Diwali at Times Square Draws Thousands for Annual Festival of Lights
Written by AI from connectedtoindia.com's report. Not checked by a person.
Thousands of members of the Indian and South Asian diaspora gathered at Times Square on Sunday 25 October for the 2026 edition of Diwali at Times Square, celebrating the festival of lights with live music, a diya-lighting ceremony and a cultural bazaar.
Thousands of people from the Indian and South Asian diaspora filled Times Square on Sunday 25 October for the 2026 edition of Diwali at Times Square, an annual celebration that has been held since its inception in 2013.
The day-long programme included a Diwali Bazaar, a diya-lighting ceremony, a virtual Diwali countdown at the One Times Square Ball Drop Tower, and the Light Up Times Square Concert, which featured American rapper and songwriter Raja Kumari and singer Kanika Kapoor, alongside other artists and performers.
Neeta Bhasin, the event's founder and organiser and a member of the New York State Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) Commission, said the celebration aimed to promote peace, harmony and unity while showcasing India's art, culture and diversity. "From this biggest platform in the world, Times Square, we are showcasing the art, culture, and diversity of India," she said.
Consul General of India in New York Binaya Pradhan joined members of the Indian-American community at the festivities. Sibu Nair, director of Asian American Affairs for New York Governor Kathy Hochul, also attended, describing it as a proud moment to represent the governor and celebrate Diwali with diaspora members who had come from across the state.
Alongside the Times Square event, The Pierre, A Taj Hotel, hosted a separate Diwali gathering in collaboration with three New York restaurants — Chatti, Junoon and Musaafer — offering guests a Culinary Journey Through India that highlighted regional flavours from across the country.
