Association of Indians in America celebrates Diwali jointly with Jaipur Foot USA at Times Square

October 27, 2022

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New York’s iconic Times Square was lit up for Diwali festivities starting Oct. 23, 2022, with beating of drums, dancing, and distribution of sweets, as many gathered to soak in the atmosphere and join the fun. Photo: AIA

A colorful Diwali was celebrated at Times Square by the Association of Indians in America-NY, jointly with Jaipur Foot USA.

The celebrations included emblazoning the NASDAQ tower for 5 days with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Diwali greeting as the main attraction, a press release from AIA said.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Diwali greetings displayed in a NASDAQ billboard at Times Square, Oct. 23, 2022. Photo: AIA

Deepavali 2022 began with a diya-lighting ceremony on Sunday, October 23, evening at Times Square, (43rd Street & Broadway) outside Nasdaq stock exchange, NYC.

The lamp-lighting ceremony was conducted by Harish Thakkar, president of the AIA NY chapter, accompanied by chief guest Dr. Samin Sharma, a noted interventional cardiologist at Mt. Sinai Hospital, Prem Bhandari, chairman of Jaipur Foot USA, and India’s Deputy Consul General in New York Dr. Varun Jeph. Others who participated in the lamp-lighting were, Corporate Vice President at New York life insurance company Srinivas Ranga, and New York State Senator John Liu.

A poster with Deepavali greetings from the leaders was also displayed at Times Square.

New York’s iconic Times Square was lit up for Diwali festivities, beating of drums, dancing, and distribution of sweets, as many gathered to soak in the atmosphere and join the fun.

“We are sharing the message of Diwali – Knowledge over Ignorance, Peace, Love, Unity, and Togetherness and Inclusion in Diversity to the world from the biggest crossroads of the world, Times Square. Even the universe responded in appreciation by keeping the weather conducive to the event despite forecasts of rain throughout the day,” Thakkar said.

Bhandari thanked India’s Prime Minister for sending Diwali greetings to the diaspora.

Leaders of Association of Indians in America (AIA) New York chapter and Jaipur Foot USA in collaboration hosted a grand Deepavali event at NYC’s Times Square, displaying the true spirit and grit of India away from home. Photo: AIA

Liu said Diwali is the celebration of light and so, coming at a time of darkness, when there seem to be many stories of bereavement, sickness and financial hardship all caused by a virus, there was a need to ensure that the inner light stays ignited. Liu noted he has attended many AIA Diwali festivals at South Street Seaport.

Jeph, extended warmest wishes and noted to everyone and said Diwali symbolized the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness, with the central message of openness, peace and mutual respect.

Thakkar thanked the all the media, including ITV Gold, Desi Talk, News India Times, Parikh Worldwide Media, which bring out News India Times, as well as TV Asia, Jus Punjabi, and a number of other Indian-American news outlets.