The Indian Panorama

Tag: Deepavali

  • Embassy of India in Romania Celebrates the Inscription of Deepavali on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List

    Embassy of India in Romania Celebrates the Inscription of Deepavali on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List

    BUCHAREST (TIP): Embassy of India hosted a special and joyous celebration to mark the historic inscription of Deepavali on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity on Tuesday, 3 December 2025. The momentous recognition reflects global appreciation for one of India’s most cherished festivals symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and hope over despair.

    The event brought together members of the Indian diaspora, friends of India, cultural partners, scholars, and well-wishers, creating a warm and festive atmosphere within the Embassy premises. The gathering reflected not only the pride of the Indian community but also the universal values embodied by Deepavali, which resonate far beyond India’s borders.

    In his remarks, Ambassador Dr. Manoj Kumar Mohapatra highlighted that UNESCO’s recognition of Deepavali as an element of humanity’s shared cultural heritage is a profound milestone for India’s civilizational legacy. He noted that the festival serves as a timeless reminder of harmony, compassion, and collective well-being. Ambassador also acknowledged the efforts of cultural practitioners, diaspora communities, and scholars whose contributions helped bring this global recognition to fruition.

    The celebration featured symbolic lighting of Diya by the participants, reflecting the essence of Deepavali. The Embassy announces that the next celebratory event will be held on 13 December, continuing the spirit of togetherness and offering another opportunity for the diaspora and friends of India to gather in honor of this historic recognition.

    The Embassy expressed gratitude to all participants for making the event memorable and reaffirmed its commitment to promoting India’s rich cultural heritage in the host country.

    (Based on a Press Release Issued by the Embassy of India in Bucharest)

  • AIA Celebrates Diwali on a luxury boat

    AIA Celebrates Diwali on a luxury boat

    NEW YORK CITY (TIP): Undaunted by the COVID-19, AIA NY celebrated on Sunday October 4th 2020, the 33rd Deepavli festival event at Hudson river in front of South Street Seaport, NYC on a luxury boat with AIA sponsors, media partners and AIA executive members.

    Due to Coronavirus (COVID 19) there were very limited number of invited guests for this event. For the last 32 years, Association of Indians in America (AIA), New York chapter has organized Deepavali festival with sparkling fireworks, classical fusion performances, fashion show, vegan expo, fun-filled children’s activities and booths with a variety of fine cuisine, handicrafts and gift items along with rich and varied works of contemporary Indian artists at South Street Seaport.

    According to Harish Thakkar, President of AIA- NY chapter, Deepavali festival is one of the landmark events of AIA-NY chapter, enjoyed by over 50,000 New Yorkers every year since 1987. Considered by far the largest attraction for Indian Americans from all over the tri-state, Deepavali festival celebrates the tradition of a faraway land in a new world. This celebration has itself become a tradition that unites New York in a world of myths and colors.

    AIA is a grass-roots national organization of Asian-immigrants in the U.S with chapters and membership spread across the nation. It was founded on August 20th, 1967. The New York Chapter was established in 1968 and is well known for its social, cultural and educational activities. AIA represents the hopes and aspirations of those immigrants who are united by their common Indian heritage and American commitment.

    AIA is thankful to its supporters like CheapOair and Qatar Airways, McDonald’s, New York Life, ICICI Bank, all media partners, Sony Entertainment, ITV Gold, TV Asia, Jus Punjabi, South Asian Times, Desi Talk, Indian Panorama, Indian Express and Hum Hindustani “We are grateful to all our sponsors who made this festival a big success for many years” AIA president Harish Thakkar said.

  • Bharat Patel, Dr. Jagat Narula, Ms. Kalpana Patel, Dr. Nilesh Mehta, Dr. Preeti Mehta, Vaibhav Chhabra Honored at AIA-NY Deepavali Benefit Gala

    Bharat Patel, Dr. Jagat Narula, Ms. Kalpana Patel, Dr. Nilesh Mehta, Dr. Preeti Mehta, Vaibhav Chhabra Honored at AIA-NY Deepavali Benefit Gala

    LONG ISLAND, NY(TIP): The Association of Indians in America, NY Chapter (AIA-NY) held its Benefit Gala in support for its 31st Annual Deepavali Festival at Leonard’s Palazzo in Long Island on September 22, 2018. The Gala was attended by numerous respected individuals, past presidents of AIA, Community Leaders and dignitaries including members of the media and sponsors that have showcased their continued commitment and support for the Deepavali Festival. Among the prominent people attending the Gala were Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone, Padma Shri Dr Sudhir Parekh, Mr. Chintu Patel, Co-Chairman of Amneal Pharmaceuticals and Regional Manager Air India, Mrs Vandana Sharma.

     The 31st Annual Deepavali Festival will take place at the South Street Seaport on Sunday October 7thfrom 12 noon till 7pm, culminating with a spectacular display of Fireworks. The event is one of the largest in the tri-state area, attracting over 70,000 to 100,000 people. Festival of Deepavali meaning ‘A row of lamps’ is also popularly known as Diwali, or ‘Festival of Lights’.  It signifies the triumph of ‘Good over Evil’. The festival will be a full day celebration with numerous corporate booths, food & clothing vendors, performances and activities for the whole family including a live grand display of fireworks.

    Among the individuals honored at the Gala were CEO of Sun Development and Management Corp, Mr. Bharat Patel; Cardiologist, Professor and Associate Dean at the Icahn School of Mount Sinai, Dr. Jagat Narula; President and CEO of Unique Comp Inc., Ms. Kalpana Patel and Gastroenterologists and President & CEO of Digestive Disease Care; Drs. Nilesh and Preeti Mehta. Special Recognition Plaque for Innovation and Entrepreneurial ship was awarded to a young founder of a non-profit Venture called “Maker’s Asylum”; Mr Vaibhav Chhabra. Distinguished Community Service Award was presented to Asmita Bhatia and DIVYA Shah for their exemplary service of over 25 years. The evening comprised of cocktails, light entertainment and special performances followed by sumptuous dinner.

    Honorees

    This is the 31styear of Deepavali of the Association of Indians in America. The highlights of 31stDeepavali 2017 will include Naach Inferno returning to the stage of Deepavali with college and university teams from around the Tri-State area as they showcase dances fusing both East and West cultures. Presented by Star Bharat, the competition will be showcased globally.

    The Association of Indians in America (AIA) is the oldest not-for-profit organization of Asian Indians in America founded on August 20, 1967. It is the grassroots national organization of Asian immigrants in the United States. With chapters and membership spread across the United States of America, AIA represents the hopes and aspirations of those immigrants who are united by their common bond of Indian Heritage and American Commitment.

    This year, AIA-NY’s 31st Deepavali celebrations are going to be held on Sunday Oct 7, 2018 at the South Street Seaport. While Ronald McDonald personally coming to entertain the kids, the Young Celebrity Singers Jaz Dhami, famous for his Bollywood Hit Song “High Heels” and Shilpi Paul, famous for her “Naughty Billo” Hit song are going to entertain their parents and rock the stage.

    For more info, please find us on Facebook and visit our website at www.theaiany.org.

    (Based on a Press Release)