Our Bureau
Babylon, NY
The Association of Indians in America, New York (AIA-NY) celebrated its 38th iconic Deepavali Festival at Overlook Beach here on October 11, marking a milestone as the first-ever festival of its kind on Long Island.
An estimated 5,000 people enjoyed cultural performances, spiritual presentations, traditional Indian food, and community celebration throughout the day.
A spectacular live fireworks display lit up Long Island’s south shore, creating unforgettable memories.
Amid fulsome compliments for staging a grand show and maneuvering the annual event’s move from South Street Seaport in Manhattan, AIA-NY President Beena Kothari said, “This event was a dream come true… promoting culture, unity, and community engagement.”
Many lawmakers and dignitaries greeted the audience and congratulated AIA-NY and its President, Beena Kothari, for organizing a colorful extravaganza. US Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer sent a video-recorded message. Town of Babylon Supervisor Rich Schaffer, impressed by the teeming crowds despite forecasts of bad weather, announced that his Town will also support the Deepavali Festival next year.
US Congressman Suhas Subramanyam came all the way from Virginia to grace the event. New York State Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar said that the Empire State’s lead in making Diwali a public holiday has been followed by other states, including California and Pennsylvania.
Consul General of India in New York Amb. Binaya Srikanta Pradhan was represented by Consul, Community Affairs, Shri Tsewang Gyaltson.
Highlights of the daylong program included Kirtan Concert by Bhakti Marga, founded by Paramahamsa Vishwananda, and Ramayan Live Dance Drama choreographed by the renowned Pt S.N. Charka of East-West School of Dance in Monroe, Upstate New York. A Cultural Fashion Show by celebrity designer Prashant Goyal added a touch of glamor in the evening. Later, Manpreet Komal and Amit Sharma from Rang de Bollywood in San Francisco had the audience dance to their Garba beats.
Four people were honored for their achievements and contributions to community and society: Justice Karen Gopee, Dr Gurmohan Syali, Dr Abhay Malhotra, and Sunita Sadhnani. Ruma Devi, visiting from India, and Kamal Sabri were also honored.
The community celebration opened with the American and Indian national anthems amid a flag ceremony.
The carefully curated programming had something for each age group. The first segment saw classical and folk dance performances on stage by kids, young adults, and adults. Rangoli and art competitions were keenly contested. Health & Wellness Zone had Yoga & Zumba in another enclosure.
The event kicked off with an auspicious Ganesh Vandana and concluded with Lakshmi Ji Aarti, symbolizing light, prosperity, and togetherness.
Sponsors, presenters, and VIP guests were served a sumptuous vegetarian meal before the fireworks show.
About 25 stalls and 5 food vendors were seen doing brisk business.
Main sponsors of the celebration included Bolla Oil, Mount Sinai Health System, New York Cancer and Blood Specialists, Cheap-o-Air, Northwell Health System, Amneal, Navika Group, ICICI Bank, NEC-AIA, and Ranju & Ravi Batra.
Media partners included Zee Group, Sony, Parikh Worldwide Media, TV Asia, Radio Zindagi, Jus TV, New India Abroad, The South Asian Times, The Indian Panorama, The Indian Eye, Hum Hindustani, South Asian Insider, ALotusInTheMud.com, The World Voice, and Bollywood Insider.
Many past Presidents of AIA National and AIA-NY were in attendance.
The organizers thanked the Town of Babylon, local partners, sponsors, and volunteers for their support in making this historic celebration possible.
President Beena Kothari expressed heartfelt gratitude to the evening program’s emcee and culture ambassador, Neha Lohia, and to Gautam Chopra, Kulbhushan Sharma, and culture director Jyoti Gupta for conducting the afternoon shows. “A big shoutout to Dr. Tarun Wasil, Harsh Vyas, Nilima Madan, Anita Thakkar, Dr. Sharad Kothari, and Dr. Bal Gilja,” added Beena Kothari, for their support. “Thank you also to our Past Presidents and NEC President Gobind Munjal for their guidance and support. And DJ Perminder for the energetic beats.”
About the Association of Indians in America
AIA is the oldest Indian community organization in America, established in 1967 with the motto ‘Indian Heritage American Commitment’.
AIA-NY’s achievements include New York City’s official recognition of Diwali as a holiday, starting in 2024, and the 2013 release of the USPS Diwali stamp.
AIA-NY celebrates Diwali as the festival of joy and happiness, which is common among Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, Buddhists, and people from many different countries, including Indo-Caribbeans.
Contact for more information: Mrs Beena Kothari or visit the website: aia-ny.org
