Besides the customary fireworks, AIA-NY Deepavali Festival’s organizers have announced that this year, a vast area at the venue will be illumined, recreating the scene in Ayodhya on Lord Rama’s triumphant return to his capital. That made us at Lotus wonder about the appeal and significance illumination and fireworks have in Indian and other cultures.
The answer is that many mystics and self-realized individuals have described an undifferentiated light at the center of their most profound spiritual experiences. Aldous Huxley, author and researcher of mystical traditions, even said that illumination and fireworks can induce visionary experiences.
Having got that esoteric part out of the way, let me say that it was a privilege to be involved with the press promotion of the 38th Deepavali Festival, the flagship of the Association of Indians in America (AIA) under its New York chapter.
The press and community were briefed about the programming and preparations at a get-together on October 1 at the Asa Mai Hindu Temple in Hicksville, NY. As someone who has covered AIA events in the past as a journalist-editor, I can say that the energy and enthusiasm of Beena Kothari, the current President of AIA-NY, and her team surpass what I had noticed before. Kudos to Beena for successfully moving the festivities from Manhattan to Overlook Beach in Babylon. The move to Long Island is a tribute to the growing affluence and influence of the Indian community in Nassau and Suffolk counties.
“The move from Manhattan’s South Street Seaport to Long Island’s shores signifies not just a venue change but a cultural expansion. We are building a bridge of light, unity, and joy that connects every generation of Indians in America.”
~ Beena Kothari, AIA-NY President
Beena Kothari told the gathering, “The move from Manhattan’s South Street Seaport to Long Island’s shores signifies not just a venue change but a cultural expansion. Together with our team, partners, and 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 pointed out that organizing fireworks in Manhattan was becoming difficult, and what is a Diwali celebration without fireworks? While welcoming many other Diwali melas, he noted that AIA-NY’s celebration is the oldest and highlights India’s culture and heritage.
For ALotusInTheMud.com, I looked for religious/spiritual parts in the Deepavali Festival programming. And sure, there are: A recreation of an illuminated Ayodhya with Ram Darbar, Kirtan Concert by the Bhakti Marga, founded by Paramahamsa Vishwananda, Ramayan Live Dance Drama choreographed by the renowned Pt S.N. Charka of East-West School of Dance in Monroe, Upstate New York, and a Cultural Fashion Show by Prashant Goyal.
At the October 1 get-together, attended by 150 prominent people, speakers appealed to the community to make the Deepavali Festival this year also a success by attending in large numbers. After the program, which began with prayers and a Ganesh Vandana, those who spoke included AIA National President Gobind Munjal and other AIA leaders, such as Nilima Madan, Harish Thakkar, and Harsh Vyas. Congratulating Beena Kothari on her leadership of the Deepavali Festival were Bobby Kalotee, Chairman of the Nassau County Human Rights Commission; Jasbir Jay Singh, President of IALI; Deepak Bansal and Vimal Goyal, co-Presidents of the India Day Parade, and Jyoti Gupta.
Presenters, sponsors and media leaders also spoke at the press conference. Harish Goyal from the Zee Group and CEO of their Yo1 health resort in upstate New York, said they are happy to sponsor AIA’s mega show for the first time.
Celebrity designer Prashant Goyal said he will showcase India’s culture through fashion.
Two representatives from Bhakti Marga founded by Paramahamsa Vishwananda talked about the hour-long Kirtan Concert by their group.
Filmmaker Neha Lohia talked about the Ram Setu presentation as symbolic of building bridges, as this Deepavali Festival is turning out to be the most inclusive celebration, embracing devotion, diversity, and diaspora pride.
Prof. Indrajit Singh Saluja, Chief Editor of The Indian Panorama, praised AIA for keeping India’s culture, history, and heritage alive in America.
Parveen Chopra, founder of ALotusInTheMud.com, said Diwali is going mainstream as New York and some other states have declared Diwali as a holiday in public schools, and many institutions and communities have started hosting Diwali events with the Indian community.
Deepavali Festival ths year appeals to each age group with programming that includes: Rangoli & Diya Competitions, Meena Bazaar & Food Village, Classical & Folk Dance Performances, Health & Wellness Zone, Yoga & Zumba.
Deepavali Festival 2025 Highlights
- The fireworks show, the most exciting part of the show, 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.
- There is something for each age group: Rangoli & Diya Competitions, Meena Bazaar & Food Village, Classical & Folk Dance Performances, Health & Wellness Zone, Yoga & Zumba.
- Many lawmakers, dignitaries, including the Consul General of India in New York, Binaya Srikanta Pradhan, and celebrities will grace the festivities.
- Some prominent people will be honored for their achievements and contributions to the community.
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, South Asian Insider, ALotusInTheMud.com, The World Voice, and Bollywood Insider.
About the Association of Indians in America
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 celebrations of 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 details: Mrs Beena Kothari, Ph: +1 631 988 1280, theaianypresident@gmail.com, website: aia-ny.org
Admission & Event 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) Free Admission | Free Parking
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