Diwali at Times Square 2026 Celebrating the 11th Edition of the festival at the Crossroads of the World-Times Square!

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Oct 19, 2026, 07:59 ET

NEW YORK, Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Sammaan For All is excited to announce the return of Diwali at Times Square presented by P&G and Tide and Toyota on October 24, 2026, at the Center of the Universe. Diwali at Times Square continues to convey the true meaning of Diwali by spreading the message of love, peace, harmony and togetherness.

The Consulate General of India in New York hosted a press conference on October 14, 2026, where Deputy Consul General Vishal Harsh extended his warm support to the festival celebrations.

Diwali At Times Square Founder & President Neeta Bhasin announcing Performers 2026: Rishi Singh, Kanika Kapoor, Rajakumari, Shanmukhapriya

Ambassador Binaya S. Pradhan, Consul General of India in New York, in his message, said that "Diwali celebrates the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and hope over despair. I commend Samman For All-Diwali At Times Square for bringing communities together in one of the world's most iconic public spaces to share the joy of this festival. May this celebration deepen the bonds of friendship between India and the United States; between all communities, and inspire us all to build a more compassionate and inclusive world."

Neeta Bhasin also acknowledged the Office of Community Engagement of NYC for its continued support of Diwali at Times Square's mission to celebrate the diversity of South Asia and America.

Neeta Bhasin shared the program for the upcoming celebration, starting with an Awards and Gala Dinner on October 23, 2026, at Tribeca 360, where the incredible contributions of Indian Americans in the fields of philanthropy, innovation, medicine and entrepreneurship will be honored. The gala will be followed by the Diwali at Times Square festival on October 24, 2026, bringing communities of all backgrounds together in the heart of New York City.

The festival on October 24, 2026, will feature a vibrant and engaging Diwali Bazaar as well as a dedicated Kids Zone, where children can paint diyas, create colorful rangoli art and enjoy

Bollywood dance lessons. Additionally, attendees can look forward to product sampling from vendors, educational information from partners and much more to ensure a fun-filled day for all.

The afternoon will feature the 'Colors of India and America' program, showcasing spectacular performances by Indian, Indo-Caribbean and Hispanic dance groups celebrating the festival's spirit of diversity and inclusion. In the evening, dignitaries will join together for a special Diya Lighting Ceremony with a countdown on the Ball Drop Tower screen, leading into the Light Up Times Square Concert.

The performance lineup for the 11th edition of the Diwali at Times Square concert was officially announced. The celebration will feature an exceptional mix of celebrated artists and rising stars, including Kanika Kapoor, the Filmfare Award-winning voice behind some of Bollywood's most loved dance anthems. Joining her will be Grammy-nominated Indian American rapper Raja Kumari, who continues to bring Indian art, culture and spirituality to the world stage, along with Indian Idol 13 winner Rishi Singh and Indian Idol 12 finalist Shanmukha Priya. The lineup will also feature singer-rapper and Guinness World Record holder Sparsh Shah, known as "Purhythm," New York's 'Singing Chef' Kunal Lamba and New Jersey's rising star Saanvi Nacha.

We extend our gratitude to our Presenting Sponsors, P&G and Tide and Toyota; our Platinum Sponsor, Gopi; our Gold Sponsor, Xoom by PayPal; our other key sponsors, State Bank of India; and our Media Partner, Colors TV, which will broadcast the festival on its channel. Their partnerships have been instrumental in bringing this vibrant festival to life and sharing the spirit of Diwali with the community.

'Toyota is proud to partner with Diwali at Times Square, celebrating the rich traditions, diverse experiences, and aspirations of the Indian American community. We believe in recognizing and celebrating every side of who you are, and in building meaningful connections that reflect the many ways Indians are living, growing, and expressing themselves. - Tiffany Shido, General Manager, Brand, Cross-Vehicle Line & Media, Toyota Marketing

We are deeply honored to participate in the iconic Diwali at Times Square celebration, the most vibrant and recognized festival celebrating Indian culture on the global stage. Diwali is a festival of light, hope, and togetherness - values that resonate at the heart of everything GOPI does. As a trusted dairy brand, we are proud to celebrate this sacred occasion alongside thousands of families and community members who gather to honor our shared cultural traditions. Through our participation, we reaffirm our commitment to bringing the goodness of pure, authentic ingredients to communities across the country."

"Diwali is a powerful celebration of light, hope, and community - values that resonate deeply with us at Xoom. We are proud to sponsor Diwali at Times Square and stand alongside the Indian community in honoring its rich traditions and culture. Being part of this special celebration strengthens our connection with the community and reflects our commitment to helping people stay connected to the loved ones, places, and traditions that matter most."

Neeta Bhasin the founder and creator of Diwali at Times Square expressed, "As we begin a new decade of Diwali at Times Square, we carry forward the light that our community and our partners have shared with us over the years. It is so important to instill in South Asian American youth a sense of pride in their heritage, and to show the world the values of art, culture and togetherness that Diwali stands for."

Lights shine brighter when we shine together.

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