Our Bureau
Lido Beach, NY
The 10th Annual Dushahra Festival, organized by Indo-American Festivals NY, Inc., was celebrated with unmatched enthusiasm and grandeur at Lido Beach on Saturday, October 18. Thousands of attendees from across Queens, Long Island, Upstate New York, and neighboring states gathered with their families to honor the timeless victory of good over evil at one of the largest Indian cultural festivals in the tri-state area.
The festival began with a spectacular three-hour cultural extravaganza featuring hundreds of dancers and performers from renowned regional academies. The highlight of the afternoon was the mesmerizing Ramleela, choreographed and directed by Navrang Dance Academy, performed in a vibrant theatrical style by over 75 talented artists.
As night fell, the celebration reached its climax with the dramatic burning of a 20-foot-tall effigy of Ravana, symbolizing the eternal triumph of good over evil — a sight that left the audience in awe.
The festival grounds buzzed with energy as numerous vendors and exhibitors showcased jewelry, ethnic wear, handicrafts, and professional services. The bustling food court drew huge crowds, serving an irresistible variety of Indian delicacies that delighted visitors of all ages.
Since its inception in 2016, Indo-American Festivals NY, Inc. has organized the Dushahra Festival as a free community event, dedicated to celebrating Indian culture, traditions, and heritage while passing these timeless values on to future generations.
This year’s grand success was made possible through the tireless efforts of the organizing team — Chairperson Dr. Ravindra Goyal, President Ms. Suman Sharma, and committee members Shekhar Goyal, Anurag Nigam, Damyanti Goyal, Rahul and Shweta Soni, Vinod Goyal, Vimal Goyal, Bacchu Bhai Patel, Shashi and Deepa Goyal, Vandna Kumar, Manu Rampal along with a large team of volunteers who worked passionately for months.
Indo-American Festivals NY, Inc. expresses its deep gratitude to the Town of Hempstead for providing the beautiful Lido Beach venue and logistical support, and to its generous sponsors — TriMed, Nanking, Mahal, and many others — whose support made this grand celebration possible.
