A celebration of Diwali Nagar is much like many other Diwali melas, but with pholourie. That is, Diwali Nagar is associated with Trinidad and Tobago, one of several Caribbean countries with a large Hindu population of Indian descent. These deep-fried balls of seasoned split-pea dough were squeezed off and cooked on the spot (compare zeppole). Most of the fare, however, had been prepared in advance and was pedestrian, if plentiful and inexpensive.
Also shown: a hawan, "sacrifices made into the fire [that] get transformed as offerings to the respective divine deities," on this occasion the Hindu goddess Lakshmi. This fire ritual preceded the festivities; cultural exhibitions and stage performances reportedly continued well into the evening.
Divya Jyoti Association Diwali Nagar
Arya Spiritual Center, 104-20 133rd St. (Liberty Ave.-105th Ave.), Richmond Hill, Queens
www.DiwaliMotorcade.com
(The 2013 celebration was held on October 26)
