The Association of Indians in America, New York Chapter (AIA-NY), made history with its 38th Deepavali Festival, held at Overlook Beach in Babylon, Long Island. The event marked the first-ever celebration of this scale on Long Island, drawing an estimated 5,000 visitors for a day filled with dance, devotion, and dazzling performances.
The festival showcased a mix of traditional and contemporary Indian culture through folk dances, classical performances, spiritual presentations, and live concerts. Attendees enjoyed authentic Indian cuisine, shopping stalls, and art exhibits, while children participated in rangoli and art competitions.
AIA-NY President Beena Kothari described the event as a “dream come true,” emphasizing its goal of promoting cultural unity and community engagement. Town of Babylon Supervisor Rich Schaffer, impressed by the event’s turnout despite weather concerns, announced his town’s continued support for next year’s celebration.
The festivities featured a Ramayan Live Dance Drama choreographed by Pt. S.N. Charka from the East-West School of Dance and a Kirtan Concert by Bhakti Marga devotees. Adding glamour to the evening, celebrity designer Prashant Goyal presented a Cultural Fashion Show, followed by a high-energy Garba performance by Rang De Bollywood artists Manpreet Komal and Amit Sharma.
Several dignitaries, including US Congressman Suhas Subramanyam and New York Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar, attended the event. Rajkumar highlighted New York’s pioneering step in recognizing Diwali as a public holiday, inspiring other states like California and Pennsylvania to follow suit.
Prominent personalities such as Ruma Devi, a recipient of India’s Nari Shakti Puraskar, were honored alongside Justice Karen Gopee, Dr. Gurmohan Syali, Dr. Abhay Malhotra, and Sunita Sadhnani for their contributions to society.
The day concluded with Lakshmi Ji Aarti and a grand fireworks show, lighting up Long Island’s south shore in a spectacle of color and joy.
AIA-NY expressed gratitude to the Town of Babylon, sponsors, and countless volunteers for making the celebration possible. Established in 1967, the Association of Indians in America is the oldest Indian community organization in the US, promoting the motto “Indian Heritage, American Commitment.”
