Jaipur. Ruma Devi, the internationally acclaimed social activist, global speaker, and traditional fashion revivalist from Barmer, Rajasthan, who studied only up to the eighth grade, will be honored this year at the prestigious “Diwali at Times Square”—one of the largest cultural celebrations of the Indian diaspora in the United States. The grand event will take place on October 10 and 12, 2025, at the world-famous Times Square, New York.
According to Neeta Bhasin, the founder of the Diwali at Times Square initiative, this festival was launched in 2013 with the aim of celebrating and showcasing India’s culture and heritage on a global stage. Today, it stands as the largest Diwali celebration outside India, attended by thousands of people every year, including the Mayor of New York City, State Governor, U.S. officials, Indian diplomats, and members of various global communities. The New York City administration’s 2023 decision to declare Diwali a public holiday further underlines the growing global significance of this event.
The festival features cultural performances, live music, dance, Diwali Bazaar, rangoli art, and a special award ceremony and gala dinner, recognizing exemplary individuals and organizations contributing to society across the world.
From the Sands of Thar to Times Square
This year’s ceremony will honor Ruma Devi, a grassroots leader from the Barmer district of Rajasthan, for her extraordinary contribution to women’s empowerment and preservation of Indian handicrafts. Through her leadership, thousands of rural women in Rajasthan have become self-reliant. Her work has brought traditional Indian crafts and folk art to international platforms and given a global voice to rural India.
Guest of Honor at AIA Diwali Festival
In addition to Times Square, Ruma Devi will also grace the AIA (Association of Indians in America) Diwali Festival as a Special Guest on October 11, 2025, at Overlook Beach, Long Island, New York. This is among the largest Diwali events organized by the Indian-American community in the U.S., featuring cultural showcases, art exhibitions, cuisine stalls, and fireworks.
Global Recognition and Achievements
Ruma Devi has been previously recognized globally for her efforts in empowering women and promoting India’s traditional heritage. She has delivered talks at Harvard University and has been honored by the Government of India with a National Award for her social impact and contribution to the handicraft sector.
She has also been honored by the United States Congress, where Congressman Troy E. Nehls presented her with a Congressional Certificate of Recognition for her remarkable contributions on an international level. Additionally, she has been felicitated by the Governments of Suffolk and Nassau Counties, New York, for advancing women’s empowerment.
Ruma Devi has addressed several public events across Washington D.C., Atlanta, New Jersey, Florida, Houston, and Seattle, highlighting India’s cultural legacy. She was also featured as a Celebrity Guest at the iconic India Day Parade in Manhattan, New York.
A Symbol of Empowerment and Heritage
Ruma Devi’s recognition at Diwali at Times Square symbolizes more than an individual honor—it stands as a tribute to the resilience of rural Indian women and the universal appeal of Indian culture.
Her journey from the desert villages of Rajasthan to the global spotlight of Times Square is a powerful testament to how art, culture, and empowerment can transcend borders and inspire the world.
