Diwali At Times Square Returns Oct. 24 With Concert, Cultural Shows
India-West News Desk
NEW YORK, NY – Diwali at Times Square will return for its 11th edition on October 24, featuring a live concert, cultural performances, a Diwali bazaar and a Diya Lighting Ceremony.
Organized by Sammaan For All, the festival is presented by P&G and Tide and Toyota.
The concert lineup includes Bollywood singer Kanika Kapoor, Grammy-nominated rapper Raja Kumari, Indian Idol 13 winner Rishi Singh, Indian Idol 12 finalist Shanmukha Priya, singer-rapper and Guinness World Record holder Sparsh Shah, known as “Purhythm,” New York’s “Singing Chef” Kunal Lamba and New Jersey rising star Saanvi Nacha.
The Consulate General of India in New York hosted a press conference on October 14, where Deputy Consul General Vishal Harsh expressed support for the festival.
In a message, Consul General of India in New York Ambassador Binaya S. Pradhan said Diwali represents the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance and hope over despair. He said the celebration brings communities together and helps strengthen ties between India and the United States.
The two-day event will begin with an awards and gala dinner on October 23 at Tribeca 360, honoring Indian Americans for their contributions to philanthropy, innovation, medicine and entrepreneurship.
The October 24 program will include a kids’ zone with diya painting, rangoli activities and Bollywood dance lessons, along with product sampling and educational displays. The afternoon showcase, “Colors of India and America,” will feature Indian, Indo-Caribbean and Hispanic dance groups. The evening will conclude with a Diya Lighting Ceremony, a countdown on the Times Square Ball Drop Tower screen and the Light Up Times Square Concert.
Neeta Bhasin, founder and creator of Diwali at Times Square, said the event aims to instill pride in South Asian American youth in their heritage and promote the values of art, culture and togetherness associated with Diwali.
Other sponsors include Gopi, the platinum sponsor; Xoom by PayPal, the gold sponsor; and State Bank of India. Colors TV is the media partner and will broadcast the festival.
