More than 10,000 visitors gathered at Overlook Beach for AIA-NY’s celebration of the Festival of Lights.
Our Bureau
Babylon, NY
More than 10,000 people gathered at Overlook Beach on Saturday, October 3, for the 39th Annual Deepavali Festival, presented by the Association of Indians in America – New York (AIA-NY).
Held under bright autumn skies along the Long Island shoreline, the free, family-friendly celebration brought together families, children, community leaders, elected officials, performers, volunteers, sponsors, vendors and supporters from across Long Island and beyond.
The day-long celebration featured Indian music, dance, devotion, art, food, children’s activities, cultural performances, community honors and a spectacular oceanfront fireworks finale.
The 2026 festival marked the second year at Overlook Beach, following 37 years of Deepavali celebrations at Manhattan’s South Street Seaport.
“Waves of Change — Building Bridges Through Light”
This year’s theme, “Waves of Change – Building Bridges Through Light,” reflected AIA-NY’s vision of connecting generations, cultures and communities through Indian heritage and shared American values.
“As Lord Rama built the legendary Ram Setu — a bridge of faith and unity — we too are building bridges across communities, generations and cultures,” said Beena Kothari, President of AIA-NY.
The celebration opened with a Ganesh Yatra and procession, honoring Lord Ganesha, traditionally worshipped first as the remover of obstacles, or Vighnaharta, and Pratham Pujya, the first to be worshipped. The procession set a spiritual and auspicious tone for the day’s festivities.
A Day Filled with Culture, Creativity and Celebration
The 39th Annual Deepavali Festival offered a diverse program designed to celebrate Indian heritage while engaging visitors of all ages.
Festival Highlights included:
- Children’s Art and Ram Setu Rock Painting, connecting young participants with creativity and the timeless story and symbolism of Ram Setu.
- Tesla Art Painting Experience, giving children and families an opportunity to express their creativity through a unique painting experience on a Tesla Cybertruck.
- Face Painting and Balloon Twisting, bringing colorful entertainment and excitement to the festival’s youngest guests.
- Rangoli and Art Competitions, celebrating traditional Indian artistic expression.
- Classical and Folk-Dance Performances, featuring Bharatanatyam, Odissi, Garba, Bhangra, Ghoomar and performances by talented children and young artists.
- Ramayana Live Musical Dance Drama and Kathak Performances, presenting the timeless story of Lord Rama and the triumph of good over evil, featuring Pandit S.N. Charka and the East-West School of Dance.
- Meena Bazaar and Food Village, offering Indian cuisine, traditional clothing, shopping and cultural experiences.
- Indian Golgappa and Pani Puri Competition, bringing participants and spectators together for a spirited celebration of Indian street food.
- Community Felicitations and Honors, recognizing distinguished leaders and individuals whose contributions strengthen the community.
- Special Performance by British-Indian Singer Arjun, who traveled from the United Kingdom and captivated audiences for nearly an hour with his Hindi-English R&B and pop music.
- Lakshmi Aarti, bringing the community together in prayer for prosperity, peace and the wellbeing of all.
- Grand Oceanfront Fireworks Finale, featuring an approximately 30-minute fireworks display that illuminated the Long Island sky and brought the celebration to a memorable close.
Celebrating the Universal Message of Deepavali
Throughout the day, families had opportunities to experience the richness of Indian culture while creating memories together. The festival placed a special emphasis on children and young people, encouraging them to participate, perform, create and take pride in their heritage.
Deepavali carries a universal message that extends across communities and traditions: the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance and good over evil.
For Hindus, Deepavali commemorates Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya. For Jains, it marks Bhagwan Mahavira’s liberation, Sikhs celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas, associated with Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, while Deepavali also holds significance within other Indian traditions.
“This festival is for everyone,” Beena Kothari, President, said. “We celebrate not only as Indians, but as global citizens — united by the light of hope, compassion, courage and community.”
Senator Chuck Schumer Sends Special Diwali Message
Although U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer was unable to attend the festival in person, he sent AIA-NY and the Indian-American community a special video message extending his warm Diwali greetings and congratulating AIA-NY on its 39th Annual Deepavali Celebration.
In his message, Senator Schumer also recognized AIA-NY’s commitment to serving older adults and highlighted a $100,000 federal grant supporting senior wellness and community programs.
AIA-NY expressed its sincere appreciation to Senator Schumer for his Diwali message and for recognizing the importance of supporting seniors and strengthening the community.
U.S. Congressman Tom Suozzi Joins the Celebration
U.S. Congressman Tom Suozzi attended the celebration and shared his Diwali greetings with the community.
