New York City Comptroller Brad Lander hosted a vibrant Deepawali (Diwali) celebration on November 13 in Richmond Hill, Queens, honoring the Festival of Lights and celebrating the unity of the city’s diverse communities.
The event, attended by elected officials and community members, brought together a wide range of organizations from Nepali, Indo-Caribbean, Sikh, Indian, and Bangladeshi backgrounds, showcasing New York City’s unique cultural tapestry.
In his remarks, Comptroller Lander emphasized the importance of honoring diverse traditions in the city. “We find ourselves at a moment in time when some people will tell you that honoring your own traditions requires you to neglect someone else’s, or that someone has to go,” Lander stated.
“Right here in New York City, the most culturally diverse city in the world, we’re going to let our Diwali lights shine so brightly that this whole gorgeous city, from Richmond Hill to the Bronx, will be illuminated for every single one of us.”
During the celebration, Padma Linkha Magar, co-founder of the Saral Nepali Language and Culture Center, was honored for her dedication to promoting Nepali language and cultural education within the city’s Nepali immigrant communities.
Other honorees included Annetta Seecharran, Executive Director at Chhaya CDC; the South Queens Women’s March; and UNITED SIKHS.
The event highlighted the lasting importance of cultural celebrations in fostering inclusivity and mutual respect among New Yorkers of all backgrounds. As the Diwali lights illuminated the hall, the message was clear: New York City’s strength lies in its diversity, with each community contributing its own light to the city’s ever-growing cultural landscape.
Diwali, also known as Dipawali, is celebrated across India, Nepal and among various communities worldwide as the Festival of Lights.
The essence of Diwali lies in its celebration of the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Traditionally, families illuminate their homes with diyas (oil lamps) and colorful lights, symbolizing hope and joy. This year, festivities are expected to be vibrant, with markets bustling as people purchase new clothes, sweets, and firecrackers to celebrate the occasion.
In addition to its religious significance for Hindus, Diwali is also observed by Jains, Sikhs, and some Buddhists, each attributing unique meanings to the festival. For instance, Jains commemorate the nirvana of Lord Mahavira on this day, while Sikhs celebrate the release of Guru Hargobind Ji from imprisonment.
The festival fosters a spirit of unity and joy among diverse communities, making it a cherished occasion for many.
Deepak Pariyar also contributed to this report.
Suresh Shahi
View More PostsSuresh Shahi is the editor of NepYork, the showcase of Nepalis in the USA. He has also been an editor of Khasokhas, the voice of the Nepali diaspora in the USA, since 2012. Currently, he hosts the podcast ‘Community Cornerstone.’ Previously, he served as a host, anchor, and news reporter for ABC TV Nepal.
