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Diwali at Times Square marks 10 years
The iconic celebration returns October 12 with global partnerships, cultural showcases, and star-studded performances.
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Staff Reporter - Thu, 25, Sep 2025
- 15:40 EDT
- 20
Diwali at Times Square celebrating its 10th anniversary / Courtesy: Diwali at Times Square
‘Diwali at Times Square’ is set to return on Oct. 12, 2025, celebrating its 10th anniversary at one of the busiest crossroads in the world.
This year’s milestone edition is being held in partnership with San Francisco and Toronto, extending the festival’s message of “love, peace, harmony, and togetherness.”
The Consulate General of India in New York hosted a press conference earlier this month to announce the program.
Consul General Binaya Srikanta Pradhan said, “‘Diwali at Times Square’ has become an extraordinary celebration of India’s vibrant heritage and the universal message of light triumphing over darkness. It highlights the deep bonds between India and the United States, bringing together communities of all backgrounds in the heart of New York City.”
Also Read: IAB to Celebrate 11th Annual Diwali Gala in Burlington
Neeta Bhasin, founder and producer of the festival, unveiled the schedule, which begins with an Awards and Gala Dinner on Oct. 10 honoring Indian Americans for their contributions in philanthropy, medicine, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
The celebrations continue with the ‘Diwali at Times Square’ festival on Oct. 12, in parallel with the Dussehra Diwali Dhamaka Festival in San Francisco and the Diwali Festival of Lights in Toronto on Oct. 11–12.
The Oct. 12 program includes a bustling Diwali Bazaar, a Kids Zone with diya painting and Rangoli art, and sponsor showcases. Cultural performances will be highlighted in the ‘Colors of India’ segment, featuring Indian, Indo-Caribbean, and Hispanic dance groups.
The evening will culminate in a diya lighting ceremony at Times Square, followed by the ‘Light Up Times Square Concert.’
Crowd at Times Square celebrating, 2023 / Courtesy: Diwali at Times SquareThe concert lineup includes legendary Punjabi artist Malkit Singh, Grammy-nominated rapper Raja Kumari, Indian Idol 2023 winner Rishi Singh, and 2024 finalist Anjana Padmanabhan.
Speaking at the launch, Bhasin emphasized the festival’s mission: “It is so important to instill in Indian American youth a sense of pride in their heritage. As we celebrate 10 years of Diwali at Times Square, we honor the festival’s deeper meaning—one that transcends boundaries and stands as a testament to the values of art, culture, and heritage.”
The press briefing also featured 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 pledged support for the anniversary celebration.
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