“Happy Diwali! It was wonderful to celebrate with the Indian American community,” U.S. Congressman Suozzi said. “Let’s carry forward the messages of Ganesh Chaturthi, Navratri, Dussehra, and Diwali: overcoming obstacles, finding strength and courage, choosing good over evil, and lighting a candle of hope in the darkness.”
Strong Support from Town of Babylon and Suffolk County Leaders
The festival was honored by the presence of Town of Babylon Supervisor Rich Schaffer, along with fellow elected officials and community leaders.
Town of Babylon Councilman Anthony Manetta also joined the celebration, while Suffolk County Legislator Jason Richberg, representing Legislative District 15, participated in the festivities.
Representatives from the Town of Babylon, including the Chief Fire Marshal, Public Safety Commissioner and Park Commissioner, also joined the community at Overlook Beach.
AIA-NY expressed its appreciation to Supervisor Schaffer, Councilman Manetta, Legislator Richberg and all Town of Babylon and Suffolk County officials who attended and helped recognize the importance of Indian heritage, culture and the contributions of the Indian-American community to Long Island.
A Celebration Made Possible by the Community
AIA-NY credited the success of the festival to the dedication of its Executive Committee, Board of Trustees, Past Presidents, advisors, members, volunteers, performers, parents, teachers, sponsors, vendors, media partners, community organizations and supporters.
“Every successful celebration is built by people who believe in the mission and are willing to work together” Beena Kothari said. “I am deeply grateful to every person who gave their time, opened their hearts and helped make this celebration possible. Our children, volunteers, sponsors, media partners, past presidents, trustees and the entire AIA-NY Team are the pillars of this organization. Your dedication has not gone unnoticed, and I am truly honored to share this journey with you.”
Special Thanks to the Emcees and the Cultural Team
AIA-NY extended special appreciation to its emcees — Gautam Chopra, Ananya Kavi, Kaavya Ramani, Swati Bhansali, Cultural Chair Jyoti Gupta and Gunjan Rastogi — for guiding the audience and bringing energy, warmth and professionalism to the stage throughout the day.
The organization also thanked the volunteers, teachers, schools, choreographers, performers, parents and children who dedicated countless hours to preparing and presenting the cultural program.
“Our children are our future, and watching them proudly share their heritage and talents was one of the most meaningful parts of the celebration,” AIA-NY President Beena Kothari said.
Special Appreciation to Arjun
AIA-NY offered special thanks to Arjun, the British Indian singer who traveled from the United Kingdom to perform for the Long Island, NY and the Tristate community. His nearly hour-long performance brought tremendous energy to the festival and was enjoyed by audiences of all ages.
Gratitude to AIA-NY Leadership
AIA-NY also expressed its deep appreciation to its Executive Committee, Board Members, Trustees, Advisors, members and organizing team.
Special recognition was given to Dr. Sharad Kothari, Dr. Bal Gilja, Dr. Tarun Wasil, Harsh Vyas, Anita Thakkar, Jyoti Kothapalli and Navneet Kothari for their dedication, teamwork and countless hours of behind-the-scenes work, without them this tremendously successful Festival would not have been possible.
The organization also thanked its Past Presidents and longtime pillars whose leadership, experience and continued support have helped build the foundation of AIA-NY.
Thank You to Community Leaders, Vendors and Media Partners
AIA-NY expressed its sincere appreciation to the community leaders, elected officials, dignitaries and guests who joined the celebration and shared their Diwali wishes.
The organization also thanked the festival’s vendors, whose food, shopping and cultural offerings helped create a vibrant marketplace and brought the richness of India to Overlook Beach.
AIA-NY further recognized its media partners, including Newsday, Long Island Press and Indian American media organizations, for their coverage and continued support in sharing the community’s stories, traditions and accomplishments.
A Celebration Belonging to the Community
With an estimated 10,000 visitors throughout the day, the 39th Annual Deepavali Festival demonstrated the strength, diversity and spirit of the Indian American community on Long Island, NY and from the tristate.
“And finally, thank you to every single person who attended — every family, senior, child, young person, performer, supporter and visitor who came to Overlook Beach and celebrated Deepavali with us,” Beena Kothari said.
“This celebration belonged to all of you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for believing in AIA-NY, for supporting our mission, for celebrating our heritage and for helping us build bridges of light, unity and community.”
“This Diwali, AIA-NY rode the waves of change — from the riverbanks of our past to the oceanfront of our future. Together, we are building a bridge of light, unity and joy that connects every generation of Indians in America.”
About the Association of Indians in America
Established in 1967, the Association of Indians in America (AIA) is one of the oldest national Indian-American organizations in the United States. Guided by its motto, “Indian Heritage, American Commitment,” AIA works to serve, educate, empower and unite communities while promoting Indian heritage and strengthening civic and cultural connections in America.