Desi Talk

www.desitalk.com – that’s all you need to know 4 CITY VIEWS October 17, 2025 T he Association of Indians in America, NewYork (AIA-NY) celebrated its 38th Deepavali Festival at the new venue in Overlook Beach, Babylon, NY, October 11, 2025, with all the joyful sparkle, cultural, cuisine, and fireworks it has become famous for over the years. . Organizers estimated that some 5,000 people enjoyed the day-long events. Established in 1967, AIA is the oldest Indian community organization in the US. Its motto is ‘Indian Heritage American Commitment.’ A spectacular live fire- works display lit up Long Island’s south shore, creating new memories, carried over from previous years at South Street Seaport in Manhattan. AIA-NY President Beena Kothari said, “This event was a dream come true… promoting culture, unity, and community engagement.” Many lawmakers and dignitaries greeted attendees and congratulated AIA-NY for organizing the colorful extravaganza. AIA-NY cel- ebrates Diwali as the festival of joy and happiness, common among Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, Buddhists, and people frommany differ- ent countries, including Indo-Caribbe- ans, organizers said in a press release. US Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer sent a video-recorded mes- sage. Town of Babylon Supervisor Rich Schaffer, impressed by the teeming crowds despite forecasts of bad weather, announced that his Town will also sup- port the Deepavali Festival next year. US Congressman Suhas Subraman- yam came all the way fromVirginia. New York State Assemblywoman Jenifer Raj- kumar noted that the Empire State’s lead in making Diwali a public holiday has been followed by other states, including Pennsylvania, and most recently, Cali- fornia, the largest state in the nation. Highlights of the program included a Kirtan Concert by Bhakti Marga, founded by Paramahamsa Vishwa- nanda, and Ramayan Live Dance Drama choreographed by the renowned Pt S.N. Charka of East-West School of Dance in Monroe, upstate NewYork. A glamorous evening Fashion Show choreographed by celeb- rity designer Prashant Goyal was an eye-catcher. The crowd danced to the garba beats of Manpreet Komal and Amit Sharma from Rang de Bollywood in San Francisco. Six people were honored for their achievements and con- tributions to community and society: Justice Karen Gopee, Dr Gurmohan Syali, Dr Abhay Mal- hotra, Sunita Sadhnani, Ruma Devi, and Kamal Sabri. The community celebration opened with the American and Indian national anthems amid a flag ceremony. The program had something for each age group. The first segment saw clas- sical and folk-dance performances on stage by kids, young adults and adults. Rangoli and art competitions were keenly contested. The Health &Well- ness Zone had Yoga & Zumba in another enclosure. Many past Presidents of AIA National and AIA-NY came to enjoy the event which kicked off with an auspicious Ganesh Vandana and concluded with Lakshmi Ji Aarti, symbolizing light, pros- perity, and togetherness. Sponsors, presenters and VIP guests were served an elaborate vegetarian meal before the fireworks show. About 25 stalls and 5 food vendors were seen doing brisk business. Main sponsors of the celebration included Bolla Oil, Mount Sinai Health System, NewYork Cancer and Blood Specialists, Cheap-o-Air, Northwell Health System, Amneal, Navika Group, ICICI Bank, NEC-AIA and Ranju & Ravi Batra. The several Indian American media partners included ParikhWorldwide Media which publishes Desi Talk, News India Times, Gujarat Times, and its television wing, ITV Gold. Others pres- ent were Zee Group, Radio Zindagi, Jus TV, The South Asian Times, The Indian Panorama, The Indian Eye, Hum Hin- dustani, South Asian Insider, ALotusIn- TheMud.com, TheWorld Voice, and Bollywood Insider. Organizers thanked the Town of Babylon, local partners, sponsors, and volunteers for their support. AIA-NY’s achievements include New York City’s official recognition of Diwali as a holiday, starting in 2024, and the 2013 release of the USPS Diwali stamp. Thousands Enjoy AIA-NY’s 38th Deepavali Festival In New Long Island Venue By a StaffWriter PHOTOS:AIA-NY Children, young adults, and adults gave colorful classical and folk dance performances at the October 11, 2025, Deepavali Festival hosted by AIA-NY. Town of Babylon Supervisor Rich Schaffer invited AIA-NY to hold the Deepavali Festival in his Town again next year. A spectacular live fireworks display lit up Long Island’s south shore, concluding the program. Some episodes from the epic Ramayan were presented by Pt S.N. Charka of East-West School of Dance. Seen above is the Ramayan shrupanakha nose cutting episode. A half-hour devotional Kirtan Concert was presented by Bhakti Marga devotees. Making the audience dance to the Garba beats.