Prelude to the Times Square Diwali  Celebration  at the Consulate

The Consulate General of India, New York organized along with Maharashtra Tourism kick off celebration of Indian Festival of lights – Diwali in the ballroom of the consulate.

After warm greetings and welcoming the guests Consul General Ambassador Dnyaneshwar M Mulay highlighted the contributions of Indian Americans in different walks of life and  appealed to the Indian American community to work whole heartedly for the cause of building India, and stronger India-US relationship. Consul General read a verse from his Hindi poem which will be used when the Diwali Stamp is released.

Event was also attended by Mr. Kenny Burchard and Ajit Varma  from Wells Fargo.   Mr. John Massey, Manager, Air India said that though Air India's official mission statement refers to providing safe and convenient air transportation that serves the needs of their  customers, their additional "unofficial" mission, is to serve as an ambassador for the great country India, building a bridge to the U.S., not only by air, but also culturally and economically.  He also mentioned that the venue will not only attract large numbers from the NRI community, it will help expose thousands of American and foreign tourist from around the world to the cultural wonders of India and especially Maharashtra to the rest of the world.

Neeta Bhasin was enthusiastic about having Diwali this year on 42nd Street Times Square.

This year's Diwali was a star studded night with Bollywood stars Aditya Roy Kapoor and Praneeti Chopra (the star cast of 'Dawat-e-Ishq'), Bollywood singers Shaan, Shalimali Kholgade and Canadian  Mikey Singh

As a part of the kick off dancers from Maharashtra performed on the roof of the bus through Manhattan including in front of the Consulate.  Spectators on 64th Street between Fifth and Madison Avenue enjoyed the dhol drum, dancers and costumes.  Everything was in keeping with the rich heritage of India. 

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