AIA-NY’s 38th Deepavali Festival Makes History on Long Island with Record Attendance and Dazzling Fireworks

 

 

Babylon, NY : The Association of Indians in America, New York Chapter (AIA-NY), made history as it celebrated its 38th iconic Deepavali Festival for the first time on Long Island — transforming Overlook Beach in Babylon into a vibrant hub of Indian culture, unity, and celebration.

An estimated 5,000 attendees enjoyed a full day of cultural performances, devotional music, traditional cuisine, art competitions, and community spirit, culminating in a spectacular fireworks display that lit up Long Island’s south shore.

 

 

AIA-NY President Beena Kothari expressed heartfelt joy over the milestone event:

“This event was a dream come true — promoting our culture, unity, and community engagement,” she said, amid resounding applause and praise for AIA-NY’s successful transition of the annual celebration from Manhattan’s South Street Seaport to Babylon.

 

 

 

 

The festival drew greetings and participation from lawmakers, dignitaries, and community leaders.

• U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer sent a congratulatory video message.

• Town of Babylon Supervisor Rich Schaffer, impressed by the turnout despite forecasts of inclement weather, announced that the Town will continue to support the Deepavali Festival next year.

• U.S. Congressman Suhas Subramanyam traveled from Virginia to attend, while New York State Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar noted that New York’s recognition of Diwali as a public holiday has inspired similar action in California and Pennsylvania.

• Representing Consul General of India Amb. Binaya Srikanta Pradhan, Consul (Community Affairs) Tsewang Gyaltson attended on behalf of the Indian Consulate.

A Day of Culture, Devotion, and Celebration

The daylong program featured highlights such as:

• Kirtan Concert by Bhakti Marga, founded by Paramahamsa Vishwananda

• Ramayan Live Dance Drama, choreographed by Pt. S.N. Charka of East-West School of Dance

• Cultural Fashion Show by celebrity designer Prashant Goyal

• Garba dance performance by Manpreet Komal and Amit Sharma of Rang De Bollywood (San Francisco)

 

 

Justice Karen Gopee, Dr. Gurmohan Syali, Dr. Abhay Malhotra, and Sunita Sadhnani, along with special honorees Ruma Devi (India) and Kamal Sabri.

The festival began with a flag ceremony and the national anthems of the United States and India, followed by Ganesh Vandana and concluded with Lakshmi Ji Aarti, symbolizing light, prosperity, and harmony.

The Health & Wellness Zone offered Yoga and Zumba sessions, while Rangoli and art competitions kept participants of all ages engaged. About 25 vendor booths and 5 food stalls reported brisk business throughout the day.

 

Guests, sponsors, and VIPs were treated to a sumptuous vegetarian dinner before the fireworks finale.

The festival was made possible through generous support from sponsors including Bolla Oil, Mount Sinai Health System, New York Cancer and Blood Specialists, CheapOAir, Northwell Health, 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, A Lotus In The Mud, The World Voice, and Bollywood Insider.

 

President Beena Kothari extended gratitude to emcee and culture ambassador Neha Lohia, and to Gautam Chopra, Kulbhushan Sharma, and culture director Jyoti Gupta for leading the afternoon performances.

“A big shoutout to Dr. Tarun Wasil, Harsh Vyas, Nilima Madan, Anita Thakkar, Dr. Sharad Kothari, and Dr. Bal Gilja for their incredible support,” she said, also thanking Past Presidents and NEC President Gobind Munjal for their guidance. Special mention was made of DJ Perminder for energizing the crowd.

 

Founded in 1967, the Association of Indians in America (AIA) is the oldest Indian community organization in the United States, upholding the motto “Indian Heritage, American Commitment.”

AIA-NY’s achievements include:

 

• Securing official recognition of Diwali as a holiday in New York City (2024)

• Championing the release of the USPS Diwali Stamp (2013)

 

AIA-NY celebrates Diwali as a festival of joy, light, and inclusivity — embraced by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Indo-Caribbean communities alike.

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