Desi Talk

www.desitalk.com – that’s all you need to know 5 CITY VIEWS October 10, 2025 Navratri And Garba Celebrations Held At Divya Dham Of Woodside, NY AIA Announces Fireworks And Bigger Attractions At Deepavali Festival On Long Island S hree Divya Dham ofWoodside, NY hosted the nine-day Navratri fromMonday, September 22 to October 2, 2025. Hundreds of devotees thronged the temple every day for prayers, special aartis, and religious rituals dedicated to Goddess Durga, a press release from the organization said. Devotees came from different countries, organizers said. The events, such as radiance Garba and Dandiya, blended music, traditions, and celebrations, drew devo- tees in large numbers, they added. Pundit Mukesh Sharma performed special puja for each of Maa Durga’s forms and conducted rituals, includ- ing the chanting of specific Devi mantras and Durga Saptashati to venerate the goddesses Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati. Many devotees observed fasting, sang bhajans in praise of the Goddess, and joined in traditional dances such as Garba and Dandiya for 10 days from 8 pm to midnight. Temple management thanked all the sponsors for their contributions and praised the volunteers for dedicating their time in activities like managing the large crowd, cooking, and serving Maha Prasadam to all the devotees. M oving to Long Island from Manhattan, the AIA-NY’s iconic Deepavali Festival on October 11, 2025, promises to be bigger and grander, organizers said at a heavily-attended press conference held to announce the details of the flagship event. Organized by the Association of Indians in America (AIA), NewYork chapter, at Overlook Beach in Babylon, the day-long celebration is choc-a-bloc with dance, drama, devotion, and many firsts, taking place from 12 noon to 8 pm. The fireworks show at 7 pm will last 20-30 minutes. New attractions include a re-creation of an illuminated Ayodhya with Ram Darbar, a Kirtan Concert, and a Cultural Fashion Show. Many lawmakers, dignitaries, including the Consul General of India in NewYork, Binaya Srikanta Pradhan, and celebrities are expected to attend the festivities, or- ganizers said at the press conference held October 1, at Asa Mai Temple in Hicksville, Long Island. Beena Kothari, President of AIA-NY, said, “Our 38th Deepavali Festival’s move fromManhattan’s South Street Seaport to Long Island’s shores represents not just a change of venue but a wave of cultural expansion. Together with our team, our partners, and the entire 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 mentioned that organizing fire- works in Manhattan was becoming more difficult, and what is a Diwali celebration without fireworks? Others who spoke and urged the com- munity to join the Deepavali Festival again this year in big numbers 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 Nas- sau County Human Rights Commission; Jasbir Jay Singh, President of IALI; Deepak Bansal and Vimal Goyal, co-Presidents of the India Day Parade. Some presenters and sponsors 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. 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 cel- ebration, embracing devotion, diversity, and diaspora pride. HIGHLIGHTS OF AIA-NY’S 38TH DEEPAVALI FESTIVAL • Ramayana Live Musical Dance Drama • Bhakti Marga Kirtan Concert • Heritage India Fashion Show by Prashant Goyal • Children’s Art & Ram Setu Rock Paint- ing Competition • Rangoli & Diya Competitions • Classical & Folk Dance Performances • Health &Wellness Zone —Yoga, Zumba • Meena Bazaar & Food Village • Felicitations for Honorees and Es- teemed Guests • Lakshmi Aarti – For the well-being of all • Grand Fireworks Finale (7 PM) Tickets can still be purchased for the VIP dinner, which will be held in a private area before the fireworks. Raffle tickets can also be purchased. Contact for sponsorship and other de- tails: Beena Kothari, Ph: +1 631 988 1280, theaianypresident@gmail.com, website: aia-ny.org By a StaffWriter By a StaffWriter PHOTOS:Courtesyorganizersvia Geeta Patil PHOTOS:AIA-NY Attendees at the Navratri and Garba celebrations doing the garba at Shree Divya Dham of Woodside, NY where the nine-days/nights were observed September 22 to October 2, 2025. AIA-NY President Beena Kothari speaking at the October 1, 2025 press conference announcing details of the Oct. 11 Deepavali Festival being held in Long Island venue for the first time. The idol of Maa Gurga at the Shree Divya Dham of Woodside, NY. Attendees at the Oct. 1, 2025 press conference hosted by AIA-NY, to annonce details of Oct. 11 Deepavali Festival. Attendees at the Oct. 1, 2025 press conference hosted by AIA-NY, to annonce details of Oct. 11 Deepavali Festival.