New York City is preparing to welcome the 11th edition of Diwali at Times Square on October 24, 2026, bringing the colors, traditions and message of the Indian festival of lights to one of the world’s most recognizable public spaces. Organized by Sammaan For All, the annual celebration aims to unite people from different cultural backgrounds through music, dance, community engagement and shared traditions.
The Consulate General of India in New York hosted a press conference on October 14 to announce the upcoming festivities. Deputy Consul General Vishal Harsh expressed support for the event, while India’s Consul General in New York, Ambassador Binaya S. Pradhan, highlighted Diwali’s message of light overcoming darkness, knowledge defeating ignorance and hope triumphing over despair. He also emphasized the festival’s potential to strengthen connections between India, the United States and their diverse communities.
Founder and President Neeta Bhasin outlined a two-day program beginning with an awards gala and dinner on October 23 at Tribeca 360. The event will recognize Indian Americans whose contributions have made an impact in philanthropy, innovation, medicine and entrepreneurship. The following day’s public festival will welcome families and visitors to experience Indian heritage in the heart of Manhattan.
Activities will include a Diwali Bazaar and a dedicated children’s area featuring diya painting, rangoli creation and Bollywood dance lessons. The afternoon’s “Colors of India and America” program will showcase performances by Indian, Indo-Caribbean and Hispanic dance groups, highlighting the cultural diversity that shapes American communities.
A special diya lighting ceremony will take place in the evening, accompanied by a countdown displayed on the iconic Ball Drop Tower screen. The ceremony will lead into the Light Up Times Square Concert, featuring an eclectic lineup of established performers and emerging talent.
Among the announced artists are Bollywood singer Kanika Kapoor, Grammy-nominated Indian American rapper Raja Kumari, Indian Idol 13 winner Rishi Singh and Indian Idol 12 finalist Shanmukha Priya. The program will also feature singer-rapper Sparsh Shah, known as Purhythm, New York-based performer Kunal Lamba and rising New Jersey artist Saanvi Nacha.
Corporate partners, including P&G and Tide, Toyota, Gopi and Xoom by PayPal, are supporting the celebration, alongside State Bank of India. Colors TV will serve as the media partner and broadcast the festival.
Bhasin said the event also seeks to nurture cultural pride among South Asian American youth while introducing wider audiences to Diwali’s values of unity, heritage and compassion.
With its combination of entertainment, education and community participation, Diwali at Times Square continues to provide a prominent platform for celebrating Indian culture and strengthening intercultural connections in the United States.
