AIA Announces Grand Deepavali Festival on Long Island with Fireworks, Cultural Extravaganza, and New Attractions
Hicksville, NY: The Association of Indians in America (AIA), New York Chapter, has announced that its 38th Annual Deepavali Festival will take place on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at Overlook Beach in Babylon, Long Island.
The festival—long celebrated at Manhattan’s South Street Seaport—is moving to Long Island for the first time, and promises to be bigger, brighter, and more spectacular. The day-long celebration will feature dance, drama, devotion, and dazzling fireworks, along with several new attractions.
At a press conference held on October 1 at the Asa Mai Temple in Hicksville, AIA leaders shared details of the upcoming event before more than 150 community supporters and media representatives. Organizers revealed that, in addition to the traditional fireworks, this year’s festival will include an illuminated recreation of Ayodhya with Ram Darbar, an inspiring Kirtan Concert, and a Cultural Fashion Show that showcases the richness of Indian heritage.
A Wave of Cultural Expansion
Beena Kothari, President of AIA-NY, said:
“Our 38th Deepavali Festival’s move from Manhattan’s South Street Seaport to Long Island’s shores represents not just a change of venue but a wave of cultural expansion. Together with our team, our partners, and the entire community, we’re building a bridge of light, unity, and joy that connects every generation of Indians in America.”
Past AIA National President Animesh Goenka explained that fireworks in Manhattan had become increasingly difficult to organize.
“What is a Diwali celebration without fireworks?” he said, emphasizing that AIA-NY’s Deepavali Festival remains the oldest and most authentic Diwali celebration in the United States, celebrating India’s culture and heritage with pride.
Community and Leadership Support
Among those urging the community to participate in large numbers were AIA National President Gobind Munjal, and AIA leaders Nilima Madan, Harish Thakkar, and Harsh Vyas.
Prominent community figures congratulated Beena Kothari for her leadership and vision, including Bobby Kalotee, Chairman of the Nassau County Human Rights Commission; Jasbir Jay Singh, President of IALI; and India Day Parade Co-Presidents Deepak Bansal and Vimal Goyal.
Sponsors, Partners, and Presenters
The festival has drawn wide support from sponsors and partners.
Harish Goyal from the Zee Group and CEO of Yo1 Health Resort in upstate New York said,
“We’re delighted to sponsor AIA’s mega celebration for the first time.”
Celebrity designer Prashant Goyal shared that his Heritage Fashion Show will “showcase India’s living culture through vibrant textiles and traditional elegance.”
Representatives from Bhakti Marga, founded by Paramahamsa Vishwananda, spoke about their hour-long Kirtan Concert, bringing devotional energy to the festival.
Filmmaker Neha Lohia highlighted her Ram Setu presentation, symbolizing “building bridges across cultures,” describing this year’s Deepavali Festival as the most inclusive celebration yet, embracing devotion, diversity, and diaspora pride.
Grand Fireworks and Special Guests
The most anticipated part of the evening—the Fireworks Extravaganza—will light up the Long Island sky at 7:00 PM, lasting for 20–30 minutes along the shore.
The festival will also host a VIP Dinner in a private area before the fireworks, with limited tickets available. Attendees can participate in raffle draws to win exciting prizes.
Many lawmakers, dignitaries, and celebrities—including the Consul General of India in New York, Mr. Binaya Srikanta Pradhan—are expected to grace the event.
Festival Highlights
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Ramayana Live Musical Dance Drama
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Bhakti Marga Kirtan Concert
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Heritage India Fashion Show by Prashant Goyal
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Children’s Art & Ram Setu Rock Painting Competition
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Rangoli & Diya Competitions
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Classical & Folk Dance Performances
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Health & Wellness Zone — Yoga, Zumba
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Meena Bazaar & Food Village
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Felicitations for Honorees and Esteemed Guests
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Lakshmi Aarti – For the Well-being of All
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Grand Fireworks Finale (7 PM)
Sponsors and Media Partners
Main sponsors include Bolla Oil, Mount Sinai, New York Cancer and Blood Specialists, Cheap-o-Air, Navika Group, ICICI Bank, and Ranju & Ravi Batra.
Zee TV and Sony TV will broadcast highlights of the festival globally. Local media partners include Parikh Worldwide Media, TV Asia, Radio Zindagi, Jus TV, The South Asian Times, The Indian Panorama, The Indian Eye, Hum Hindustani, South Asian Insider, ALotusInTheMud.com, and Bollywood Insider.
Prof. Indrajit Saluja, Editor-Publisher of The Indian Panorama, commended AIA for “keeping India’s culture, history, and heritage alive in America.”
Parveen Chopra, founder of ALotusInTheMud.com, noted, “Diwali is going mainstream, as New York and other states have now declared it a public school holiday.”
About the Association of Indians in America (AIA)
Founded in 1967, AIA is the oldest Indian community organization in the United States, guided by its motto, “Indian Heritage, American Commitment.”
Under the leadership of Beena Kothari, AIA-NY’s major achievements include the official recognition of Diwali as a New York City public school holiday (2024), the release of the USPS Diwali stamp (2013), and Diwali celebrations at Gracie Mansion and the White House (2006).
AIA-NY celebrates Deepavali as a festival of joy, light, and togetherness, shared by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Indo-Caribbeans, uniting communities in the spirit of happiness and harmony.
Event & Admission Details
Venue: Overlook Beach (next to Jones Beach), Babylon, Long Island, NY
Date: Saturday, October 11, 2025
Time: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Fireworks: 7:00 PM
Admission: Free
Parking: Free
Contact for Sponsorships & Information:
📞 Mrs. Beena Kothari – +1 (631) 988-1280
✉️ theaianypresident@gmail.com
🌐 www.aia-ny.org