New Delhi:
Celebrations sparkled up the Occasions Sq. in New York Metropolis yesterday because the Indian neighborhood and several other US residents gathered to look at the Hindu competition of lights.
The occasion featured performances from numerous cultural teams. Among the many notable attendees have been Mayor Eric Adams, New York State Assemblywoman Jennifer Rajkumar, Senator Chuck Schumer and Consul Common of India in New York, Binaya Pradhan. Ms Rajkumar has been a key advocate for recognizing Diwali as a college vacation within the USA all through.
Mayor Adams took to social media platform X (previously, Twitter) to deal with the occasion.
“Proud to be with our Hindu brothers and sisters at present for the annual Diwali at Occasions Sq. celebration as we push away the darkness and welcome in mild all throughout our metropolis,” he wrote.
What higher place to rejoice the competition of lights than within the Crossroads of the World?
Proud to be with our Hindu brothers and sisters at present for the annual Diwali at Occasions Sq. celebration as we push away the darkness and welcome in mild all throughout our metropolis. pic.twitter.com/VauEgY14IO
— Mayor Eric Adams (@NYCMayor) October 20, 2024
The official Twitter account of the Consulate Common of India, New York additionally shared photos of the glamourous celebrations on social media.
Diwali @ TimesSquare : Indian American Neighborhood & American Pals be part of collectively at Occasions Sq. to rejoice Diwali.@narendramodi @PMOIndia @MEAIndia @IndianEmbassyUS @IndianDiplomacy @diaspora_india @binaysrikant76 pic.twitter.com/kylTXrtbni
— India in New York (@IndiainNewYork) October 20, 2024
Neeta Bhasin, founding father of Diwali at Occasions Sq., additionally performed an instrumental position throughout the celebration. The festivities culminated in a ceremonial lighting of diyas (lamps), symbolizing hope and renewal.
Diwali has been celebrated within the coronary heart of New York Metropolis since 2013. As attendees gathered to witness this second, they have been reminded of the competition’s core values and its means to unite numerous communities.
CG @binaysrikant76 joined pals from Indian-American Neighborhood & American pals to rejoice Diwali; Spl because of Senate Majority Chief Senator @SenSchumer , Mayor Eric Adams @NYCMayor , Assemblywoman @JeniferRajkumar for becoming a member of & to major organiser of the occasion Ms. Neeta… pic.twitter.com/Ul7gsLoiYb
— India in New York (@IndiainNewYork) October 20, 2024
Diwali has additionally been formally acknowledged as a college vacation in New York Metropolis final yr. About 4.4 million Indian origin folks reside within the US with individuals of Indian origin constituting the third largest Asian ethnic group within the US, in keeping with ANI. New York, San Francisco and Chicago metropolitan areas are locations within the USA which have the best inhabitants of the Indian neighborhood within the nation.
One other occasion to commemorate Diwali was organised by the Indian Consulate in Pennsylvania.
Deputy Consul Common @varunjeph joined the Diwali celebrations by Khalsa Asian American Affiliation in Higher Darby, Pennsylvania together with members of the Indian diaspora and Asian American neighborhood.
Thanks @UpperDarbyPA Mayor Ed Brown and PA State Senator Tim Kearny… pic.twitter.com/6LzwVJ3FR1
— India in New York (@IndiainNewYork) October 20, 2024
Deputy Consul Common Varun Jeph joined the Diwali celebrations by the Khalsa Asian American Affiliation together with members of the Indian and Asian American neighborhood.
Whereas the festive spirit, by such occasions and recognitions, continues to exhibit an try at endeavours in direction of fostering a spirit of unity and equality, the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI)’s current report confirmed one other aspect of South Asian experiences. As reported by Reuters, the AAPI research exhibits that South Asian folks within the US have been going through alarmingly excessive ranges of hate forward of the 2024 elections, which transcends not simply to the frequent folks but in addition to heavyweights corresponding to Kamala Harris, and Usha Vance. Such celebrations of South Asian festivities thus do their bit in bringing collectively the varied communities in a stunning present of vibrant unity throughout the globe.
Final yr, Prime Minister Narendra Modi despatched a video message to ‘the attendees, emphasizing the competition’s position in selling unity and goodwill. He said that Diwali serves as a reminder of the victory of excellent over evil and the significance of data over ignorance. He has additionally highlighted the significance of the Indian neighborhood within the US and referred to them as a ‘dwelling bridge’ connecting the 2 locations. Diwali falls on November 1st this yr.
