Guyanese singer Terry Gajraj leads Diwali motorcade through Little Guyana in Queens
Thousands joined the Divya Jyoti Association's procession along Liberty Avenue in Richmond Hill, with greetings from the Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago consulates.
NEW YORK, United States. Thousands of people joined the 2026 Diwali Motorcade, "Lets Light Up Liberty Avenue", in Richmond Hill, Queens, on October 24, as the Indo-Caribbean community celebrated the Hindu festival of lights.
Organised by the Divya Jyoti Association, the procession of illuminated cars, flowers and decorated images of gods and goddesses was led by Guyanese-born singer Terry Gajraj as grand marshal. It wound through the neighbourhood known as Little Guyana, as onlookers sang along to Indian songs and danced to the tassa drum.
A Lakshmi Pooja, a cultural show and a parade of gods and goddesses marked the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana, and celebrated the goddess Lakshmi for wealth and prosperity.
Consular greetings
Guyana's Consul General in New York, Ambassador Michael E. Brotherson, sent greetings in a message read by staff member Jeff Mc Naughton. He said the lighting of diyas, or oil lamps, "serves as a reminder that even in times of uncertainty and adversity, the light of faith, compassion, wisdom, and unity can guide us toward a brighter future".
Consul General Tang Yew said the festival was "an opportunity to reconnect and pass on our traditions to the next generation" for the Caribbean diaspora, and encouraged the community "to remain connected to Trinidad and Tobago".
"I want to take this opportunity to say Happy Diwali, enjoy this beautiful occasion," Gajraj said, thanking Lakshmee Singh and the association for the honour.
Singh, who plays a central role in hosting the event, thanked "our Indo-Caribbean Community for coming out in large numbers to celebrate our Hindu Festival of Lights Diwali".
Performers
Performers included the Natraj Center for the Performing Arts, Vishale Samhall from Guyana, Trinidadian cultural ambassador Kavita Ramkissoon, the Sanasani Dance Academy with a choreography depicting the Ramayan, the Wendy and David Ali Dance Academy, Saraswati Dance Academy, singer Brian Mohan and the One Guyana Float.
Sponsors included EmblemHealth, Cottage Healthcare, MetroPlus, the Indo-Caribbean Federation, Jahanjee and the Caribbean Equality Project.
