Celebrating Culture and Connection: Ayesha’s Journey at CenterLight’s South Asian Cultural Center
For Ayesha Siddiqua, a PACE participant who attends the CenterLight South Asian Cultural Center, every visit feels like coming home. Since enrolling in the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) in early 2023, she has found not just care and support, but a community that honors the traditions closest to her heart. Through CenterLight, Ayesha has discovered that cultural celebration can be a powerful bridge — connecting her past in Bangladesh to her present life in New York.
As a proud Bengali participant, Ayesha shared the holidays that hold deep significance in her life: Victory Day, National Day, Bangladesh Day, Mourning Day, and Pohela Boishakh — the Bengali New Year. Victory Day, celebrated on December 16, marks Bangladesh’s independence after the 1971 Liberation War. At the CenterLight South Asian Cultural Center, participants honor this day by dressing in cultural attire and sharing stories about Bangladesh’s history and resilience. National Day on March 26 commemorates the country’s declaration of independence. Ayesha enjoys the festive gathering, where the national anthem is sung and participants come together to celebrate their heritage.
Participants at CenterLight’s South Asian Cultural Center bring the space to life with their vibrant voices, whether they’re singing, storytelling or speaking into the microphone. On Bangladesh Day, this lively, communal energy fills the room as stories, songs, and laughter are shared. The spirit of celebration extends beyond the participants: Therapeutic Recreation Specialists and staff join in by dressing in traditional saris, creating a shared experience that honors both heritage and community.
Mourning Day, observed on August 15, is a day of reflection to honor the assassination of Bangladesh’s founding leader. On this day, Ayesha and fellow participants wear black as a tribute to their homeland and history. In contrast, Pohela Boishakh, the Bengali New Year, brings joy and renewal. Traditionally marked with music, dance, and colorful clothing, it is a time to celebrate life’s new beginnings. At CenterLight, Ayesha and her friends enjoy vibrant artwork and activities that capture the energy and spirit of this holiday.
Ayesha reflects on how meaningful these celebrations have been at CenterLight: “In this country, we are not living with our own country’s people, but when I come to CenterLight I feel like I’m with my own country’s people. When we celebrate, I do not feel alone. I feel like everything is here. I am proud of CenterLight; they give me everything for my own enjoyment.”
Through these cultural celebrations, the Therapeutic Recreation Team at CenterLight’s South Asian Cultural Center helps participants like Ayesha feel connected to their roots while creating opportunities for cross-cultural learning and community. Each holiday is more than a date on the calendar — it’s a way for participants to honor their heritage, share their stories, and experience joy together.
About CenterLight’s South Asian Cultural Center
PACE Centers provide primary care, including physician and nursing services; social services; restorative therapies, including physical therapy and occupational therapy; personal care and supportive services; nutritional services; nutritional counseling; recreational therapy and meals. CenterLight also has Alternative Care Settings (ACS), like the South Asian Cultural Center in Jamaica, Queens, which are an option for participants who prefer a smaller, more intimate setting to receive on-site socialization, social services, personal care services, therapeutic recreation and meals. Other center-based services, such as primary care physician services, nursing and rehabilitation are offered at our PACE Centers.
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Updated 10292025