The much-anticipated annual Deepavali Festival, hosted by the Association of Indians in America (AIA), New York chapter, will this time be held on October 11, at Overlook Beach near Jones Beach on Long Island’s south shore. Overlook Beach in Babylon is conveniently located and easily accessible from Nassau and Suffolk counties, as well as Queens, organizers said in a press release September 23, 2025.
AIA-NY is condideredb the oldest Indian community organization in America, set up in 1967 with the motto of ‘Indian Heritage American Commitment’. Festival organizers promise to offer the same features the Festival is known for: fireworks, cultural performances, Meena Bazar, and ethnic food.
Beena Kothari, president of AIA-NY invited everyone to the all-day celebration noting the organization has planned an “exciting” lineup of programs that highlight the Indian American community’s rich culture and heritage to entertain and engage the entire family, from kids to seniors.
Admission to the public event is free.
The flagship fireworks 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.
Among the performances is the signature 30-minute Ramayana Musical Live Dance Drama, and another which is about Ram Setu. The Jains’ Diwali connection will also be celebrated—on this day in 527 BCE, Bhagwan Mahaveer attained liberation.
“Many lawmakers, dignitaries, including the Consul General of India in New York, Binaya Srikanta Pradhan, and celebrities will grace the festivities in big numbers,” the press release said.
Entertainment includes Indian classical and folk dances.
A Fashion Show by Prashant Goyal, and a surprise Bollywood star appearance is expected, organizers said.
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 take free Yoga and Zumba sessions.
Retail and corporate booths will be set up in a tent area. A Meena Bazar where colorful Indian clothes and other products will be set up as will food stalls serving Indian cuisine and masala chai. Visitors can take part in Rangoli and art competitions.
Those interested can purchase tickets for the VIP dinner, which will be held in a private area before the fireworks. Buying raffle tickets could win you exciting grand prizes, the press release said.
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 which publishes Desi Talk, News India Times, and Gujarat Times, and its affiliate ITV Gold, as well as TV Asia, Radio Zindagi, Jus TV, The South Asian Times, The Indian Panorama, The Indian Eye, Hum Hindustani, South Asian Insider, and Bollywood Insider.
Contact for sponsorship and other details: Mrs Beena Kothari, Ph: +1 631 988 1280, theaianypresident@gmail.com, website: aia-ny.org
A press conference is scheduled for Oct 1, 5.30-7.30 pm at Asa Mai Temple, Hicksville.
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