[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 183 (Friday, December 23, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1738]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        IN RECOGNITION OF THE DIWALI AT TIMES SQUARE CELEBRATION

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                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, December 23, 2016

  Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay 
tribute to the Diwali At Times Square celebration of Diwali, the 
Festival of Lights. I particularly want to recognize Neeta Bhasin, 
President and CEO of Event Guru and ASB Communications, for her 
extraordinary effort in organizing this event. The largest Asian-Indian 
event in the United States, it has successfully united Hindus, Sikhs 
and other Diwali celebrators from all over the world in the heart of 
New York to share the joyous occasion.
  Diwali At Times Square started in 2013 and has since grown into an 
eight-hour event featuring delicious food, fashion, arts and crafts, 
and Bollywood performances. It displays Asian-Indian culture to the 
world and engages people of all ages and backgrounds in the values of 
Diwali: light over dark, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil.
  This year, I had the pleasure of attending Diwali At Times Square. 
The energy and joy at the celebration is contagious. Times Square, one 
of the brightest places on earth, is the perfect location to honor the 
Festival of Lights.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating Neeta 
Bhasin and Diwali At Times Square for helping everyone in the New York 
Metropolitan region celebrate this beautiful holiday.

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