New York City, NY, USA: The renowned Diwali celebration is returning on October 12, marking its 10th anniversary with international collaborations, cultural showcases, and star-studded performances.
The annual event, ‘Diwali at Times Square,’ is set to take place on October 12, 2025, celebrating a decade of lighting up one of the world’s most iconic intersections.
This special anniversary edition will feature partnerships with San Francisco and Toronto, broadening the festival’s message of “love, peace, unity, and togetherness.”
Earlier this month, the Consulate General of India in New York hosted a press conference to unveil the upcoming program.
Consul General Binaya Srikanta Pradhan stated, “Over the past ten years, ‘Diwali at Times Square’ has evolved into a spectacular celebration of India’s rich heritage and the universal triumph of light over darkness. It strengthens the ties between India and the United States, bringing together diverse communities right in the heart of New York City.”
Neeta Bhasin, the festival’s founder and producer, shared the full lineup, starting with an Awards and Gala Dinner on October 10 that honours Indian Americans excelling in philanthropy, medicine, technology, and entrepreneurship.
The celebrations will continue with the main ‘Diwali at Times Square’ festival on October 12, coinciding with the Dussehra Diwali Dhamaka Festival in San Francisco and the Diwali Festival of Lights in Toronto on October 11–12.
Highlights of the October 12 program include a lively Diwali Bazaar, a Kids Zone featuring diya painting and Rangoli art, and special sponsor displays. The cultural segment, ‘Colours of India,’ will showcase performances by Indian, Indo-Caribbean, and Hispanic dance groups.
The evening will conclude with a traditional diya lighting ceremony at Times Square, followed by the ‘Light Up Times Square Concert.’
The concert will feature celebrated Punjabi singer Malkit Singh, Grammy-nominated rapper Raja Kumari, Indian Idol 2023 winner Rishi Singh, and 2024 finalist Anjana Padmanabhan.
At the launch, Bhasin highlighted the festival’s purpose: “It’s essential to inspire Indian American youth to take pride in their heritage. Celebrating 10 years of Diwali at Times Square honours the festival’s deeper significance, transcending borders and celebrating art, culture, and heritage.”
The press event also included remarks from Deputy Consul General Vishal Jayeshbhai Harsh, Queens County Supreme Court Judge Karen Gopee, oncologist Dattatreyudu Noori, and State Bank of India executives Amit Verma and Prasanta Kumar Tripathy. Board members, sponsors, media representatives, and influencers also confirmed their support for the anniversary festivities.
