Free Entry – Free Parking – Open to All Celebration of Indian Culture, Music, Dance, Food, Family and Community.
Our Bureau
Long Island, NY
The Association of Indians in America–New York (AIA–NY) will present its 39th Annual Deepavali Festival on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at Overlook Beach in Babylon, Long Island, New York.
The celebration will take place from12:30 PM to 8:00 PM, with free admission and free parking, Families, friends and all community members from across Long Island, New York and the surrounding TRI STATE region are invited to attend.
Deepavali, the Festival of Lights, is a vibrant colorful celebration of light, celebrated across India and around the world, it symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. The festival brings families and communities together through prayer, traditions, music, dance, food and joyful celebration.
AIA-NY Deepavali: Keeping the Tradition of Light Alive
For decades, AIA-NY’s Deepavali celebration has brought together families, communities, and the broader American public to celebrate and share the richness of Indian culture and traditions.
Over the years, the celebration has been supported by multiple corporations, brands including Toyota, Pepsi, New York Life Insurance, Air India, CheapOair, and many others.
This longstanding tradition is made possible by dedicated volunteers, sponsors, businesses, families, and performers, while generations continue to carry Indian culture and traditions forward.
With the continued support of our community, AIA-NY remains committed to keeping the spirit and light of Deepavali alive for future generations.
Together, we keep the light of Deepavali shining.
Celebrating India’s Rich Cultural Heritage
The 2026 festival will showcase the diversity of Indian traditions through a full day of cultural performances, family activities, food and shopping.
The program will include:
- Indian classical, folk and Bollywood dance performances featuring local students and performers
- Live performance in the evening by Arjun Coomaraswamy (Arjun) from London, UK
- Kathak and Ramayana presentation featuring Pandit S.N. Charka of the East-West School of Dance
- Bhangra, Giddha, Ghoomar, Garba and Dandiya by students
- Rangoli and children’s art activities
- Children’s entertainment and family activities, Clowns and etc.
- Health and wellness activities
- Indian food and traditional refreshments, Samosa and Chai Etc.
- Meena Bazaar featuring Indian clothing, jewelry, gifts and merchandise
- Community honorees, special guests and elected officials
- Grand live fireworks finale at approximately 7:15 PM
The festival will offer families an opportunity to experience Indian culture through art, music, dance, food, tradition and community celebration.
Art, Rangoli- Children and Tradition
Traditional Indian art will be an important part of the celebration. Children and families will have the opportunity to participate in Rangoli activities and creative art projects, using vibrant colors and traditional designs.
Children will also enjoy traditional Indian dance and music performances, along with family entertainment, clown activities and other attractions throughout the day.
The celebration will open with Ganeshji, invoking the blessings of Lord Ganesha, who is traditionally revered as the remover of obstacles and a symbol of auspicious beginnings with LED Diyas.
The festival will conclude with Lakshmi, Goddess of Wealth, Aarti a traditional prayer honoring Goddess Lakshmi and expressing wishes for prosperity, peace, health and well-being for everyone with LED diyas.
These traditions are an important part of India’s cultural heritage and provide an opportunity for different generations to come together through faith, art, music and celebration.
Food, Shopping and LIVE Fireworks
Visitors Guest will be able to enjoy variety of traditional Indian food and refreshments, including masala chai, samosas, rotis, sweets and other favorites.
The Diwali Bazaar and Meena Bazaar will offer opportunities to shop for Indian clothing, jewelry, gifts, handicrafts and other merchandise.
Families are encouraged to spend the day at Overlook Beach enjoying the cultural program, food, shopping and community activities—and stay through the evening for the grand fireworks finale.
Bring your family. Bring your friends. Bring your community. Come celebrate the Festival of Lights with AIA–NY.
A Five-Day Festival Across India
While AIA–NY’s celebration takes place on one day, Deepavali itself is observed through a series of traditions over several days in different parts of India.
Celebrations may include Dhanteras, Naraka Chaturdashi, the main Diwali celebration and Lakshmi Puja, Govardhan Puja or the Indian New Year, and Bhai Dooj. Customs vary by region and community, but the festival broadly brings families together to celebrate light, renewal, prosperity, family bonds and the triumph of good over evil.
A Celebration for Everyone
AIA–NY’s Deepavali festival is designed to welcome people of all backgrounds.
Beena Kothari, President of AIA–NY, said: “Deepavali is a celebration of light, unity, heritage and community. We are proud to bring this tradition to Long Island and invite families and friends from across the region to celebrate with us. Our goal is to create a welcoming day where everyone can experience the beauty and diversity of Indian culture.”
AIA–NY extends its heartfelt appreciation to its Past Presidents and Trustees, volunteers, sponsors, media partners and the entire AIA–NY 2025–26 team. Their time, dedication and teamwork have helped make this celebration possible.
Event Information:
39th Annual AIA–New York Deepavali Festival
Saturday, October 3, 2026
12:00 PM – 8.00 PM
Overlook Beach
Babylon, Long Island, New York