New Hyde Park Desi News — September 12, 2026
New Hyde Park's South Asian community made headlines this week across faith, commerce, and civic life. A wave of solidarity followed vandalism at the local Sikh gurdwara, Jain worshippers advance plans for a purpose-built temple in nearby Floral Park, and a beloved Indian grocer threw open its doors with celebration and fanfare.
🗳️ Mayor Rips 'Idiots' Who Vandalized Sikh Temple
New Hyde Park's Sikh gurdwara was vandalized in an incident that triggered immediate and forceful condemnation from the village's mayor, who did not mince words, publicly calling the perpetrators 'idiots' and pledging the full support of village government to the Sikh community. The mayor's blunt language, widely reported by CBS News New York, sent an unambiguous signal that New Hyde Park will not tolerate hate-motivated attacks on minority religious institutions. Law enforcement launched an investigation while Sikh community members gathered at the gurdwara to assess the damage, reaffirm their commitment to their congregation, and hold vigil. Community leaders and interfaith partners expressed solidarity, emphasizing the gurdwara's longstanding role as a center of Seva—selfless service—for the broader neighborhood. Elected officials called for increased vigilance around all houses of worship in the area and pledged resources toward hate-crime prevention efforts. The Sikh community in New Hyde Park has been a cornerstone of the local South Asian diaspora for decades, and the outpouring of support from neighbors, civic organizations, and officials reflected the deep ties that bind the community together. Leaders called on residents of all backgrounds to stand united against intolerance. [1]
🪔 Jain Temple Eyes New Facility in Floral Park, Queens
The Jain Temple of New York is in the planning stages for a new religious facility at 259-16 79th Avenue in Floral Park, Queens, just a short distance from the Nassau County line. Reported by New York YIMBY, the project represents a significant investment in the growing Jain community of the New York metropolitan area, which has long outgrown ad-hoc worship arrangements in rented halls and converted spaces. Jainism, one of the world's oldest dharmic traditions, centers on principles of ahimsa (non-violence), satya (truth), and spiritual self-discipline—values the community is eager to pass on through dedicated congregational infrastructure. A purpose-built facility would accommodate regular puja services, observances of major festivals such as Paryushana, Mahavir Jayanti, and Diwali, as well as youth religious education and community gatherings. Planning coordination with local zoning authorities and community stakeholders is underway. For Jain families in Nassau County and Queens, the new temple would represent a long-awaited spiritual home, eliminating the need to travel to distant facilities for religious observances and enabling deeper intergenerational community bonds. [2]
🍛 Apna Bazaar Indian Grocery Celebrates Grand Opening
An Indian grocery store celebrated its grand opening in New Hyde Park, drawing enthusiastic crowds of South Asian families and food enthusiasts. Reported by Patch, the store—Apna Bazaar—brings together a full Indian grocery section, a halal meat shop, and an Indian sweets and snacks counter under one roof, making it a comprehensive one-stop destination for the area's sizable Desi population. The shelves carry a wide range of products from the Indian subcontinent: specialty spice blends, lentils, atta flour, fresh produce central to South Asian cooking including curry leaves and bitter melon, and brand-name snack favorites familiar to immigrants from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. The inclusion of a halal butcher station reflects the multicultural composition of New Hyde Park's Desi community, ensuring Muslim shoppers have access to compliant meat alongside Indian staples. The sweets counter features traditional mithai including barfi, ladoo, and jalebis. Shoppers were spotted browsing premium basmati rice brands and specialty pickle jars at the opening, which was celebrated with traditional fanfare and drew support from local elected officials and business associations who recognized the cultural and economic significance of the new establishment. [3]
Sources: [1] CBS News · [2] New York YIMBY · [3] Patch