The Festival of Lights returned to Queens Sunday after a brief hiatus.

The Diwali Festival made a comeback in Jackson Heights with delicious food, traditional music, and a whole lot of colorful decorations.

What You Need To Know

  • Diwali is one of the most popular celebrations of Hinduism

  • Diwali is a five-day long festival that symbolizes "victory of light over darkness"

  • More than 1 billion people around the world celebrate Diwali

Diwali events in the city went mostly virtual last year due to the pandemic. For 2021, members of the Indian community were overjoyed to be around friends and family and celebrate their rich culture.

"Diwali is a festival of lights and enjoyment," said Kanika Kapoor, whose family owns a traditional Indian clothing store in Jackson Heights. "The holidays make you come together with your families and have sweets. It's a great thing."

Festival-goers did have to endure some inclement weather during the celebration. But the heavy rain and cool temperatures actually inspired some vendors.

"It's fresh and hot. You can't always get that indoors," said Rizwan Hamid, whose father opened an authentic Indian restaurant in the neighborhood 20 years ago. "Outdoors with the weather, it makes me really happy ‘cause we can put a smile on people's face."

Diwali is one of the most popular festivals of Hinduism. It symbolizes the spiritual "victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.”