Annual Diwali Festival Held In Town Of Huntington

Town of Huntington: On October 28, the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Melville, New York celebrated the Diwali Festival. Over 4,000 Nassau, Suffolk, and Queens county residents attended throughout the day. Diwali, traditionally a five-day celebration of various rituals and Hindu practices associated with each day, brings in the New Year for Hindus and celebrates the triumph of good over evil. This year's celebrations included the Annakut Thaal, which is a unique and awe-inspiring sight of devotion wherein numerous vegetarian food dishes are prepared by devotees and offered to the Mandir’s sacred images. The events for children and families provided an opportunity for community members to engage with spiritual and cultural themes, thereby bringing positive energy into the New Year, learning about scriptural narratives related to Diwali, and participating in rangolis and other traditional decorations.

Special guests that attended the Diwali Festival were Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone, Huntington Town Supervisor Chad Lupinacci, Suffolk County Police Commissioner Geraldine Hart, Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, New York State Assemblyman Steve Stern, NY State Assemblyman Andrew Raia, NY State Senator James Gaughran, Commanding Officer of the Second Precinct Inspector William Scrima, Receiver of Taxes of the Town of Huntington Jillian Guthman, Suffolk County Legislator and presiding officer DuWayne Gregory, Suffolk County Legislator Susan Berland, Highway Superintendent Kevin S. Orelli,and many other community leaders.