New York City's WTC lights up for its first Diwali celebration

US: Diwali is the celebration of light over darkness, good over evil, and more than 1 billion Hindus worldwide are observing it Thursday by lighting candles, setting off fireworks and exchanging gifts with friends and family.

While most people may refer to the holiday as Diwali, it’s traditionally called Deepavali and that is how it’s known in most parts of India.

This year for the first time, the World Trade Center has been lit with a digital mural in celebration of the holiday, organized by the South Asian Engagement Foundation, along with a livestreamed fireworks show on the Hudson River. Also known as the festival of lights, Diwali is part of a five-day celebration that honors Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth.

Celebrants light lamps, set off fireworks and gather with friends and family to exchange gifts and enjoy holiday meals together, honouring community and a new year. For the first time ever, a Diwali-themed animation has been adorned upon the One World Trade Center, a symbol of New York City’s eternal goodness. The animation went live on November 2 at 6 pm (local time) and continued until Nov 4th.

– THE HINDUSTAN TIMES