The iconic Indian community event on Oct 11 near Jones Beach in Babylon will include all the features it is known for: fireworks, cultural performances, Meena Bazar, and ethnic food, promises AIA-NY President Beena Kothari.
HICKSVILLE, NY (TIP): The annual, iconic Deepavali Festival, organized by the Association of Indians in America (AIA), New York chapter, will be held this year at the Overlook Beach near Jones Beach on Long Island‘s south shore.
AIA-NY’s 38th Deepavali Festival in Babylon on October 11 is being held under the leadership of Beena Kothari, who has a record of successfully organizing major community events, including the India Day Parade in Hicksville twice. She has become a proud pioneer now as she guides the move of AIA’s Deepavali Festival from Manhattan to Long Island.
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 our rich culture and heritage to entertain and engage everyone in the family, from kids 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.
The most significant event will be the 30-minute Ramayana Musical Live Dance Drama. A presentation about Ram Setu has also been planned. Jains’ Diwali connection will be celebrated – on this day Bhagwan Mahavira attained liberation in 527 BCE. 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 tented 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.
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 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 sponsorship and other details: Mrs. Beena Kothari, Ph: +1 631 988 1280, theaianypresident@gmail.com
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