Andres Roura (212) 788-9364
MAYOR GIULIANI JOINS CELEBRATION OF DEEPAVALI, THE INDIAN FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
Celebration of Indian culture and the upcoming New Year, this year also celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the Independence of India
Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani today joined the Consul General of India, Harsh Bhasin, and Mrs. Nalini Shah, president of the Association of Indians in America, in celebrating Deepavali, the Indian Festival of Lights. Now in its eleventh year, this celebration of Indian culture in New York and throughout the United States, also celebrated the upcoming Indian New Year and the 50th Anniversary of the Independence of India.
"I have been attending this celebration for five years now, but today it has special significance," said Mayor Giuliani. "Today, not only are we celebrating the historic victory of Prince Ram over the evil Ravana -- symbolizing light triumphing over darkness -- but we also celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the independence of your great country. I would like to take this opportunity to thank and commend the Associations of Indians in America for their year round services to the community, which include clothing and food drives, voter registration assistance, and presentations of cultural programs. New York City is proud of you and thanks you."
The day long festivity at the South Street Seaport featured booths and entertainment highlighting the uniqueness of Indian culture. Attendees saw performances of traditional Indian music as well as classical music, puppet shows, craft exhibitions and had the opportunity to sample regional cuisine. After the reading of a Proclamation by Mayor Giuliani, the Mayor was presented with a flowered lei. The festivities ended with the traditional Deepavali fireworks, featuring the white, orange and green colors of the Indian flag.
The Association of Indians in America (AIA), has branch clubs in approximately 40 of the 50 United States.
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