NEW ORLEANS – The Crescent City will shine as New Orleans celebrates its first-ever Diwali, a citywide cultural event honoring the South Asian Festival of Lights. On Monday, Oct. 20, the Crescent City Connection Bridge will glow in the hues of the Indian flag — saffron, white and green.
Hosted by local entrepreneur Gina Jagtiani, organizers say NOLA Diwali represents a growing movement to establish New Orleans as a global destination for multicultural celebration. The festivities begin with the inaugural Diwali in the Crescent City on Saturday, Oct. 18, featuring music, dance, food, and art that merge traditional South Asian culture with the unmistakable rhythm and vibrancy of New Orleans.
What is Diwali?
Diwali, known as the Festival of Lights, is one of the most cherished holidays across India and the South Asian diaspora. It celebrates the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil. Families illuminate their homes with candles and lamps, exchange sweets, and come together in gratitude and hope for the year ahead.
“This isn’t just a celebration — it’s a bridge between cultures,” says Jagtiani. “Lighting the Crescent City Connection is a symbolic moment showing that New Orleans stands with the global South Asian community, embracing light, love, and inclusion as part of our city’s spirit.”
Event Details
Diwali in the Crescent City 2025 | Festival of Lights Celebration
📅 Saturday, Oct. 18 | 8 p.m.
📍 Venue: Toulouse Theatre
🎶 Featuring: International DJ Rekha (NYC), live percussion by David Sharma (Texas), and immersive visual moments
🍴 Cuisine: Indian and New Orleans-inspired bites by local Indian Restaurants LUFU and Namaste Nola
✨ City Highlight: The Crescent City Connection Bridge illuminated in Indian flag colors on Monday, Oct. 20, marking New Orleans’ first official Diwali recognition