As editor of The South Asian Times, I have attended many times the popular Deepavali Festival, organized every year by the Association of Indians in America (AIA)’s New York chapter. It used to be at the scenic South Street Seaport in Manhattan and teeming with people. The spectacular fireworks show on the East River would be visible from all 5 boroughs of New York City as well asNew Jersey.
This year the festival has been relocated to Long Island, which has become the new South Asian hub over the last few years. The venue chosen is the Overlook Beach, near the better known Jones Beach, on Long Island’s south shore.
Beena Kothari, installed as AIA-NY President earlier this year, is guiding the move of the 38th Deepavali Festival from Manhattan to Long Island. A dedicated community leader, she has a record of successfully organizing major events, including the India Day Parade in Hicksville on Long Island twice.
Inviting everyone to the all-day celebration of India’s most beloved festival, Beena Kothari mentions that they have planned an exciting lineup of programs highlighting India’s rich culture and heritage to entertain and engage the entire family, from children to seniors.
Admission to the public event is free, she confirms. Overlook Beach in Babylon is conveniently located and easily accessible from Nassau and Suffolk counties, as well as Queens.
The fireworks show, the most exciting part of the AIA Deepavali celebration, is scheduled for 7 pm on the shore (instead of on the water, as in previous years at the South Street Seaport) and will last 20-30 minutes.
Light Over Darkness: The Meaning of Diwali
Diwali celebrates the victory of good over evil, light over darkness. For Hindus, it celebrates Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya after vanquishing the demon Ravana. Accordingly, Beena Kothari says, they are proud to stage a 30-minute Ramayana Musical Live Dance Drama choreographed by Pandit S.N. Charka. A presentation about Ram Setu (referencing the bridge that Lord Rama’s army built to reach Lanka) has also been planned.
Diwali has different but related meanings across Jainism, Sikhism, and Buddhism. For Jains, it commemorates the liberation (moksha) of Bhagwan Mahavira. For Sikhs, it coincides with Bandi Chhor Divas, celebrating the release from prison of their 6th guru, Guru Hargobind. For Buddhists, it marks the conversion of Emperor Ashoka to Buddhism. All traditions share the common practice of lighting lamps to symbolize spiritual awakening and liberation.
Inviting everyone to the all-day celebration of India’s most beloved festival, AIA-NY President Beena Kothari shares that they have planned an exciting lineup of programs highlighting India’s rich culture and heritage to entertain and engage the entire family, from children to seniors.
Entertainment, Food, and Community: Festival Program Highlights
Many lawmakers, dignitaries, including the Consul General of India, Binaya Srikanta Pradhan, and celebrities will grace the festivities in big numbers.
Entertainment includes Indian classical and folk dances.
A Special Fashion Show by Prashant Goyal, Celebrity Designer, and a surprise Bollywood star appearance will add glamor to the evening.
Kids Corner, from 12:00 to 4:00 pm, will offer games and fun activities, including henna painting.
Adults can head out to the Health and Wellness Zone and try out free Yoga and Zumba sessions.
Retail and corporate booths will be set up in a tent area. Women will be seen thronging Meena Bazar. Food stalls will serve Indian cuisine and masala chai.
Maharaja and Maharani mannequins will beckon visitors to the photo booth. To welcome visitors from different communities, their women will be dressed in colorful saris. Visitors can participate in Rangoli and art competitions.
People can still purchase tickets to the VIP dinner scheduled for 5:30 pm in an enclosed area. Purchase of raffle tickets may win you exciting grand prizes.
Main sponsors of the celebration include Bolla Oil, Mount Sinai, New York Cancer and Blood Specialists, Cheap-o-air, Navika Group, ICICI Bank, and Ranju & Ravi Batra.
Global TV channels, Zee and Sony, will show highlights of AIA Deepavali 2025. Local media supporters include Parikh Worldwide Media, TV Asia, Radio Zindagi, Jus TV, The South Asian Times, The Indian Panorama, The Indian Eye, Hum Hindustani, and Bollywood Insider.
A Mission of ‘Indian Heritage, American Commitment
AIA is the oldest Indian community organization in America, set up in 1967 with the motto of ‘Indian Heritage American Commitment’.
AIA-NY President Beena Kothari highlights that the chapter’s achievements include New York City’s official recognition of Diwali as a holiday starting in 2024, the 2013 release of the USPS Diwali stamp, and celebrating the festival at Gracie Mansion and the White House in 2006.
AIA-NY celebrates Diwali as the festival of joy and happiness, as it is common to Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, Buddhists, and people of many different countries, including Indo-Caribbeans.
Contact for more information: Mrs Beena Kothari, Ph: +1 631 988 1280, theaianypresident@gmail.com, website: aia-ny.org
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