? Proud to be with our Hindu brothers and sisters today for the annual Diwali at Times Square celebration as we push away the darkness and welcome in light all across our city." His words resonated with attendees, highlighting the spirit of togetherness that Diwali embodies.
Deputy Consul General @varunjeph joined the Diwali celebrations by Khalsa Asian American Association in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania along with members of the Indian diaspora and Asian American community.
— India in New York (@IndiainNewYork) October 20, 2024
Thank you @UpperDarbyPA Mayor Ed Brown and PA State Senator Tim Kearny… pic.twitter.com/6LzwVJ3FR1
The Diwali festivities in Times Square have become an annual tradition with a vibrant atmosphere filled with traditional music, dance performances, and the festive spirit, drawing crowds who came to witness the spectacle and participate in the joy of the occasion.
Diwali 2024 celebrations extend beyond New York City
Celebrations also took place in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, where Deputy Consul General of India, Varun Jeph, joined the Khalsa Asian American Association's festivities. The event was attended by Upper Darby Mayor Ed Brown and State Senator Tim Kearney, who expressed their support for the Indian American community and the strengthening of India-U.S. relations . The Indian Embassy in the U.S. acknowledged their participation on social media, thanking them for their support.
In a historic decision announced in November 2023, New York State Governor Kathy Hochul declared Diwali a school holiday for New York City public schools each year. This move reflects the state’s commitment to recognizing and celebrating the diverse religious and cultural tapestry of its residents. Governor Hochul remarked, “New York City is rich in different religions and cultures, and we’re taking an important step to recognize and celebrate this diversity in the school calendar.”
The Indian American community is a significant presence in the U.S., with over 4.8 million members, with nearly half residing in California, Texas, New Jersey, and New York. Events like the Diwali celebration in Times Square highlight the cultural contributions of Indian Americans and promote a sense of unity and celebration among diverse communities.
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