New York Mayor Eric Adams joins Indian community members to celebrate early Diwali in Times Square

Indian community members and several US nationals gathered at Times Square in the US to celebrate Diwali recently.

Various cultural events were held during the Hindu festival of lights to be celebrated in India on October 31.

Mayor Eric Adams, New York State Assemblywoman Jennifer Rajkumar, Senator Chuck Schumer and Consul General of India in New York, Binaya Pradhan reportedly attended the event.

Mayor Eric Adams posted on X: “What better place to celebrate the festival of lights than in the Crossroads of the World?”

“Proud to be with our Hindu brothers and sisters today for the annual Diwali at Times Square celebration as we push away the darkness and welcome in light all across our city,” he said.

The Indian Consulate in New York also shared several images of the celebration on its X page.

“Diwali @ TimesSquare : Indian American Community & American Friends join together at Times Square to celebrate Diwali,” the Consulate said.

“CG @binaysrikant76 joined friends from Indian-American Community & American friends to celebrate Diwali; Spl thanks to Senate Majority Leader Senator @SenSchumer , Mayor Eric Adams @NYCMayor , Assemblywoman @JeniferRajkumar for joining & to main organiser of the event Ms. Neeta Bhasin,” the post said.

New York City authority has recognised Diwali as a school holiday since last year.