Diwali 2026 Celebrations Announced

Community events in New York, Chicago, and San Francisco drew large crowds for the festival of lights. Organizers reported record attendance at public Diwali melas and temple ceremonies.

In Times Square, a laser light show projected images of diyas and rangoli onto surrounding buildings. The event, coordinated by the Indo-American Arts Council, featured performances by classical dancers and musicians.

The White House hosted a reception for Indian-American leaders, with President attending and lighting a ceremonial lamp. The President's remarks highlighted the contributions of the Indian diaspora to American society.

Several cities issued proclamations recognizing Diwali as an official holiday. School boards in Edison, New Jersey, and Fremont, California, declared a day off for students on the festival day.