New York City will experience the joy of the Festival of Lights on October 27-28, 2023, at the A R Helping Hands - Gopi Dairy Diwali at Times Square event, which since 2013, has been spreading the true message of Diwali—"Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion"—as the largest South Asian and Indo-Caribbean festival outside of India.
The 2023 event will celebrate diversity under the theme "United Colors of America," and will feature performances from local dance schools representing South Asian, Indo-Caribbean, Asian, African, and Hispanic communities, among others.
In honor of Diwali being recognized as a school holiday in New York City, students from New York City schools will gather for the first time at Times Square, for a special celebration as the event highlight.
The Consulate General of India, NY hosted a press conference as a curtain raiser for the upcoming event. Assembly Member Jenifer Rajkumar (the primary force behind making Diwali NYC School Holiday with NYC Mayor Eric Adams) and Congressman Gregory Meeks both addressed the media along with Consul General Randhir Jaiswal.
“Diwali this year is truly special, as we celebrate champions, Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar who made New York City's recognition of Diwali as a public holiday possible, highlighting the strong India-U.S. partnership and our commitment to addressing global challenges,” the Consul General said.
Consul General of India, NY Randhir Jaiswal
“Diwali holds profound significance as it illuminates Times Square and the world, exemplifying the enduring relationship between India and the United States,” said Congressman Gregory Meeks.
Deputy Consul General Varun Jeph, Congressman Gregory Meeks, Harish Bhasin and Neeta Bhasin
“To accomplish any great task, you can't do it alone; it's my Hindu values that brought me to this place, and it's those Hindu values that we will celebrate together in the biggest Diwali celebration ever in New York City, starting in Times Square,” Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar said during her speech.
Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar
On behalf of the Organizing Committee for "Gopi Dairy Diwali at Times Square," Dr. Dattatreyudu Nori, the director of the Indian branch of the Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, addressed the gathering.
Neeta Bhasin, the founder of 'Gopi Dairy Diwali at Times Square,' said, “Diwali at Times Square is not just an event; it's a vision that I hold dear to my heart. It's a vision of unity in diversity, equity and inclusion. It is a celebration that welcomes people of all backgrounds to come together and share in the joy of Diwali.”
Queensborough Supreme Court Judge Karen Gopee, President & Founder Diwali at Times Square Neeta Bhasin with guests
Popular Bollywood singer Mika Singh, Indo American singer, and influencer Shuba, and devotional singer from the UK Shivali, and an array of local performers will entertain audience at the event.
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