Diwali at Queens College

The Annual Tradition Took Place this Saturday, November 13, at Queens College’s LeFrak Concert Hall 

(November 15, 2021– Flushing, New York) – On Saturday, November 13, New York City Council Member James F. Gennaro and District Leader Neeta Jain were joined by a number of elected officials and local leaders for the New York City Council’s Diwali Festival – a celebration of the festival of lights. This year marked the return of the annual tradition, which was cancelled last year due to COVID-19. This year, the festival, traditionally held at City Hall, was hosted in Queens – at Queens College’s LeFrak Concert Hall. The event, which was free and open to the public upon registration, was a major success, with tickets completely sold out just four days after it was announced. Diwali – known as the festival of lights – is one of the major festivals celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and even some Buddhists. Each religion has its own historical narrative behind the holiday. Diwali is widely observed among more than a billion people from a variety of faiths across India and its diaspora. The five days of Diwali are marked by prayer, feasts, fireworks, family gatherings, and charitable giving.

The event, organized by Council Member Gennaro and District Leader Jain, incorporated a number of traditional Diwali elements and performances, including a Peace Prayer by Dr. Krishna Pratap Dixit, a lamp lighting ceremony, a Ganesh Vandana Prayer by the members of the Hindu Temple Society of North America, a Bollywood Medley performed by Anadita Guha, Sarva Devatha Anjali performed by the Mukthambar Fine Arts Team, Nagade Sang Dhol Baje performed by Dr. Sumita Guha, and Masala Bhangra performed by Sarina Jain and her team.

“I was thrilled to host this weekend’s Diwali event at Queens College. Diwali is a time to celebrate the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil. It is a beautiful tradition, and I am honored to have played a role in bringing the festival to Queens this year,” said Council Member Gennaro. “I would like to thank Queens College for providing us with the venue, District Leader Neeta Jain, who helped my office organize this event, and all the elected officials who came out to celebrate with us.”

“May the lamps (Diya) of Diwali (Deepavali) illuminate everyone’s life with happiness, peace and good health. Wish you and your family a very prosperous Diwali and a happy new year! On this Diwali, let’s make a promise to bring lights in people lives who suffered during this pandemic, and also pray to God for a good health and fortune for everyone! Looking forward to celebrate Diwali back again at City Hall next year with more joy of having it as NYC public school’s holiday!,” said Dr. Neeta Jain District Leader and co-organizer.

“It was my honor to once again co-sponsor the City Council’s Diwali event and to join my friends and neighbors for a beautiful celebration right here in Queens,” said Council Member Barry S. Grodenchik. “I cannot think of a better start to the holiday season.”

“Diwali is a festival of new beginnings and of light and hope. I was happy to co-sponsor this year’s festivities with my Council colleagues and celebrate this day with our friends and families,” said Council Member Peter Koo. “Wishing everyone a blessed, healthy, and prosperous holiday. May hope and light guide us all this Diwali and this holiday season!”
“It was a pleasure to celebrate Diwali at Queens College on Saturday evening. The festivities honored community advocates who have devoted their time, energy, and resources to improve the lives of countless NYC residents,” 
said Assembly Member David Weprin. “Diwali is a holiday celebrating the victory of light over darkness. After another difficult year in the pandemic, it was comforting to gather in-person and take part in a ceremony acclaiming the ultimate triumph of good over evil.”

“New York is no stranger to Diwali and its symbolic relevance. It is very heartening to see the festival of lights being celebrated here with great joy and fervor – not only by the South-Asian community, but also by members of diverse ethnicities and nationalities just like the Indian-American community celebrates Christmas and other festivals passionately and with great merriments,” said Deputy Consul General of India, Dr. Varun Jeph, who was in attendance at Saturday’s festival. “It truly reflects the American and Indian values of celebrating diversity and of embracing different cultures. May the festival of lights bring joy, love, peace, prosperity and good health to everyone.”