NEWYORK: New York City Department of Correction’s ‘Desi Society,’ ‘Live on NY,’ and the Chhaya Community Development Corporation, in partnership with the office of Queens Borough President Donovan Richards organized a colorful event to celebrate Hindu religious festival Diwali with the American Hindu community.
The colorful celebration of Diwali, the festival of lights, took place at the Helen Marshall Cultural Center in Queens Borough Hall. The event commenced with religious rituals and the chanting of mantras.
Various performers presented traditional cultural acts and dances, delighting the audience, during an event.
The occasion became a truly memorable experience with vibrant costumes, traditional music, and captivating performances.
Addressing participants, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards said that Diwali is a festival of love, unity, and light, which brings together people from various cultures and religions.
He said that the festival, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness, inspires them to promote equality and inclusivity.
New York State Assemblyman David Weprin also attended the event. He said that Queens is a beautiful blend of diverse cultures and civilizations from across the globe.
He noted that Diwali conveys a message of light triumphing over darkness, hope over despair, and good over evil, while fostering shared values such as faith, family, and service.
An official from the ‘Desi Society’ Dr. Maryam along with other organizers, extended Diwali greetings to the participants and expressed gratitude for their presence.
They described such events as a vital means of promoting love, respect, harmony, and mutual connection among individuals from various cultural backgrounds.
The event also featured a musical segment, during which devotional songs were performed.
The event included a segment to recognize the contributions of community leaders and honor them with awards.
According to the organizers, Diwali is not merely a festival of lights; it also carries a message of hope, joy, peace, love, and unity.
They said that such gatherings serve to bring people of different faiths and cultures closer together, while strengthening mutual affection and harmony.
Participants appreciated the organizers’ efforts and expressed hope that such initiatives would continue to promote cultural diversity and reinforce community unity.
