Grand Diwali Motorcade 2014 in Richmond Hill on Saturday

Diwali is a Hindu tradition also known as “The Festival of Lights.” This annual celebration of good over evil is a national holiday in countries with large Hindu populations, such as India, Nepal, Guyana, and Trinidad and Tobago. In the “Little Guyana” section of Richmond Hill, the activities include an enthusiastic mix of decorated floats, colorful clothes, oil lamps, chanting, drumming … and a tremendous motorcade.

This Saturday, the Divya Jyoti Association will start Grand Diwali Motorcade 2014 with a religious ceremony at the Arya Spiritual Center Ground at 3 pm. Then from about 5:30 pm until 9 pm, the parade will take place amid singing, dancing, skits, cultural booths adorned with Hindu gods and goddesses, burning pyres, food, and plenty of henna.

Details: Grand Diwali Motorcade 2014, Richmond Hill, October 18th, 3 pm (religious ceremony at Arya, 104-20 133rd Street), 5:30 pm (parade at 133rd Street and Liberty Avenue), 7:30 pm (stage show), free.

Photos: Digital Photo Buddy