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Diwali at Times Square postponed to Nov. 9
The 10th edition of Diwali at Times Square will light up New York City on Nov. 9, 2025, featuring live music, cultural showcases, and community honors.
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Anushka Pathak - Thu, 23, Oct 2025
- 16:47 EDT
- 37
Diwali at Times Square celebrating its 10th anniversary / Courtesy: Diwali at Times Square
The much-anticipated 'Sammaan for All Diwali at Times Square' festival is set to take place on Nov. 9 after being rescheduled from its original Oct. 12 date due to weather conditions.
The event, which will mark 10 years this year, will feature live performances, international artists, traditional dances, and a Diya Lighting Countdown displayed on the One Times Square Tower Screen.
Organizers expect attendees from diverse communities to gather for what has become one of the largest Diwali celebrations outside India.
Also Read: City of Allen observes week-long Diwali fest
To kick off the milestone year, 'Sammaan for All' hosted the Diwali at Times Square 2025 Awards and Gala Dinner at Tribeca Rooftop 360, honoring Indian Americans for excellence in philanthropy, medicine, entrepreneurship, innovation, and entertainment.
The event drew diplomats, like representatives from the Consulate General of India in New York and Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar and community leaders, sponsors, and media representatives.
Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar addressed the gathering, commending the festival’s decade-long contribution to cultural inclusivity and Indian American representation.
She introduced Neeta Bhasin, founder and producer of Diwali at Times Square, who reflected on the journey and thanked supporters, including the New York City Office of Faith-Based and Community Partnerships and title sponsor Procter & Gamble.
Bhasin also reaffirmed 'Sammaan for All's focus on youth empowerment, referencing ongoing scholarships for Indian American students at Queens College. “We are proud to celebrate a decade of Diwali at Times Square and the incredible community that continues to make this possible,” she said.
Community leaders, artists, and supporters being honored at the Diwali at Times Square event / Courtesy: Diwali at Times Square
The distinguished honorees included:
- Hemanth Paranji, Outstanding Achievement Award - Emmy and Edward R. Murrow Award-winning journalist for ABC & CBS.
- Maneet Ahuja, Pinnacle Award - Forbes Editor-at-Large and Founder of Iconoclast.
- Rachana Kulkarni and Ashok (on behalf of the Akshaya Patra Foundation), Philanthropy Award - for advancing hunger-free education for children across India.
- Sparsh Shah, Inspirational Award - motivational speaker, singer, and advocate for inclusion.
- Chef Hemant Mathur, Entrepreneurial Award - Michelin-starred chef and culinary innovator.
- Sripad H. Dhawlikar, Excellence in Medicine and Community Service Award - for outstanding contributions to healthcare and service within the Indian American community.
The 'Man of the Year' and 'Woman of the Year' awards will be presented live at Times Square to Sanat Chattopadhyay of Merck & Co. and Anitha Srinivasan of NYC Metropolitan Hospitals, respectively.
Ruma Devi, known for empowering over 50,000 rural women through her foundation, will receive the 'Sammaan Award,' while Sarina Jain will be honored with the 'Exceptional Entertainment Award' for her contributions to cultural fitness through Masala Bhangra.
A glimpse into the celebrations at the Diwali at Times Square 10th Anniversary Gala / Courtesy: Diwali at Times Square
The Nov. 9 celebration will also feature the 'Diwali Bazaar,' the 'Colors of India Cultural Showcase,' and the 'Light Up Times Square Concert,' headlined by Malkit Singh, Raja Kumari, Anjana Padmanabhan, and Vaibhav Gupta.
The event will culminate with the Diya Lighting Ceremony and Countdown at the iconic Ball Drop Tower.
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