BY JYOTHSNA HEGDE
Atlanta, GA, November 18, 2025: The India American Cultural Association (IACA) lit up North Atlanta with its annual Diwali Celebration, held on October 18, 2025, at Denmark High School. The evening brought together hundreds of families, friends, and community members for a joyous celebration of light, culture, and unity. The event featured dazzling performances, meaningful recognitions of Atlanta based Indian American organizations, shopping, food and a spirit of giving.
The festivities began with the traditional lighting of the Diya, a sacred Indian custom that signifies enlightenment and the dispelling of darkness. Dignitaries, community leaders, and representatives from local organizations joined IACA leadership on stage to highlight the significance of the festival. The glow of the lamps illuminated not just the stage but also the collective spirit of harmony that defines the Indian American community in Georgia.
In his welcome address, IACA Chairman Kaushal Tripathi emphasized the organization’s vision of inclusivity and service, saying, “By organizing events like Diwali in the North part of town, IACA is once again proving its commitment of community service across all of Atlanta, through her diversities from East to West, North to South. The presence of various community leaders at the Diwali event further testifies that ‘IACA IS FOR ALL.’”
President Dhananjay Gupta added, “Events like these remind us that Diwali is not just a celebration of lights, but a celebration of community, culture, and shared values.”
His words resonated deeply with the audience, reflecting IACA’s ongoing mission to bring people together across regions and generations through shared cultural experiences.
Speakers throughout the evening echoed this sentiment, noting how Diwali transcends religious and regional boundaries. The festival is as much about community bonding and compassion as it is about celebration. In a world often divided by differences, the IACA Diwali event stood out as a beacon of unity — bringing together people of all ages, backgrounds, and cultures.
The highlight of the evening was the showcase colorful cultural programs featuring music, dance, and drama that captured the vibrant tapestry of Indian traditions. Local dance academies, music schools, and regional organizations came together to create a dynamic and soulful showcase of Indian art forms.
From graceful Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi numbers to energetic Bhangra, Garba, and Bollywood performances, and classical Indian music to Bollywood superhits, each segment was thoughtfully choreographed and passionately performed. Children’s groups added charm and joy to the evening with their innocent enthusiasm, while adult performers impressed with their professionalism and creativity. The audience was treated to a sensory feast — bright costumes, rhythmic beats, and heartfelt storytelling that celebrated the diversity of India’s cultural heritage.
A special highlight of the evening was Poshak 3: Indian Warrior Women, an electrifying showcase that celebrated the courage, sacrifice, and strength of women in Indian history. Conceived, designed, and directed by Pratima Dhumal, this production brought history to life with compelling storytelling and visually stunning ensembles. Another Fashion Show coordinated by Ranjita Palei Bariik and Hetal Mehta showcased and a Kids Fashion Walk by Renuka Molleti added glamor to the festivities.
The cultural program was met with thunderous applause, as the auditorium came alive with cheers, music, and laughter.
Recognizing Nonprofits: Honoring Community Champions
In a thoughtful and inspiring segment, IACA took the opportunity to recognize several local nonprofit organizations that have been making a tangible difference in the community. Representatives from these organizations of regional groups representing states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, UP, Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Kerala, Orissa, and Sewa International, were invited on stage and acknowledged for their outstanding service, compassion, and leadership.
This gesture highlighted IACA’s deep-rooted belief that Diwali is not just about celebration, but also about service (seva) and gratitude. By shining a light on the good work of other nonprofits, IACA reinforced its role as a connector and collaborator — an organization that uplifts not just individuals, but entire communities.
The recognition moment was particularly moving, as many of the honorees shared brief remarks about their missions — ranging from education and healthcare to social empowerment and cultural preservation. The audience responded with heartfelt applause, appreciating the collective effort that strengthens the Indian American community in the greater Atlanta area.
True to IACA’s inclusive spirit, the event offered something for everyone. One of the most popular attractions was the Rangoli competition, where participants of all ages created intricate and colorful designs using powdered pigments and flower petals. Each design was a unique expression of creativity and devotion, turning the school courtyard into a kaleidoscope of art.
Beyond cultural activities, the event also focused on community health and wellness. In collaboration with Care Access, Walgreens, and District 2 Public Health, IACA ensured that attendees had access to valuable health services throughout the evening. Walgreens provided free flu shots, District 2 Public Health distributed COVID-19 testing kits, and Care Access brought its cutting-edge “Future of Medicine” program to the Diwali celebration — offering free, advanced health screenings to raise awareness and connect people with clinical research opportunities.
The Care Access team conducted on-site Heart and Kidney, Brain and Memory Health Screenings, which included several important tests such as Lipoprotein(a) or Lp(a), a type of cholesterol linked to increased heart disease risk; Hemoglobin A1c to measure average blood sugar levels; Creatinine and eGFR to evaluate kidney function; and a full Lipid Panel measuring cholesterol and triglycerides. Participants also received testing for hsCRP, a marker of inflammation associated with cardiovascular health. As part of the Brain and Memory Health Screening, Care Access offered the pTau test — a protein biomarker associated with Alzheimer’s risk — alongside the core heart and kidney screenings. These comprehensive, no-cost tests gave attendees valuable insights into their overall health and encouraged proactive wellness. Many visitors expressed gratitude for the opportunity to participate in such advanced screenings at a community festival, reinforcing IACA’s holistic commitment to the physical and cultural well-being of its members.
“Our Diwali event featured meaningful community activities alongside the celebrations. Over 100 attendees received free blood tests and flu vaccines, and COVID safety kits were distributed to all participants. These efforts promoted health and well-being while fostering a strong sense of community care during the festival,” Program director & EVP IACA, Suma Potini noted.
Children enjoyed interactive booths, crafts, and games, while adults engaged in meaningful conversations with local vendors and exhibitors. Families strolled through the venue, taking in the sights and sounds of the festival atmosphere — from the aroma of Indian food to the laughter echoing through the halls.
A lively vendor marketplace added another layer of excitement to the evening. Small businesses and entrepreneurs showcased everything from traditional clothing and jewelry to festive décor and handicrafts. The marketplace became a hub of activity, offering attendees the chance to shop, explore, and connect with local vendors.
The success of the event was made possible by the generosity of sponsors and partners. IACA extended heartfelt gratitude to its Diwali 2025 sponsors — Care Access, 33Holdings, Kunnatha Injury Lawyers, Garudavega, and KR Elixir — for their invaluable support. Their partnership not only strengthened the event’s reach but also reinforced the importance of collaboration between businesses and community organizations.
Volunteers worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the event ran smoothly, from stage management and hospitality to logistics and safety. Their dedication reflected the collective energy that powers IACA’s many successful community programs throughout the year.
The India American Cultural Association, one of the oldest and most respected cultural organizations in Georgia, continues to serve as a pillar of the Indian American community. For five decades, IACA has been dedicated to promoting Indian culture, supporting educational initiatives, organizing youth programs, and creating opportunities for civic engagement.
The annual Diwali celebration is among IACA’s newer signature events, one that not only preserves cherished traditions but also brings communities together under the shared values of unity, compassion, and cultural pride.
