Empire State Building illuminated for Diwali

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The Federation of Indian Associations of eight states commemorated Diwali, by lighting the world-famous Empire State Building in the colors of the diya.

The lighting ceremony was attended by India’s Consul General in New York Randhir Jaiswal, Deputy Consul General Varun Jeph, popular R&B singer, songwriter and music producer Jay Sean and R&B singer, model and yoga instructor Thara Natalie.

Federation of Indian Associations Chairman Ankur Vaidya, President-elect Kenny Desai, Past President Alok Kumar and Executive members Parveen Bansal and Saurin Parikh participated in the event as well.

Following a dance performance by the students of Aum Dance Creations the Empire State Building ceremonial lighting was turned on together by Jay Sean, Thara Natalie and Consul General Jaiswal.

Jaiswal conveyed Diwali wishes and thanked the American community for accepting and embracing diversity.

Vice President Sales of Empire State Building Patricia Niscior wished the community the world over a Happy Diwali and invited them to participate and visit the Empire State Building.

Vaidya and Desai also conveyed Diwali wishes to the community, as did Jay Sean and Thara Natalie.

This is the fourth year the iconic landmark turned orange for Diwali, a ritual that began in 2018.

To celebrate Diwali, the FIA also served 20,000 hot meals in New Jersey, New York and Connecticut, New England, Ahmedabad, Bihar and Vadodara and various other places under the initiative ‘Diwali Soup & Kitchen’, “aimed at taking Indian tradition, culture and customs related to the festival to a diverse audience,” a press release from FIA said.

Photo 1

Jay Sean, Thara Natalie, C.G Randhir Jaiswal and Kenny Desai.

Photo 2

Parveen Bansal, Ankur Vaidya, Kenny Desai, Randhir Jaiswal, Alok Kumar, Saurin Parikh, Vaishali Parikh. (left to right)

Photo 3

Students of Aum Dance Creations