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AIA-NY announces biggest Diwali celebration yet
The 38th AIA-NY Diwali Festival promises grander attractions, cultural performances, and fireworks at Overlook Beach, highlighting Indian heritage and community engagement in America.
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Staff Reporter - Fri, 03, Oct 2025
- 13:46 EDT
- 34
Over 150 people attended the press briefing by AIA-NY held at Hicksville / Courtesy: ALotusInTheMud.com
The Association of Indians in America, New York chapter (AIA-NY), announced that its 38th annual Diwali Festival will take place on Oct. 11 at Overlook Beach in Babylon, Long Island, marking a move from Manhattan’s South Street Seaport.
The day-long celebration will feature fireworks, cultural performances, competitions, and other attractions aimed at engaging the Indian diaspora and promoting heritage.
At the press briefing held on Oct. 1 at Asa Mai Temple in Hicksville, organizers detailed the festival’s expanded lineup, which includes a Ramayana live musical dance drama, a Bhakti Marga Kirtan concert, a heritage fashion show by designer Prashant Goyal, and a recreation of an illuminated Ayodhya with Ram Darbar.
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Children’s art competitions, Rangoli and Diya contests, classical and folk dance performances, and wellness activities like yoga and Zumba are also planned.
“Our 38th Diwali 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,” said Beena Kothari, president of AIA-NY. “Together with our team, our partners, and the community, we’re building a bridge of light, unity, and joy that connects every generation of Indians in America,” she added.
(L-R) -Ganesh invocation dance performed by children at the curtain raiser ; Ganesh Vandana being done by members of AIA-NY / Courtesy: ALotusInTheMud.comThe festival will culminate with a grand fireworks display at 7 p.m. along the shore, lasting approximately 20 to 30 minutes. VIP dinner tickets and raffle opportunities are available, with prizes to be awarded during the event.
Former AIA national president Animesh Goenka emphasized the importance of including fireworks in the festival, noting logistical challenges in Manhattan. “What is a deep celebration without fireworks? While many other deep melas exist, AIA-NY’s event remains the oldest and most prominent, showcasing India’s culture and heritage,” he said.
AIA national president Gobind Munjal, along with other leaders including Nilima Madan, Harish Thakkar, and Harsh Vyas, encouraged the community to attend in large numbers.
AIA-NY President Beena Kothari speaking / Courtesy: ALotusInTheMud.com
Prominent sponsors supporting the festival this year include Bolla Oil, Mount Sinai, New York Cancer and Blood Specialists, Cheap-o-Air, Navika Group, ICICI Bank, and Ranju & Ravi Batra.
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