Diwali was celebrated with religious fervor by Hindu Guyanese and their American born children and other descendants across the United States. In New York, the weather was unusually warm for a Fall day in late October, perfect for a Diwali celebration. And a dull, gloomy day with light rain all day into the evening and heavy wind did not deter celebrants lighting deyas. People still lit deyas outside as they would in Guyana or other parts of the Caribbean. In the light rain, the deyas glowed.
Families lit traditional deyas in front of their homes, businesses, and around their yards protected with creative covering. These were supplemented by brilliant multicolored electronic lights around the exterior of their homes and businesses. Rangoli designs and other Diwali paraphernalia hang in front of houses. Fireworks and sparkling lights were seen all over Little Guyana Richmond Hill. Families invited guests, including non-Guyanese, for a full vegetarian dinner. Dinner includes the full works as in Guyana such as pumpkin, bhajjie, alou, dhal, katahar, seime, Channa, dhal puri, kheer, mitai, philourie, bhara, sahena, rasmilai, among other goodies.
Many Mandirs also held special services on the occasion of Diwali. There was singing and speeches by executives and special guests on the meaning of Diwali. Delicacies and a full dinner was served.