N.Y. — The city was treated to a festival of lights Thursday night with the Hindu new year, Diwali. Many came out to experience the traditions of the five-day celebration. The event was brought to the city by State Sen.Jeremy Cooney, the first Indian to be elected to New York state office from Upstate New York. “I see the leaders from different levels of government bringing the Hindu community and faith leaders together and celebrating and talking about the significance and importance of this festival,” said Sibu Nair, deputy director of Asian American Affairs for New York state. Kathy Hochul recently signed legislation making Diwali a holiday for public schools in New York City.

Source: The Hindu November 17, 2023 08:28 UTC