NEW YORK (TIP): “Josh is very high as this year we are celebrating Diwali as well as Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav in Times Square on October 15,” says Neeta Bhasin, President & CEO of Diwali at Times Square (DTS), which is in its 7th year. The festival kicked off with the Flash Mob in the ‘Crossroads of the World’ on September 21 on UN International Day of Peace. This year’s theme is ‘End Racism, Build Peace,’ to create a world in which all people are treated equally, regardless of their race. DTS partner AR Helping Hands Foundation founder, Naresh Kumar, said, “Diwali is a festival of knowledge over ignorance, good over evil and light over darkness. Diwali asks us all to bring into focus the light needed to conquer obstacles like societal ills born of ignorance and malintent, like racism.” DTS spreads its message of peace, love, harmony, togetherness and inclusion through art, culture, entertainment, and food. According to the mainstream media, DTS is the largest festival held outside of India. The US Government’s Share America website says the same. Diwali at Times Square will be celebrated from 1 pm – 9 pm on October 15th, between 46th and 48th streets on Broadway. Diwali Bazaar Pavilion will offer products and services to visitors all day. In the evening, the ‘Diya Lighting Countdown’ atop the One Times Square Tower screen will be followed by ‘Light Up Times Square Concert ‘ with performers including singers Jay Sean, Arjun, Hrishi Songs, and Sparsh Shah. Dance performances are by Shiamak Davar Dance Academy, Arya, Masala Bhangra, Dance X Studio, SDA Dance Group and Prashant Shah.

American Airlines, Eye Foundation of America, State Bank of India, Northwell, ShopRite, Laxmi, Quicklly, Nanak Foods, The American Foundation, Save Soil, and many others are partnering with the festival.