The Association of Indians in America–New York will host its 39th annual Deepavali Festival on Saturday, Oct. 3, at Overlook Beach in Babylon, Long Island, bringing Indian music, dance, food, family activities and cultural traditions to the community.
The festival will be open to the public, with free admission and free parking. Families and community members from across Long Island, New York and the surrounding Tri-State region are invited to attend. The press release announced the celebration will run from 12:00 p.m. to 8 p.m. local time.
Deepavali or Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is celebrated across India and around the world. The festival is traditionally associated with the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil and brings families together through prayer, music, dance, food and other cultural traditions.
AIA–NY said its Diwali celebration has for decades provided an opportunity for families and the broader American public to experience Indian culture and traditions. The organization said past celebrations have received support from companies including Toyota, Pepsi, New York Life Insurance, Air India and CheapOair.
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The 2026 program will feature Indian classical, folk and Bollywood dance performances by local students and performers. The evening program will include a live performance by London-based artist Arjun Coomaraswamy, known as Arjun.
The festival will also feature a Kathak and Ramayana presentation by Pandit S.N. Charka of the East-West School of Dance, along with Bhangra, Giddha, Ghoomar, Garba and Dandiya performances by students. Children’s activities will include Rangoli and art projects, entertainment and other family attractions.
Traditional Indian culture will remain a central part of the event. The celebration will open with Ganeshji and LED Diyas, while the program will conclude with Lakshmi Aarti, a traditional prayer honoring Goddess Lakshmi and expressing wishes for prosperity, peace, health and well-being.
Visitors will also be able to sample Indian food and refreshments, including masala chai, samosas, rotis and sweets. The Diwali and Meena bazaars will feature Indian clothing, jewelry, gifts, handicrafts and other merchandise. A grand fireworks finale is scheduled for approximately 7:15 p.m., giving families an opportunity to remain at Overlook Beach through the evening.
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Beena Kothari, president of AIA–NY, said the organization wants the festival to provide a welcoming setting where people can experience the diversity of Indian culture. “Deepavali is a celebration of light, unity, heritage and community,” Kothari said. “We are proud to bring this tradition to Long Island and invite families and friends from across the region to celebrate with us.”
The festival is also intended to introduce audiences to the wider traditions associated with Diwali. AIA–NY noted that celebrations across India can span several days and include Dhanteras, Naraka Chaturdashi, the main Diwali celebration, Lakshmi Puja, Govardhan Puja or the Indian New Year, and Bhai Dooj, with customs varying by region and community.