New York City, NY, USA: AIA Announces 38th Annual Deepavali Festival in Long Island

The celebration will include a fireworks display, a live Ramayana musical dance drama, and a fashion show, among other attractions.

The New York chapter of the Association of Indians in America (AIA) is set to host its 38th Deepavali Festival on October 11 at Overlook Beach, located on Long Island’s south shore.

This year’s festival promises a vibrant array of events that showcase the rich cultural heritage of the Indian community, providing entertainment for attendees of all ages—from children to seniors.

Organisers highlighted that the fireworks, scheduled to light up the sky at 7:00 p.m., will be the main highlight of the evening. In addition, guests will enjoy a live dance drama based on the Ramayana.

The festival will also feature other cultural programs, including traditional Indian classical and folk dance performances, a fashion show by designer Prashant Goyal, and a surprise appearance by a Bollywood celebrity.

Activities tailored for each age group will be available throughout the day. A Kids Corner will entertain the young attendees with games, henna painting, and more, while adults can visit the Health and Wellness Zone for complimentary Yoga and Zumba sessions.

Distinguished guests, including the Consul General of India in New York, Binaya Srikanta Pradhan, lawmakers, and celebrities, are expected to attend the event.

Admission to the festival is free, though visitors can purchase VIP dinner tickets for an exclusive dining experience prior to the fireworks. Attendees also have the chance to buy raffle tickets and win exciting grand prizes.

AIA-NY President Beena Kothari, known for her experience in organising large-scale community events like the India Day Parade in Hicksville, leads this year’s festival planning.