Maharashtra Tourism to be the first Asian Indian organization to host mega cultural celebration at Times Square

Mumbai: Times Square, one of the biggest, iconic landmarks of the world will soon come alive to celebrate Diwali, the biggest festival of lights. Maharashtra Tourism who is aggressively promoting the state across the globe has decided to promote Maharashtra at Times Square. For the first time ever, Diwali will be celebrated at Times Square on 22nd September 2013. “Maharashtra Tourism- Diwali at Times Square” event is titled by Maharashtra Tourism, organized by Event Guru, conceptualized by ASB Communications and presented by Air India. Maharashtra Tourism has taken a larger leap as a title sponsor with the aim to promote the rich and varied culture of India and Maharashtra. More than 100,000 Asian Indians will be participating in the event from tri- state and neighbouring states. More than 350,000 pedestrians visit Times Square on daily basis. As Diwali falls on November 3rd, this would be a major promotional campaign in September to attract foreign tourists to Maharashtra during the festival of lights and tourists can plan their visit accordingly. Shri Chhagan Bhujbal, Honorable Minister of Tourism, Government of Maharashtra, expressed his complete commitment towards the success of this iconic event as it would make positive impact on Mumbai in the long run. Shri Bhujbal said that, “Maharashtra Tourism is gratified to participate in this historic occasion. Maharashtra has the kind of tourist destinations which every international tourist will fall in love with. We have pristine beaches, best of hill stations, festivals, culture and cuisine. With this event at Times Square, we will be able to gain attention of the world and surely, Maharashtra will be established in the international tourism map.” First Time ever Diwali is being celebrated at Times Square ASB Communications is organizing and managing Diwali at Times Square event. Neeta Bhasin, President and CEO of ASB communications said " We want to show the world how rich Indian culture and heritage is and how we celebrate festivals in India. I could not think of better place than the center of universe `Times Square`. The event will be publicized on digital, TV radio print media in USA. The concert will also display an orchestrated laser light show and fireworks on big screens, creating a unique visual experience. The event will witness Cultural Festival which includes a wide variety of Indian food, dance classes, Diya/ Rangoli painting, Indian arts and crafts, a fashion show, photo booths with ethnic outfits, celebrity Autograph/Photo Booth, Dahi Handi/Mallkhamb and a lot more. The grand event will also see the excitement with Light Up Times Square, a concert showcasing performances by some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry. A film of MTDC with the destinations of Maharashtra will be showcased on the jumbo screens present at the venue. Sari draping lessons, Heena (Mehendi) designs, placing of Gudis will be additional attractions at the event. The glamorous fashion alley of Times Square is now going to get saffronised with traditional Kolhapuri turbans. The pointed moustaches will be distributed to the audience to recreate Maharashtrian village side- effect. Bhangda, Dandiya and bollywood dances with traditional drums will mesmerize the global tourists flocking around Times Square. This gala event will give all authentic performances by the artist from remote landscape of Maharashtrian soil. Times Square is a major commercial intersection and a neighborhood in Midtown Manhattan, New York City. Times Square – iconified as "The Crossroads of the World", "The Center of the Universe" and the "The Great White Way" – is the brightly illuminated hub of the Broadway Theater District, one of the world`s busiest pedestrian intersections, and a major center of the world`s entertainment industry. Apart from acting as the primary agency of the State for promotion and development of tourism, MTDC also protects and enhances the state`s historical, geographical, and cultural heritage.