Diwali at Times Square Returns Oct. 24 for 11th Edition With Gala and Bazaar

Diwali at Times Square will return on October 24, 2026, for its 11th edition, bringing the Festival of Lights to the Crossroads of the World with an awards gala, a Diwali bazaar and a dedicated kids' zone, organizer Sammaan For All announced October 19 via PRNewswire. The event is presented by P&G and Tide and Toyota.

The Consulate General of India in New York hosted a press conference on October 14 in support of the festival, where Deputy Consul General Vishal Harsh extended warm support to the celebrations, according to the announcement. Ambassador Binaya S. Pradhan, Consul General of India in New York, said in his message: "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."

Founder and president Neeta Bhasin shared the program for the upcoming celebration, ANI reports: an Awards and Gala Dinner on October 23 at Tribeca 360 honoring the contributions of Indian Americans in philanthropy, innovation, medicine and entrepreneurship, followed by the main festival on October 24. The festival will feature a vibrant Diwali Bazaar as well as a Kids Zone, where children can paint diyas and create colorful rangoli art.

Diwali at Times Square continues to convey the true meaning of Diwali by spreading the message of love, peace, harmony and togetherness, the organizers said. The main Lakshmi Puja of Diwali 2026 falls on November 8, but diaspora celebrations in New York traditionally begin weeks earlier, drawing communities of all backgrounds to the heart of Manhattan.

The October 23 gala dinner at Tribeca 360 will honor Indian Americans in philanthropy, innovation, medicine and entrepreneurship. While the main Lakshmi Puja of Diwali 2026 falls on November 8, diaspora celebrations in New York traditionally begin weeks earlier, and organizers say the festival is open to communities of all backgrounds.

Photo: Subharnab Majumdar, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons