Liberty Avenue lit to mark Diwali celebrations
By Tangerine Clarke
Instead of hosting the Annual
Diwali motorcade that attracts
thousands of Indo-Caribbean
nationals in Richmond Hill,
the Divya Jyoti Association Inc.
in partnership with the Queens
Economic Development Corporation,
(QEDC) on Nov. 7,
presented “Let’s Light Up Liberty
Avenue” — an illuminated
Happy Diwali sign, unveiled
over the thoroughfare at 133rd
Street.
Lakshmee Singh and organizers,
who postponed the parade
due to the coronavirus Ppandemic,
additionally, staged a
limited celebration, bringing
beams of light to the intersection
of 133rd Street and Liberty
Avenue, where the media, and
a CDC mandated small gathering
enjoyed a performance by
international superstar, Terry
Gajraj.
The most popular Hindu festival
observed over five days
during the Hindu Lunisolar
month Kartika, and symbolizes
the spiritual victory of
light over darkness and good
over evil, was showcased with
a vibrant choreography by the
Natraj Center for Performing
Arts dancers.
The festive occasion began
with the arrival of the bejeweled
Maa Lakshmi, the goddess
of wealth and prosperity,
portrayed by Steffinie Komala
Karamchand, and celebrated
by the Laksh Sanasani Cultural
Caribbean Life, N 20 ovember 13-19, 2020
Organization dancers,
Feona, Vicky and Stephanie,
led by Akash Singh, in a classical
Indian piece. This fiery
display lit up the celebration,
and thrilled the audience.
Diwali that will officially be
commemorated on Nov.14 was
blessed by Pandit Chunelall of
the Shri Trimurti Bhavan, and
honored with the lighting of
the sacred lamp by Dolly and
Lall Singh, parents of Lakshmee
Singh.
Dr. Dhanpaul Narine, community
leader and educator
praised the festival’s significance
and longevity in the
community and the world at
large.
Emceed by Laksmee Singh,
host of “Lets Talk With Lakshmee,”
and prominent voiceover
artist, and movie maker
and director, Kishore Seunarine,
the observance received an
inspiring message from Vijah
Ramjattan, president of the
United Madrassi Association
Inc. who called for a resolution
to be passed to proclaim Diwali
a national holiday.
Councilmember of District
28, Adrienne E. Adams, in
turn, extended Happy Diwali
greetings to the gathering, noting,
it was a glorious day for
democracy, on the same day,
“we are celebrating triumph
over evil and the revitalizing of
Richmond Hill.”
“It is a tough time for all
of us, but we will overcome it
and continue to celebrate this
beautiful festival of lights for
generations to come,” said the
politician.
Newly elected Assemblyman
Khaleel Anderson of District
38, Khyume Khan, representative
of the NYC Corrections
DESI Society, and the Guyanese
American Law Enforcement
Association, and others,
shared messages of hope to
commemorate the Diwali festival.
Lakshmee Singh, who was
dressed in a dazzling black and
gold sari, matching her committee
members, expressed
sincere thanks to Nirvana
Humanitarian Foundation,
Shanta Flowers and Top Notch
Décor, for their generous contributions.
Diwali gift bags were donated
by SHAKTI saree and spiritual
store, and sweets by KP’S
Catering. Abee Chunes Radio
played a major role in providing
entertainment and logistics,
while Sham and Sam Chuli
from New Jersey volunteered
their time.
Six Star Auto’s Ron Singh,
Brenda Reddick of the Community
Affairs Department of
the 106 Police Precinct, and
the Caribbean Rhythm Tassa
Group that put on a grand
finale performance, helped to
make the event a success.
Singh also issued special
thanks to Ricardi Calixte, deputy
director, (QEDC), and the
Queens Arts Center that provided
a grant to purchase the
Diwali lights.
Akash Singh leads Feona, Vicky and Stephanie in a classical
Indian dance. Steffi nie Komala Karamchand, portraying
Maa Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity is in the
background. Photo by Tangerine Clarke
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