NEW YORK CITY (TIP): Under COVID conditions, not being able to organize their iconic Diwali festival at South Street Seaport , the AIA chose the center of the universe -the Times Square- to celebrate one of the most colorful and much celebrated festivals of India– the festival of lights-. AIA NY, Inaugurated the Deepavali 2020 with a  Diya-lighting ceremony on Friday, November 13^th at Times Square, (43rd Street & Broadway)  opposite Nasdaq stock exchange, and prayed for the end of covid-19 suffering.  The Diya-lighting ceremony was performed  by  Consul General of India in New York Randhir Jaiswal who was the chief guest at the AIA Diwali celebrations . Others at hand to light the lamp were Special guests NY State Senator John Liu and Deputy Consul General, Shatrughna Sinha. Because of social distancing measures, the event capacity was limited to 25 people.

Harish Thakkar, president of AIA- NY  said this Diwali is going to be very different from all the others we have ever witnessed. Deepavali festival is one of the landmark events of AIA-NY and is enjoyed by over 50,000 spectators every year. Considered by far the largest attraction for Indian Americans from all over the tri-state area, but due to COVID-19 -19, Diwali festival didn’t take place at South Street Seaport this year. Instead, AIA NY did Diya lighting at Times Square, NYC.. Also AIA felicitated  the first celebration of Deepavali at the White House in 2005. In recognition of Diwali, alternate street parking in the city of New York is suspended, he said.

NY State Senator John Liu said Diwali is the celebration of light and so, coming at a time of darkness, when there seem to be many sad stories of bereavement, sickness and financial hardship all caused by a virus, we need to ensure that our inner light stays ignited.  Instead of thinking of ‘Corona., it’s a time to share compassion, love and care with everyone around us. He also said he attended many AIA Diwali festival events at South Street Seaport and thanked AIA president Harish Thakkar for organizing the Diya lighting event at time square.

Consul General of India, Ambassador Randhir Jaiswal extended his warmest wishes to everyone and said that Diwali truly brightens our evenings. As we unite to celebrate the festival of lights, we mark the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness. Diwali’s central message of openness, peace and mutual respect is one we can all learn from. He also mentioned that AIA is a grass-roots national organization of Asian-immigrants in the U.S, is well known for its social, cultural and educational activities and is the organizer of the largest Deepavali festival  in NYC for the past 32 years. The festivities in Time Square are always a joy to attend. He thanked AIA president, Harish Thakkar for organizing the Diya lighting event at Times Square and wished everyone Happy Diwali and a prosperous new year. A.I.A president Harish Thakkar thanked the all media ITV, TV Asia, Jus Punjabi, PTC News, The Indian Panorama, South Asian Times, Desi talk, News India, Parikh Worldwide media and  Hum Hindustani “We are grateful to all our media who made this event a big success,” he said.