Page 16 - The Indian EYE 101626

North The Indian Eye

AMERICANNewsline

16 OCTOBER 16, 2026

39th Annual Deepavali Festival Brings Indian Culture,

Music, Community and Fireworks to Long Island

More than 10,000 visitors gathered at Overlook Beach for AIA-NY’s celebration of the Festival of Lights.

OUR BUREAU unity — we too are building bridges Painting, connecting young partici- presenting the timeless story of Lord
across communities, generations and pants with creativity and the timeless Rama and the triumph of good over
Babylon, NY
cultures,” said Beena Kothari, Presi- story and symbolism of Ram Setu. evil, featuring Pandit S.N. Charka
ore than 10,000 people gath- dent of AIA-NY. • Tesla Art Painting Experience, giv- and the East-West School of Dance.
ered at Overlook Beach on The celebration opened with a ing children and families an op- • Meena Bazaar and Food Village,
MSaturday, October 3, for the Ganesh Yatra and procession, hon- portunity to express their creativity offering Indian cuisine, traditional
39th Annual Deepavali Festival, pre- oring Lord Ganesha, traditionally through a unique painting experi- clothing, shopping and cultural ex-
sented by the Association of Indians worshipped first as the remover of ob- ence on a Tesla Cybertruck. periences.
in America – New York (AIA-NY). stacles, or Vighnaharta, and Pratham • Face Painting and Balloon • Indian Golgappa and Pani Puri
Held under bright autumn skies Pujya, the first to be worshipped. The Twisting, bringing zement to Competition, bringing participants
along the Long Island shoreline, the procession set a spiritual and auspi- the festival’s youngest guests. and spectators together for a spirit-
free, family-friendly celebration cious tone for the day’s festivities. • Rangoli and Art Competitions, cel- ed celebration of Indian street food.
brought together families, children, ebrating traditional Indian artistic • Community Felicitations and Hon-
community leaders, elected officials, A Day Filled with Culture, expression. ors, recognizing distinguished lead-
performers, volunteers, sponsors, ven- Creativity and Celebration • Classical and Folk-Dance Perfor- ers and individuals whose contribu-
dors and supporters from across Long The 39th Annual Deepavali Fes- mances, featuring Bharatanatyam, tions strengthen the community.
Island and beyond. tival offered a diverse program de- Odissi, Garba, Bhangra, Ghoomar • Special Performance by British-In-
The day-long celebration fea- signed to celebrate Indian heritage and performances by talented chil- dian Singer Arjun, who traveled
tured Indian music, dance, devotion, while engaging visitors of all ages. dren and young artists. from the United Kingdom and cap-
art, food, children’s activities, cultur- Festival Highlights included: • Ramayana Live Musical Dance tivated audiences for nearly an hour
al performances, community honors • Children’s Art and Ram Setu Rock Drama and Kathak Performances, with his Hindi-English R&B and
and a spectacular oceanfront fire- pop music.
works finale. • Lakshmi Aarti, bringing the com-
The 2026 festival marked the sec- munity together in prayer for pros-
ond year at Overlook Beach, follow- perity, peace and the wellbeing of all.
ing 37 years of Deepavali celebrations • Grand Oceanfront Fireworks Fi-
at Manhattan’s South Street Seaport. nale, featuring an approximately
30-minute fireworks display that il-
“Waves of Change — Building luminated the Long Island sky and
Bridges Through Light” brought the celebration to a mem-
This year’s theme, “Waves of orable close.
Change – Building Bridges Through
Light,” reflected AIA-NY’s vision of Celebrating the Universal
connecting generations, cultures and Message of Deepavali
communities through Indian heritage Throughout the day, families
and shared American values. had opportunities to experience the
“As Lord Rama built the legend- richness of Indian culture while cre-
ary Ram Setu — a bridge of faith and Continued on next page... >>

www.TheIndianEYE.com