New York: Spicy Indian treats, cultural shows, a colorful street fair - the annual South Street Seaport Deepavali festival was held in downtown New York on Sunday.
As always, the occasion was a magnet for the Indian community in this neighborhood.
It is amazing that Diwali is celebrated in such a big way in New York. "I come here every year with my family. It's a lot of fun," says a New Yorker.
New York politicians and the Indian consul general were among those who turned up to wish the crowd a Happy Deepavali.
The organisers explained why they jumped the gun with their event while the actual festival of lights is still nearly three weeks away.
"We're living in the West. In the West, we have to keep in mind the weather, people's convenience. It can only be on a Sunday," says Arish K Sahani of the Association of Indians in America.
"And we felt weather was okay only on the first Sunday in October. We have to have it on the day the city gives us the permit. We have to get a permit and we have to block the date way in advance," he adds.
And what's Deepavali without fireworks? Indians in this country can't light fireworks at their doorstep like they do back home, but the spectacular finale to the event more than made up for that.
When there's food and music on the ground and sparkling fireworks in the sky, it doesn't really matter if you're in New Delhi or in New York - the festive spirit is the same for Indians everywhere.
Comments
0 comment