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AMERICANNewsline

18 OCTOBER 23, 2026

Diwali at Times Square to celebrate

11th edition on October 24

Sammaan For All is excited to announce the return of Diwali at Times Square presented by P&Gand Tide

and Toyota on October 24, 2026, at the Center of the Universe. Diwali at Times Squarecontinues to convey
the true meaning of Diwali by spreading the message of love, peace,harmony and togetherness.

OUR BUREAU

New York, NY
iwali at Times Square will
return for its 11th edition on
DOctober 24, 2026, with a day
of cultural performances, a Diwali
bazaar, a diya-lighting ceremony and
a concert featuring Bollywood sing-
ers and other artists.
Organised by Sammaan For All
and presented by P&G and Tide and
Toyota, the festival aims to promote
the message of love, peace, harmony
and togetherness at one of New York
City’s most iconic public spaces.
The Consulate General of India
in New York hosted a press confer-
ence on October 14, where Deputy
Consul General Vishal Harsh extend-
ed his support for the celebrations.
In a message, Ambassador Binaya S.
Pradhan, Consul General of India in
New York, said Diwali celebrates “the
triumph of light over darkness, knowl- From left: Justice Karen Gopee, Deputy Consul General Vishal Harsh, Neeta Bhasin, founder and president of Diwali at Times Square,
edge over ignorance, and hope over
despair”. Harish Bhasin, Poonam Khubani, Sunder Advani, chairman and managing director of Ramada Caravela Beach Resort,
“I commend Sammaan For Ritesh Parikh, founder of Awesome TV, Renu Goyal and Dr Mariam Singh.
All-Diwali At Times Square for bring-
ing communities together in one of The main festival on October 24 The performance lineup for the the light that our community and our
the world’s most iconic public spaces will feature a Diwali bazaar and a ded- 11th edition includes Kanika Kapoor, partners have shared with us over the
to share the joy of this festival,” he icated Kids Zone, where children can the Filmfare Award-winning sing- years,” she said. “It is so important to
said, adding that the celebration could paint diyas, create rangoli art and par- er known for Bollywood dance hits; instill in South Asian American youth
deepen bonds of friendship between ticipate in Bollywood dance lessons. Grammy-nominated Indian Ameri- a sense of pride in their heritage, and
India and the United States and Visitors can also expect product sam- can rapper Raja Kumari; Indian Idol to show the world the values of art,
among different communities. pling, information from participating 13 winner Rishi Singh; and Indian Idol culture and togetherness that Diwali
Neeta Bhasin, founder and pres- partners and other activities. 12 finalist Shanmukha Priya. stands for.”
ident of Diwali at Times Square, also The afternoon programme, ti- Singer-rapper and Guinness Toyota, one of the presenting
acknowledged the New York City Of- tled “Colors of India and America”, World Record holder Sparsh Shah, sponsors, said its partnership reflect-
fice of Community Engagement for will feature performances by Indian, known as “Purhythm”, New York’s ed its support for the Indian Ameri-
its continued support of the festival’s Indo-Caribbean and Hispanic dance “Singing Chef” Kunal Lamba and can community and its diverse experi-
mission to celebrate the diversity of groups, highlighting the festival’s em- New Jersey singer Saanvi Nacha will ences and aspirations.
South Asia and America. phasis on diversity and inclusion. also perform. “Toyota is proud to partner with
The celebrations will begin with In the evening, dignitaries will Bhasin said the festival was enter- Diwali at Times Square, celebrating
an awards and gala dinner on October join the diya-lighting ceremony, ac- ing a new decade with a commitment the rich traditions, diverse experi-
23 at Tribeca 360. The event will hon- companied by a countdown on the to preserving and celebrating the ences, and aspirations of the Indian
our Indian Americans for their con- Times Square Ball Drop Tower screen. community’s cultural heritage. American community,” said Tiffany
tributions to philanthropy, innovation, The ceremony will lead into the Light “As we begin a new decade of Di- Shido, general manager for brand,
medicine and entrepreneurship. Up Times Square concert. wali at Times Square, we carry forward Continued on next page... >>

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