Hindus in New York Celebrate Diwali
Hindus across the tri-state area celebrate Diwali this week, the Festival of Lights, for five days starting on Tuesday, November 13. Tishana Rama lights a candle at the Hindu Learning Foundation in Ozone Park, Queens. (Photo by Jenny Marc)
As worshipers arrive at the Hindu Learning Foundation, a woman places a small red dot, or a bindi, on a girl’s forehead. (Photo by Jenny Marc)
Pandit Vishal Maraj leads worshipers in song as part Diwali, which celebrates the victory of good over evil. (Photo by Jenny Marc)
Members perform a traditional play. Unlike most temples, the Hindu Learning Foundation offers not only religious functions but also educational dance, signing and Hindi classes. (Photo by Jenny Marc)
A woman prepares offerings for use during the play. For Diwali, traditionally people decorate their homes, businesses and public areas with small oil lamps made out of clay called diyas. (Photo by Jenny Marc)
Foundation members performed “Lord Rama Returns to Ayodhya,” an educational play that tells the story of Rama’s return to his kingdom after 14 years of war. (Photo by Jenny Marc)
Upon his return, Lord Rama received a lavish ceremony. (Photo by Jenny Marc)
A woman performs a dance to Lord Ganesh, the Hindu god of knowledge. (Photo by Jenny Marc)
In Diwali, lamps are lit to help the goddess of wealth, Ma Lakshmi, find her way to Hindus homes.
Before leaving, worshipers offered prayers to Ma Lakshmi. (Photo by Jenny Marc)
