Nov. 15, 2023 By Bill Parry Two Queens lawmakers stood alongside Governor Kathy Hochul as she signed their bills into law on Nov. 14, making Diwali a school holiday for New York City public schools. Legislation S7574/A7769 amends the education law and requires that all public schools in the five boroughs be closed on the…
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Nov. 9, 2023 By Ethan Marshall Around 100 members of Queens’ Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh and Jain communities, along with local leaders, gathered together to celebrate Diwali at the Helen Marshall Cultural Center in Queens Borough Hall on Wednesday, Nov. 8. Several Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh and Jain individuals and organizations were honored at the celebration as well. The celebration kicked off with the lighting of the Diya lamp, which is meant to symbolize the holiday’s message of the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. Those honored at the Diwali celebration with citations included Ram Hardowar, Harish Chander Puri,…
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Nov. 2, 2023 By Nevine Salameh This weekend in Queens is filled with celebrations and entertainment for all to attend. With the Festival of Lights coming this weekend, as well as stage and screen productions, this weekend is set with amusement. Here are some events to add to your weekend plans. Friday, Nov. 3 Indie Dance Party: “I Bet You Look Good” Join the indie music enthusiasts for a thrilling dance party at TV Eye with DJ Nick Marc, who will be spinning indie classics from a huge range of artists, including Arctic Monkeys, David Bowie, The…
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Oct. 20, 2023 By Rachel Butler Flushing Town Hall will host its ninth annual Diwali Festival featuring food, dance, music and art for audiences of all ages next month. The celebration, which will be held from noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 19, will include a performance by Kathak classical dancer Abha Roy, her…
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Jun. 26, 2023 By Sarah Belle Lin
Diwali will be an official public school holiday in the coming year and elected officials and community members gathered in City Hall on Monday to mark the new milestone.
Feb. 20, 2023 By Carlotta Mohamed The City Council on Thursday, Feb. 16 voted to pass Councilwoman Linda Lee’s resolution to call upon the NYC Department of Education to establish Diwali as an official holiday for public school students. “In recognition of the 1.1 million Asian American Pacific Islanders who call New York City home,…
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