Indo-American Festivals, NY, holds 9th Dushahra celebrations in Lido Beach

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Indo-American Festivals, New York Inc. (IAFNY Inc.) hosted its 9^th Annual Grand Dushahra Festival on October 20, 2024, at Lido Beach, New York. The day-long cultural celebration attracted more than 5,000 attendees, according to a press release from the organization.

The festival, known for celebrating the triumph of good over evil, kicked off with a series of performances by children and adults, curated by Vandana Kumar and emceed by Shalini Chhabra.

The highlight of the day was the performance of the epic of ‘Ramleela’ presented by Varsha Naik’s group, with an impressive cast of 85 actors, ranging in age from under 2 to over 70 years.

Free food was distributed by Harkesh and Shweta Yadav of Nanking Restaurant. A bustling ‘Meena Bazaar’ with over 30 vendors offering Indian clothing, jewelry, handicrafts, and more, and day-long live music, dance performances, and activities for all ages, attracted visitors.

The evening culminated with the spectacle of ‘Ravan Dahan’- the ceremonial burning of a 25-foot-tall effigy of Ravan, crafted in the USA by Krishna Singhal.

Some notable family-friendly activities, included a free health and medical screening organized by TRI-MED and Vantage Medical Associates PC. President and CEO of TRI-MED HOME CARE SERVICES and Co-Founder of Put on A Smile Inc. New York, Vinod Sinha, was honored for charity, community and  philanthropic services.

Purnima Desai, founder and president Shikshayatan which was also founded on Vijayadashami on October 20,1988, was honored for her cultural, educational and art contributions to Indian and American society.

Among the high profile guests at the Fair were, Town Clerk of Town of North Hempstead Ragini Srivastava, the first elected Indian official in 250-year history of Town of North Hempstead

Kate Murray, Town Clerk of Town of Hempstead admired the cultural event organized by IAF New York and contribution by Indian Community in economic and cultural growth in this country and presented citations to Dr. Michael Jurewicz, Madhu Sudan Singhal, and Meena Goyal for their contribution.

Organizers said Commissioner of Cultural Affairs of Town of Hempstead Zahid Sayed, was a “great help” in making the festival a success.

Welcoming the guests were Ravindra Kumar Goyal (Chair of IAF NY Inc), Suman Sharma (President of IAFNY Inc.), Dr. Rakesh Sharma (Past President of IAF NY Inc.) Anurag Nigam (Secretary) and Shekhar Goyal (Treasurer)).

The IAFNY has been celebrating Dushahra for 9 years and is branch of IAF New Jersey which has been celebrating it for the last 26 years.