Diwali In NYC: One World Trade Center Lights Up For First Time

NEW YORK CITY — Millions of Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and Buddhists worldwide are observing Diwali this week — and for the first time, New York City is marking the festival of lights with a digital mural on One World Trade Center.

Specially-curated Diwali animation adorned the building on Tuesday and Wednesday night — and remained through 2 a.m. Thursday morning — and on Wednesday One World Trade Center hosted its first "All American Diwali" celebration.

The celebration, organized by the South Asian Engagement Foundation (SAEF), included a performance by American singer/actress Mary Millben, who sang the national anthem and a verse from Diwali hymn-Om Jai Jagdish Hare, SAEF officials said.

It was dedicated to America's first responders, and the NYPD conducted a ceremonial Color Guard with One World Trade Center as the backdrop, SAEF officials said.

New Yorkers also celebrated with a fireworks display over the Hudson River.

"There is no better symbol of the triumph of resiliency than the World Trade Center and we are very fortunate to work with The Durst Organization to bring this message to all," said Rahul Walia, founding trustee of the South Asian Engagement Foundation.

Det. Annand Narayan, president of NYPD Desi, said his group is honored that the first annual All-American Diwali is dedicated to New York City's first responders.

"I'm particularly excited to see the One World Trade Center light up for this festival, a symbol of our city's enduring spirit," Narayan said.

Officials are also marking Diwali this year with a push to get the festival declared a New York City public schools holiday, The City reported.

That hope may soon be realized: In October 2019, then-Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, who this week was elected New York City's next mayor, voiced support of making it a holiday.

"As progressive as we believe we have been, our progress has left out New Yorkers across the five boroughs who take part in Diwali," Adams said. "I believe it’s time we embrace the rich cultural traditions of our South Asian neighbors and make it a City-recognized holiday. If I had the power to do so, I'd do it right away."