New York's Holiday Season Begins with Hindu Festival

By
Arun Venugopal
WNYC News | Jul 12, 2010

New York, NY —

Hindus across the city are celebrating the beginning of Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights.

The five-day festival marks the victory of good over evil and involves the lighting of lamps and the gifting of sweets. This evening, elected officials will gather with Hindus for a Diwali celebration outside the Queens library in Flushing, and tomorrow Council Speaker Christine Quinn will be hosting an event at City Hall.

The festival culminates on Friday, when the city suspends alternate-side parking - the first time for any Hindu holiday.

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Arun Venugopal

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