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About the Diwali Motorcade

Celebrate the Festival of Lights in the Heart of Queens
Each fall, thousands gather along Liberty Avenue in Richmond Hill for the Diwali Motorcade & Parade—a dazzling cultural tradition that unites our Indo-Caribbean community and beyond. Presented by the Divya Jyoti Association in collaboration with the Arya Spiritual Center, this beloved event transforms the streets into a glowing river of decorated floats, lights, and music.

The motorcade begins with a sacred Lakshmi Puja and Hawan, honoring the Goddess of Prosperity, before floats adorned with vibrant colors, lights, and live Tassa music fill the avenue. Elegantly attired participants personify Mother Lakshmi, spreading blessings of beauty, devotion, and joy to all.

As evening falls, the celebration continues with a grand cultural showcase, featuring local talent in dance, song, and performance—capturing the energy and spirit of Diwali. More than just a parade, the Diwali Motorcade is a tradition rooted in community, devotion, and the shared triumph of light over darkness.

About Diwali

Deepavali, or Diwali—the Hindu Festival of Lights.

Diwali, observed by Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, and others across South Asia, is a five-day festival centered on the new moon. Lighting diyas—small oil lamps—signifies the victory of good over evil and light over darkness. Each day carries its own spiritual meaning, with the first, Dhan-trayodashi, dedicated to giving thanks for both spiritual and material blessings.

For the Indo-Caribbean community of Richmond Hill, this celebration is more than an event—it is a connection to heritage and devotion. Richmond Hill resident Meera Singh shared, “The annual Diwali celebration here always reminds me of my native Trinidad, where the Festival of Lights is celebrated in a grand way. Experiencing it here brings that same joy and excitement.”

As Lakshmee Singh, of the Divya Jyoti Association, explains: “Every year people come out and decorate in honor of the Goddess Lakshmi. We want to make Diwali a major community celebration, and it continues to grow. We are very excited about this year’s festivities!”