New York -- Diwali at Times Square returns on October 24, 2026, with a daytime bazaar, a kids' zone, dance performances and an evening concert led by Bollywood singer Kanika Kapoor and Grammy-nominated rapper Raja Kumari.
A gala dinner opens the weekend on October 23
The celebration starts a day earlier with an Awards and Gala Dinner at Tribeca 360 on October 23, 2026. The evening honors Indian Americans for contributions in philanthropy, innovation, medicine and entrepreneurship.
Kids can paint diyas and learn Bollywood dance
The October 24 festival includes a Diwali Bazaar and a dedicated Kids Zone. Children can paint diyas, create colorful rangoli art and take Bollywood dance lessons. Vendors will offer product sampling, and partners will provide educational information.
The afternoon 'Colors of India and America' program features Indian, Indo-Caribbean and Hispanic dance groups.
The Ball Drop Tower screen counts down to the concert
In the evening, dignitaries will take part in a Diya Lighting Ceremony with a countdown on the Ball Drop Tower screen. It leads into the Light Up Times Square Concert, the 11th edition of the event.
The lineup includes:
- Kanika Kapoor, the Filmfare Award-winning voice behind some of Bollywood's best-loved dance anthems
- Raja Kumari, a Grammy-nominated Indian American rapper
- Rishi Singh, winner of Indian Idol 13
- Shanmukha Priya, a finalist on Indian Idol 12
- Sparsh Shah, a Guinness World Record holder known as "Purhythm"
- Kunal Lamba, New York's 'Singing Chef'
- Saanvi Nacha, a rising star from New Jersey
Sponsors and official backing
P&G and Tide and Toyota are the presenting sponsors. Gopi is the platinum sponsor, Xoom by PayPal the gold sponsor, and State Bank of India another key sponsor. Colors TV, the media partner, will broadcast the festival on its channel.
The Consulate General of India in New York hosted a press conference on October 14, 2026, where Deputy Consul General Vishal Harsh voiced support for the festival. Organizer Neeta Bhasin also thanked the NYC Office of Community Engagement for its continued support.
Bhasin, the founder and creator of the festival, said the event begins a new decade and aims to instill pride in heritage among South Asian American youth.