NEWYORK: New York City corrections department’s Desi society and Live on NY celebrated Diwali at the Gujarati Samaj Hindu Community Center in Fresh Meadows, Queens.
The national anthems of the United States and India were played at the beginning of the ceremony.
Special rituals were performed and Bhajans were sung on the occasion of Diwali.
New York City Corrections Department’s Dr. Maryam Singh welcomed the guests. She said that Diwali is a message of peace and love and we want to promote harmony and brotherhood among communities.
The Diwali event was also attended by community members and US officials from various sectors.
Assemblywoman Jennifer Rajkumar, elected from Queens, said that in the year 2023, we had promised that Diwali would be a public holiday, and today we are happy that we have been able to fulfill this promise.
The children participating in the Diwali shed light on the history and traditions of the Diwali festival and also demonstrated their art, while local singers sang songs.
Officials of the Department of Corrections and other American officials extended Diwali greetings to the Hindu community.
The speakers said that people of different religions, nationalities, colors, and races live in New York City and all share in each other’s happiness.
Later, the Assemblywoman presented a citation to the Desi Society, while under the main theme of the event, those members of the community were honored who spread positive change and light in the community through their services and character.
The award recipients included Pakistani-origin Inspector Adeel Rana and other prominent individuals.
