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Diwali 2025: How NYC and San Francisco are celebrating the festival of lights

The festival of lights has returned in full swing this October in major US cities, with New York City and San Francisco hosting large-scale public events.

Published on: Oct 18, 2025, 22:25:19 IST
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The auspicious occasion of Diwali will be observed on October 20 this year. Several cities across the United States, where a significant amount of the South Asian population lives, are all set to host vibrant celebrations. In New York City, several large-scale events, including the “Diwali on the Hudson” in Midtown Manhattan, are taking place this time, featuring cultural performances.

Diwali to be celebrated on October 20, 2025 across the United States. (Unsplash)
Diwali to be celebrated on October 20, 2025 across the United States. (Unsplash)

Also, Bhangra & Beats Night Market and the “Dia de los Muertos & Diwali Art Fiesta are taking place in San Francisco and the Bay Area. The family events are touted to be full of fun and joy. Such events exemplify that Diwali in the US is not only at local residences, but also at the cultural landmarks of the cities.

New York City: Cultural spotlight

The celebration of the festival in New York City comprises very prominent and public events. One of such events was "Diwali on the Hudson" on October 16, which involved live music, dance, food, and fundraising of money in the heart of Manhattan.

Besides that, venues like the Asia Society host workshops, storytelling, and art projects for kids and families. The blend of both glamorous and culturally rich sides of the festival indicates how Diwali has become a metropolitan-wide festival in NYC.

San Francisco and Bay Area: Street festivals and community access

Diwali celebrations can be seen almost all over the different regions of San Francisco's Bay Area, which is situated on the West Coast. The "Bhangra & Beats Night Market" turns the downtown blocks into a vivid and lively exhibition of music, food, and art. It returns on October 24.

Also Read: Diwali game ideas for adults and children: From Jenga to TailSpin and more

The local happenings also feature communal art fiestas that combine Indian and Latin American cultural heritages. These parties, among other things, stress the importance of being open and joyful.

Why does it matter?

Such major events draw attention towards the festival of lights’ extending influence in major US urban areas. Besides religious observance and customary practice, such celebrations bring people together.

Also Read: Happy Diwali 2025: Greetings and wishes to send to your colleagues and team members

FAQs:

When is Diwali 2025 in the US?

Diwali falls on October 20, 2025.

What kinds of events are happening in New York City?

Public festivals, performances, art workshops, food fairs, and cultural galas.

Are the San Francisco events free and family-friendly?

Yes, many Bay Area events are open to the public and focus on community participation.

  • HT US Desk
    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    HT US Desk

    The Hindustan Times US Desk brings you the latest news and developments from across the United States. The team covers everything from breaking news and politics to sports, business, entertainment and stories that are trending across the country. Our coverage includes the White House, Congress, US elections, immigration and visa updates, H-1B, green cards, Social Security, education, jobs, layoffs, the economy, technology and major policy changes. We also closely follow stories that matter to Indian and South Asian communities in the US. The desk covers major US sports, including the NFL, NBA, MLB and NHL, along with player news, injuries, schedules, results and major events. Entertainment coverage includes Hollywood, celebrities, television, streaming, music and pop culture. We also report on breaking developments, major incidents, weather, public safety, court cases and other stories making headlines across the country. When a major policy or news development affects people's everyday lives, the team works to explain what happened, what it means and what readers need to know. Alongside breaking news, the US Desk produces explainers and practical stories on topics such as immigration, Social Security, taxes, education, employment and government programmes. The team also works on science, tech, business and AI stories analyzing the impact they may have on people. The team follows developments throughout the day, keeping an eye on official announcements, public records, reliable news sources and what people are talking about across the US.Read More