DIWALI which signifies the triumph of good over evil is enthusiastically enjoyed by people of every religion with its radiant touch creating an atmosphere of joy and festivity among people in various countries including the U.S. It usually takes place eighteen days after Dusshera (burning of the effigy of the evil Ravan) or Ram Leela (coronation of Lord Rama). It was celebrated in NY two weekends ago and again last weekend.

It was enjoyed by 200,000 at the South Street Seaport in Manhattan and thousands more in Richmond Hill and in Elmhurst. Mayor Bloomberg was the Chief Guest at the 22nd Annual Diwali Festival at South Street. Several other politicians, including Mayoral Challengers Bill Thompson and City Comptroller candidate John Liu also attended the celebrations. There were a large number of Whites, Blacks, Asians, and Hispanics at the Seaport celebrations.

At South Street Seaport, Diwali was celebrated in all its sound and sparkle. It was an entertainment filled day. There were spectacular fireworks, dance, music, a food fair, bazaar, children fair, free gifts, and more. Several West Indians performed. The celebration started at noon and concluded at 7:00 followed by the magnificent fireworks which produced special effects resembling lighted deyas burning in the atmosphere. The fireworks burst into umbrellas of colourful embers. From the ground, it was watched in awe by thousands, the beauty raining down on them. The flames looking like lit deyas danced in the air, after rockets burst with loud noises. The ‘bombs’ went off pop, pop again and again. Loud cheers from the appreciative audience accompanied each boom. The colours were unbelievable – a fitting display for Diwali.

The Seaport program was carried on SONY and SAHARA Entertainment TV stations and also filmed by the local community programs for broadcasts over the next two weekends.

Today, Diwali celebrations are an embedded part of Richmond Hill. Its crowd appeal in Queens where most Guyanese are settled and at the Seaport have increased thanks to fantastic cultural extravaganzas and fireworks. The White House also celebrates Diwali and President Obama had one planned on the evening of the 14th. NYS Governor also wished the community greetings on the occasion of the festival. The Governors of New Jersey and Connecticut have also released Diwali greetings to celebrants. Politicians in other states (such as California, Texas, Ohio, Washington, Florida, etc.) where Indian communities have risen have also planned celebrations.

On Saturday, the Diwali celebrations came to Little Guyana in Richmond Hill at the Dr. Cheddi Jagan Square where there was a cultural variety concert and on Sunday the celebration shifted to Little India in Elmhurst. The New York (NY) City Council will celebrate Diwali on Oct 19 evening at City Hall and the public is invited.

Celebrations are also planned in all of the mandirs this weekend and melas are planned for Hindu communities across the US.

Guyanese have been gearing up for the festival. The shopping district is teeming with shoppers purchasing items to welcome their Goddess.
VISHNU BISRAM