BOLLYWOOD SINGER SALIM MERCHANT TO HEADLINE NEW YORK STATE’S 2025 DIWALI FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS PRESENTED BY NYSTEC

 

Enjoy an Array of Traditional Indian Food, Performances, and Fireworks 

Free Evening Festival Will Start Indoors at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center

New York State Office of General Services (OGS) Commissioner Jeanette Moy announced that Bollywood singer Salim Merchant will perform at this year’s New York State Diwali Festival of Lights presented by NYSTEC on Saturday, October 18, from 4 to 9 p.m. at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center in Albany. 

“Diwali is a meaningful observance for our state’s South Asian and Indo-Caribbean communities,” Commissioner Moy said. “The night will mark a time of light, reflection, and unity. Team OGS is proud to provide an opportunity for all New Yorkers to join in on the festivities and celebrate this important holiday.” 

The New York State Diwali Festival of Lights presented by NYSTEC will start indoors at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center, with traditional entertainment and displays, including free henna art. This year’s entertainment will be headlined by Salim Merchant, with opening performances by community groups from the Capital Region, including Bollywood and Bhangra dances. 

Artists will create rangoli, geometric floral patterns drawn on the floor using colorful flower petals. Participating vendors will sell Indian and other types of food, crafts, and other goods. 

In the evening, event attendees can go outside on the Plaza to enjoy a fireworks display. 

Salim Merchant is among India’s most respected singers and composers. His songs have been featured in over 100 Bollywood films, musicals, and TV shows. He has received multiple accolades, including the Syracuse International Film Festival’s Best Music Award for the film “Fashion,” the International Indian Film Academy Awards, and the Zee Cine Award.  

Sponsors of the New York State Diwali Festival of Lights presented by NYSTEC including Maharaja Fine Dining Indian Restaurant & Bar, CDTA, B95.5, and Agrawal Family Foundation.  

The following bag policy is in effect for indoor events: 

• CLEAR plastic, vinyl or PVC bags no larger than 12” x 6” x 12” will be allowed. 

• Small clutch bags no larger than 6” x 9” will be allowed and do NOT need to be clear. 

• Larger and other types of bags will not be allowed in. There is no storage or check-in for prohibited bags. 

Paid parking is available in the visitor lot underneath the Empire State Plaza. 

For event updates and additional information, visit empirestateplaza.ny.gov, @EmpireStatePlaza on Facebook, and @plazaevents on Instagram, or call (518) 474-4759. 

OGS is implementing a new emergency text alert system, which the public can use to receive emergency notifications specific to the event they are attending. For the New York State Diwali Festival of Lights presented by NYSTEC, the public can text ESP25 to 888777 to opt in and receive emergency messages.