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‘Diwali on the Hudson’ spotlights rural women and children in India

Over the years, the event has gained a reputation for being NYC’s longest running, Diwali party and charity event

Megha Desai, president of the Desai Foundation addressing the event / Image - Supplied

Desi Foundation’s 10th annual ‘Diwali on the Hudson,’ event in York City raised support and awareness on the health and livelihood of more than 7 million women and children in India. 

All proceeds from the event, will go towards the foundation’s programs that includes women’s vocational training and computer literacy programs to “Heroes for Humanity,” a transformative COVID relief and recovery initiative that was awarded by former Secretary of State Hilary Clinton.

Held in Hell's Kitchen, the event attracted over 400 high-profile guests including celebrity chef Palak Patel, TV star Aparna Shewakramani, actress Ami Sheth, Nina Davuluri, singer Falu Shah, filmmaker Shruti Ganguly, Nikhil Saboo, among others.

“Diwali is typically celebrated more privately, but we wanted to connect second- and third-generation South Asians of all backgrounds and educate New Yorkers about Diwali. This has become an inclusive  tradition for not only generations of Hindu New Yorkers but also a growing number of non-Hindus, who return each year for an unforgettable night of music, food, mithai, fashion, and of course, dancing,” Megha Desai, president of the Desai Foundation said.

This year’s event featured a performance by Arianna Asfar, and a talk by the foundation’s executive director and head of advancement programs, who shared stories from the field about the women the foundation serves. It also commemorated Diwali being officially announced as a New York City public school holiday.  

 

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