Page 22 - The Indian EYE 091925

NORTH AMERICAN Newsline SEPTEMBER 19, 2025 | The Indian Eye 22

LOWERING YOUR PROPERTY TAXES

ith the onset of the tax school taxes for ment of Taxation borhoods. For many families, the
grievance season in Nas- middle-class fam- and Finance, which savings through STAR can mean
Wsau County, this newspa- ilies. Since then, it administers the the difference between comfortably
per will carry a series of informative has provided thou- program. Registra- paying their bills or struggling with
articles on property tax reduction sands of dollars in tion is simple and additional costs.
by Varinder Bhalla, former Com- relief to homeown- can be completed Homeowners who have not yet
missioner of the Nassau County ers across the state, online or by phone, registered are strongly encouraged
Assessment Review Commission including here in but it’s important to do so before the state deadline of
and a recognized authority on tax Nassau County. to remember that March 1, 2026. Registration can be
grievance. The Basic homeowners must completed online at www.tax.ny.gov/
Our first article in this series is STAR program is reapply if their eligi- star or by calling the New York State
about lowering your school taxes available to all own- bility status changes. STAR helpline at (518) 457-2036.
with NYS STAR Program. er-occupied prima- STAR not only Taking action before the deadline
The School Tax Relief (STAR) ry residences with Varinder Bhalla helps reduce the fi- ensures you receive the maximum
program is one of the most effective nancial pressure on savings available and avoid missing
ways for Nassau County homeown- household incomes below $500,000. families, but it also strengthens com- out on valuable tax relief.
ers to save money on their property Eligible homeowners receive an ex- munities by making homeownership Look out for our next article,
taxes. Established in the mid-1990s, emption or credit that reduces their more affordable and sustainable. As where we will discuss the Enhanced
the STAR program was created by school property tax bill each year. property values in Nassau County STAR program specifically designed
the New York State Legislature To apply, homeowners must register continue to rise, this relief remains for senior citizens, offering even great-
to help ease the burden of rising with the New York State Depart- vital for maintaining stability in neigh- er benefits for eligible households.

Bollywood Glamour Meets Local

Excellence at the Indo-American Fair 2025

OUR BUREAU the crowd. The event created a digni-
fied platform for youth and talented
West Windsor, NJ
artists, ensuring that tradition and cre-
he Indo American Fair 2025, ativity continue to thrive in the diaspora.
held at Mercer County Park, The major sponsors of Indo
Tconcluded with resounding suc- American Fair 2025 included Sony
cess, attracting thousands of attend- TV, RK Jewels, TV Asia, New York
ees from across the region. Organized Life, Horizon BCBS, BCB Bank, Ra-
by the dedicated Rajesh and Arun dio Mirchi, Parikh Worldwide Me-
Anand family, the fair has become a dia/ITV Gold, Radio Zindagi, Vilux
hallmark event in New Jersey, cele- Roses, Curry Zone, Cinestar, Vatan
brating community, diversity, culture, Restaurant, Business NJ, Viara Prop-
and local talent. erties, Dvarka Indian Cuisine, Jewel-
The fair opened each day with ers 9Lakha, Neer Caterer, The Shruti
Ganesh Aarti, invoking Bappa’s bless- Bollywood songs, creating unforgetta- major attraction was the Ram Leela Batra Team, Tech 365, Rudra Dance
ings. As in past years, the event fea- ble moments for attendees. by Master Ji’s Heritage Ram Leela Academy, Dreamline Productions, As-
tured a wide variety of booths—from “We are thrilled with the over- Studio on August 31, which depicted pire Builders and Contractors, Laksh-
delicious food stalls and exquisite whelming response to this year’s episodes from the Ramayan along mi Kant family, Gaurav and Jyoti
clothing and jewelry displays to local Indo American Fair,” said Rajesh with moving scenes of Shirdi Sai Baba. Kapoor, Star Tours, The Indian Eye
businesses offering banking, mortgag- Anand, one of the organizers. “Our The performance captivated audienc- Newspaper, Aaj Tak, and many others.
es, insurance, and more. This vibrant goal has always been to bring the es with its artistry and devotion. The fair drew praise from across
showcase created opportunities for community together while support- In addition, the fair featured vi- communities, with many American
local entrepreneurs to present their ing local businesses and artists. This brant vendor booths selling kurtis, friends attending and enjoying the
products and services, reflecting year, we saw an incredible turnout silk sarees, scarves, stoles, handicrafts, cultural showcases and wide variety of
the fair’s commitment to economic and a fantastic display of talent, cul- jewelry, bangles, diamond jewelry, Indian foods. Over two days, the Indo
growth and cultural exchange. ture, and community spirit.” and one-gram gold pieces. Vendors American Fair once again proved to
A major highlight was the special The fair also showcased the rich- came not only from New Jersey but be a grand celebration of South Asian
appearance of Kailash Kher, whose ness of Indian performing arts. Lead- also from other U.S. states, Canada, art, culture, heritage, and entrepre-
presence brought Bollywood glam- ing New Jersey dance schools present- and India, adding to the diversity. neurship in New Jersey.
our to the fair. Kailash Kher present- ed Odissi, Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Music and dance were central With its continued success and
ed trophies and plaques to generous and Kathak, while Carnatic music per- to the festivities, with live DJs, local growing impact, organizers promise
sponsors and supporters, and later formances transported audiences to South Asian singers, and popular Bol- that Indo American Fair 2026 will be
electrified the audience with his hit India’s classical heritage. Another lywood-style dance groups energizing even bigger and better.

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