Queens Celebrates 38th Phagwah Parade with Assembly Member as Kali

Jenifer Rajkumar portrayed the Hindu goddess Kali during the annual festival.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 9:51pm

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The 38th Annual Phagwah Parade in Richmond Hill, Queens, New York, featured Assembly Member Jenifer Rajkumar dressed in a traditional red outfit, wearing a crown, and carrying a trident, portraying the Hindu goddess Kali. Hundreds of people attended the colorful celebration of the Hindu spring festival.

Why it matters

The Phagwah Parade is a longstanding tradition in the diverse Queens community, celebrating the Hindu spring festival with music, dance, and cultural displays. Rajkumar's participation as Kali highlights the growing representation of South Asian Americans in New York politics.

The details

Rajkumar, who represents the 38th Assembly District in Queens, was photographed and filmed during the parade wearing a red traditional dress, a crown, and carrying a trident, the iconic weapon of the Hindu goddess Kali. The annual Phagwah Parade features vibrant colors, music, and dance performances to mark the arrival of spring and the triumph of good over evil.

  • The 38th Annual Phagwah Parade took place on March 31, 2026 in Richmond Hill, Queens.

The players

Jenifer Rajkumar

A New York State Assembly Member representing the 38th Assembly District in Queens.

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What they’re saying

“Thank you to everyone who is here, because today is a celebration of color, of joy, of life.”

— Jenifer Rajkumar, New York State Assembly Member

The takeaway

The Phagwah Parade is an important cultural celebration that brings the diverse Queens community together, and Rajkumar's participation as the Hindu goddess Kali underscores the growing political representation of South Asian Americans in New York.