Indian Diaspora Celebrates Diwali with Vibrant Festivities at New York's Times Square

October 21 : 
With Diwali just around the corner, the Indian diaspora in the U.S. is enthusiastically preparing for celebrations. In New York's iconic Times Square, the Indian American community gathered in large numbers to mark the occasion.

The Consulate General of India in New York shared the festivities on the social media platform X, noting, "Consul General joined friends from the Indian-American Community & American friends to celebrate Diwali." Notable guests included Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, New York City Mayor Eric Adams, and Assemblywoman Jennifer Rajkumar. The event was organized by prominent Indian-American community leader Neeta Bhasin.

Meanwhile, in Pennsylvania, the Indian Consulate also hosted Diwali celebrations in collaboration with the Khalsa Asian American Association. Deputy Consul General Varun Jeph, Mayor Edward Brown, and State Senator Tim Kearney attended the event, which brought together members of the Indian diaspora and the Asian American community. The Indian Consulate expressed gratitude to the American leaders for their continued support in strengthening ties between India and the U.S.

Approximately 4.4 million people of Indian origin live in the U.S., making them the third-largest Asian ethnic group in the country. Indian Americans are highly successful across various fields, including politics, and have played a significant role in fostering closer relations between India and the United States. Major metropolitan areas like New York, San Francisco, and Chicago host the largest Indian communities in the country.

India actively engages with its diaspora through various initiatives, such as Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas, acknowledging their contributions as a "living bridge" that connects the two nations. In recognition of the community's cultural significance, New York became the first U.S. city to declare Diwali as a public school holiday in 2023, underscoring the festival's importance for Hindus in the region.

Source : ANI