Alternate Side Suspended for Diwali

WNYC News | Jul 12, 2010

New York, NY —

Today is Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights and its 1st holiday, to make it onto New York City's official calendar - complete with the suspension of alternate side parking rules.

REPORTER: The measure will help Hindus driving to temples and family gatherings, but activist Udai Tambar, who helped lead the campaign for recognition, says the symbolic meaning is just as important.

TAMBAR: It says a lot to the community about how they have become an important part of the socio-political fabric of the city, of the country. The news of this initiative is something that carried all the way to India.

REPORTER: The official observance of Diwali actually began last year, but the holiday fell on a weekend so there was no effect on parking.

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