The article first appeared in NDTV World on October 30, 2024
New York’s iconic One World Trade Center celebrated Diwali, the Festival of Lights, by illuminating its spire with vibrant colors and designs inspired by traditional diyas, the symbolic oil lamps associated with the festival. This visual spectacle honored the Indian and South Asian community’s cultural impact in the U.S., as Diwali has increasingly become a recognized holiday in various American cities. The Consulate General of India in New York supported this initiative, highlighting it as a “shubharambh” (an auspicious beginning) to the Diwali celebrations, bringing attention to the importance of cultural inclusivity in a global city.
The illumination of One World Trade Center was part of a broader celebration across the U.S. Many other landmarks, including the Empire State Building, have previously been lit up for Diwali, underscoring the festival’s growing recognition. Additionally, in New York, Diwali was celebrated with heightened significance as the city announced its first official school holiday for Diwali on November 1, 2024. This decision marked a historic step towards inclusivity and acknowledgment of the city’s large South Asian population.
Beyond New York, Diwali 2024 also saw significant events at the national level. The White House hosted a Diwali celebration attended by hundreds of prominent Indian Americans, where President Joe Biden emphasized the valuable contributions of South Asian Americans, noting their dynamic role in the country’s social, economic, and cultural life. U.S. Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti joined in the festivities at the American embassy in Delhi, even partaking in a lively bhangra performance, reflecting the festival’s joyful spirit and the cross-cultural ties between the U.S. and India.
These celebrations underscore a notable shift as Diwali is increasingly recognized not just as a South Asian holiday but as a festival embraced by diverse communities in the U.S. Through the vibrant displays on iconic structures like the World Trade Center, Diwali’s message of light triumphing over darkness resonates widely, bridging communities and honoring the multicultural fabric of American society.
Read more: NDTV World
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