A Diwali celebration unfolded in the heart of New York City on Saturday, as numerous members of the Indian community and American citizens convened in Times Square. This iconic location in Midtown Manhattan was transformed into a vibrant showcase of cultural richness and unity.The event featured prominent figures, including New York Mayor Eric Adams, New York state representative Jenifer Rajkumar, and Consul General Binaya Pradhan, among others. Mayor Adams expressed his pride in joining the Indian community in Times Square, 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.” Each year, Indians gather at Times Square to commemorate Diwali, with this year’s celebration scheduled for November 1.
Celebrations took place in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, where Deputy Consul General of India, Varun Jeph, participated in festivities organized by the Khalsa Asian American Association. The event was also attended by Upper Darby Mayor Ed Brown and State Senator Tim Kearney, who were acknowledged for their support of the Indian American community and the strengthening of India-US relations in a tweet from the Indian Embassy in the United States. In a significant development in November 2023, New York State Governor Kathy Hochul declared Diwali a school holiday for public schools in New York City, emphasizing the city’s rich tapestry of religions and cultures and the importance of recognizing this diversity within the school calendar. The Indian American population in the United States exceeds 4.8 million, with approximately half residing in California, Texas, New Jersey, and New York.
