Gracie Mansion sparkled with lamps, colors, and cultural pride on October 17 as New York City Mayor Eric Adams hosted a grand Diwali celebration honoring the Indian and South Asian communities. The event, organized by the Mayor’s Office of International Affairs and led by Deputy Commissioner Dilip Chauhan, celebrated the festival’s message of light triumphing over darkness and unity across cultures. Mayor Adams called Diwali “a festival that reminds us there’s far too much darkness in the world and not enough light,” while Chauhan praised the community’s efforts that led to Diwali becoming an official New York City public school holiday — a historic first achieved after years of advocacy. Diplomats and artists joined the celebration, with India’s Deputy Consul General Vishal Jayeshbhai Harsh emphasizing Diwali’s universal message of inclusion, peace, and shared values.
In his moving speech, Mayor Adams reflected on his visit to India and Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy, reminding the audience that Diwali’s spirit calls people to lift one another up through compassion and understanding. He praised the Indian community’s contributions to New York City in fields like medicine, technology, and public service, acknowledging leaders such as Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright and Health Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan. The evening also featured cultural performances, spiritual messages, and special honors presented to community figures including chef Vikas Khanna and representatives from BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha for their service and creativity. As hundreds of diyas lit up the terrace overlooking the East River, Adams closed the night with a heartfelt message: “Diwali is not just about lighting lamps—it’s about lighting lives. Let’s carry this light into every home and every heart across our city.”
