NEW YORK CITY (TIP): The Association of Indians in America, NY Chapter (AIA-NY) hosted its 28th Annual Deepavali Festival at the South Street Seaport on Sunday October 4th from 12 noon till 7pm, culminating with a spectacular display of Fireworks co-sponsored by Air India and Toyota.

The event was attended by a wide array of people from all over the tri state area of different walks of life, age groups and backgrounds.

Deepavali, meaning ‘A row of lamps’ is also popularly known as Diwali, or ‘Festival of Lights’. It signifies the triumph of ‘Good over Evil’.

The AIA-NY attempts to bridge the gap in the community with events as Deepavali and brings the community together. The festival was a full day celebration with numerous corporate booths, food & clothing vendors, performances and activities for the entire family including a live grand display of fireworks.

The theme for the Festival this year was “Empowerment of Youth”. Towards that objective, “Naach Inferno”, a successful new attraction to the Festival in 2014, an inter-collegiate dance competition took place again this year. Colleges and Universities such as Adelphi, City University of New York, Columbia, Pace and Stony Brook participated. Stony Brook University went on to win the grand prize and a special segment on Star Plus TV, one of India’s most popular television networks. The audience also got to learn numerous Bollywood dance moves as the dancers of SHIAMAK USA involved everyone in a Participatory Dance at the end of the festival. “AIA’s goal to incorporate more young adults into the mainstream activities of the community was accomplished,” says Sunil Modi, President (AIA-NY).

Authentic Indian cuisine, a holistic Health Fair, unforgettable performances by our local performing arts schools, in addition to a splendor showcase of Indian culture, arts, crafts, jewelry, traditional clothes along with were only some of the highlights this year. Corporate Sponsors such as Toyota, Urban Food Bazaar, PepsiCo, McDonalds, New York Life and many more were present. Television partners that showcased the festival included Sony TV, TV Asia, ITV, Jus Punjabi and Star Plus. The evening was indeed a memorable one for all. The grand finale of the festival was the display of live Fireworks over the East River, enthralling thousands of New Yorkers.

The Association of Indians in America (AIA) is the oldest not-for-profit organization of Asian Indians in America founded on August 20, 1967. It is the grassroots national organization of Asian immigrants in the United States. With chapters and membership spread across the United States of America, AIA represents the hopes and aspirations of those immigrants who are united by their common bond of Indian Heritage and American Commitment.

For more information on future events, Deepavali 2016 or simply just to be involved, visit www.theaiany.org and Like on Facebook – theaiany.