Dear Editor,
Richmond Hill, New York, came alive with a glittering Diwali motorcade Saturday evening that was organized by Guyanese and Trinidadian Hindus spearheaded by Latchmee Singh of East Bank Demerara. It attracted hundreds of celebrants dressed in traditional attire and thousands more of onlookers cheering the floats and marchers. Business people distributed mithai and other snacks along the parade route.
Diwali celebrations were also held last weekend at temples and halls in Queens and Bronx with cultural variety shows. Most temples will hold their Diwali celebrations on Tuesday evening (November 6), the day recognized by New York City with official parking cancellation and excused absence of students and staff from attending school.
The public Diwali celebrations and later the motorcade started out very small some two decades ago with a stationary gathering (with lit deyas and music) at the Arya Samaj ground. Later, it included a procession of people with lit deyas and candles and a few cars decorated with lights. Later, a flatbed truck with music joined the parade. Over the last several years, it was transformed into a small motorcade modeled after the ones in Guyana. It has now grown to include several floats that traverse Liberty Avenue.
Saturday’s parade began at 133rd Street proceeding to 123rd Street right onto 103rd Avenue and back to 133rd Street past Liberty Ave into the Cheddi Jagan Square (Arya Samaj) ground for a cultural variety concert. Homes, businesses and mandirs along the parade routes were also well decorated and lit up. The parade included New York City Indo-Caribbean and South Asian police in a large gathering. Richmond Hill police closed off roads to vehicular traffic to facilitate the motorcade; traffic was diverted. There was a contest for the best float with a prize of US$1000 donated by a sponsor. At the ground, several booths promoted their goods including selling traditional Indian clothing. Organizations also distributed free cultural delicacies and hot and cold beverages. A public puja was also conducted at the ground. Many non Hindus partook in the celebrations that involves lit clay deyas, candles and electronic lamps and sampled the snacks and took in the concert of singing and classical dances.
Yours faithfully,
Vishnu Bisram
