Diwali was celebrated at the United Nations Headquarters in New York for the first time with a special cultural event and reception on Oct 31^st 2016. The event was hosted by President of the UN General Assembly, H.E. Mr. Peter Thomson.

President of the UN General Assembly and Guyanese Khavita Singh

Mr. Thomson conveyed congratulatory remarks on the Hindu festival of lights Diwali and reminded those in attendance that Diwali was recognized by the 69th session of the UN General Assembly in 2014.  He also lit the auspicious diya to inaugurate the event along with Guyanese dancer Khavita Singh. Guests were then invited to enjoy a selection of sweets, traditional cuisine and performances in the warm atmosphere of the visitors’ lobby which was beautifully decorated with rangoli designs and diyas symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness and goodness over evil. 

Performances and sweet displays were presented by the countries that celebrate Diwali as a national holiday including Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, India, Nepal, Fiji, Sri Lanka and Singapore. The Permanent Mission of Guyana to the United Nations contributed three vivid performances to the programme - a vocal performance featuring outstanding young Guyanese singers Vishalie Sukram and Suchitra Ramprashad, Kuchipudi dance by Khavita Singh and a folk dance by Prashant Sitaram and Sharmita Saha. Anash Bhumnarine supported the performances with his drums. The audience was amazed at the beauty, enthusiasm and power the Guyanese artistes groups brought to the event.

H.E. Mr. Rudolph Michael Ten-Pow, Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, attended the celebration together with staff of the Mission in New York.

The United Nations also extended the Diwali festival greetings with message on the facade of its headquarters. From this year Diwali has been made an optional holiday at the UN.

Permanent Mission of Guyana to the United Nations

November 2, 2016