Maharashtra Tourism title sponsors of the event.
By The American Bazaar Staff
NEW YORK: Times Square will once again be the venue for a Diwali festival in September of this year, with Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation being the title sponsor of the event.
‘Diwali at Times Square’ was held for the first time last year, and had seen vendors serving Indian food, with fashion and live performances from some celebrities, including Rishi Kapoor, his wife Neetu Singh, and son Ranbir Kapoor.
This year Diwali at Times Square 2014 will be held on September 20, it was announced at a press conference held at the Indian Consulate in New York.
“It is wonderful to see this event come back to Times Square this year again. It’s a glimpse into India’s largest festival and we are going to celebrate it with the world right here in New York City,” said Dnyaneshwar M. Mulay, the Consul General, who was also present at the meet.
“We are pleased to be back again to be part of this festival. This year Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) will showcase to the world Maharashtra’s rich culture, cuisine, pristine beaches, historical and natural heritage preserved for thousands of years,” Dr. Jagdish Patil, Managing Director of MTDC, said in a statement.
According to the organizers – Event Guru and ASB Communications are organizing and managing the event – Diwali festivities will begin at noon and will include a wide variety of Indian food, dance classes, Indian arts and crafts, a fashion show, photo booths with ethnic outfits, celebrities and more. In the evening, Event Guru will be bringing a “Light up Times Square” Concert.
Neeta Bhasin, President and CEO of Event Guru and ASB Communications, said, “we want to show the world how rich Indian culture and heritage is and how diversified India is. We couldn’t think of a better place than the center of the Universe – Times Square.”
At the press conference, Bhasin was also honored with a proclamation sent by the House of Representatives from New York’s 14th Congressional District, Congressman Joseph Crowley, who however, was not present.
Bhasin was recognized for her efforts and dedication to further the Asian Indian community in the United States as well as her invaluable contributions to the South Asian community in greater New York City.