The International Festival of Bliss brought together artists, spiritual practitioners, community leaders, families, and friends at the P.S. 115Q–James J. Ambrose School Auditorium in Floral Park, New York, on September 12, 2026. Organized by Ananda Marga New York Sector, the festival celebrated universal love and human unity through music, dance, meditation, and community connection. Its theme, “One World, One Humanity,” found expression in a program bringing different cultural traditions together around the shared values of peace, wellness, harmony, and compassion. The program was a grand success in every regard and was attended by around three hundred people, including 50 artists and performers, twelve Acaryas, and more than 70 community leaders, government representatives, and professionals.
The gathering began with a Prasadam dinner, providing an opportunity for guests to meet and share a meal before the cultural program. A ceremonial lighting of the lamp opened the evening’s proceedings. Devotional music, cultural performances, meditation, and messages from invited guests followed, connecting artistic expression with Ananda Marga’s commitment to spiritual development and service.
Actress, author, and podcast host Kaavya Ramani guided the evening as master of ceremonies. Having begun acting at an early age, Kaavya has developed a career spanning performance, writing, and conversations about personal growth and purposeful living. She hosted the program with care, introducing its many participants and helping bring the varied presentations together.
Indian classical dance formed an important part of the celebration. New York–based dancer and arts educator Aishwarya Madhav brought a background in expressive storytelling, precise footwork, and both traditional and contemporary choreography. Her work has taken her to venues including Lincoln Center, Yale University, and the 92nd Street Y, as well as festivals in India and the United States. Alongside performing, she teaches with an emphasis on technique and emotional depth.
Kathak artist Preya Patel, Artistic and Executive Director of Vivarta Arts, represented another rich Indian dance tradition. Trained under Guru Smt. Jamuna Mitcham, she continues her studies with Guru Smt. Vaishali Trivedi. Her work combines performance, teaching, and community outreach, including programs in New York public schools. Through these activities, she helps younger generations appreciate the cultural history behind the movements they learn.
The festival welcomed Pratheeksha Ganesh, a student at Hicksville High School who began dancing at the age of five under Guru Smt. Sadhana Paranji at Sadhanalaya Dance School. Her experience includes performances for numerous Indian American cultural organizations, as well as school musicals and choreography. She was very talented and featured a daring Kathak dance where she balanced a copper vessel on her head and performed the dance steps balancing on a copper plate.
The Nair Sisters—Shwetha, Aektha, and Nithya—presented “Saravana Bhava,” a devotional theme dedicated to Lord Murugan. Guided by Guru Sri Durga Devi of Sri Tala Hamsa Academy in Tamil Nadu, their presentation drew on a theme familiar in Carnatic music and Bharatanatyam. Its sacred six-syllable mantra provided the foundation for a performance expressing devotion, courage, and spiritual strength.
The international character of the festival extended beyond Indian traditions.
Dr. Nivedita Pujari brought together her two fields of dedication: science and dance. A scientist at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, she has studied Bharatanatyam since childhood and continues her training with Alokam Dance Academy. She also founded a dance club at the college, creating a space where fellow scientists can find enjoyment and relaxation through movement. Her presentation, set to “Ae Watan” from the film Raazi, used Bharatanatyam’s expressive gestures and rhythmic vocabulary to explore love for one’s homeland.
Sreethulasi Akkenapally contributed more than three decades of involvement in an Indian classical temple-dance tradition revived by Padma Shri Dr. Nataraja Ramakrishna. Her longstanding dedication added another perspective to the evening’s celebration of dance as a practice sustained through learning, discipline, and devotion.
The Green Leaf Dance Art Troupe, established in New York in 2021, brought together dancers from different walks of life through their shared love of dance. The troupe’s repertoire includes Mongolian, Tibetan, Dai, and Chinese classical styles. Its participation reflected the festival’s invitation to discover unity while appreciating the distinct beauty of different cultures.
Music and spiritual practice were represented by Acarya Diiptimanananda Avadhuta, whose musical journey began with Western classical training and later developed through Prabhata Samgiita and Indian classical music. Dada has performed in several countries and holds a master’s degree in ethnomusicology, with research focused on Prabhata Samgiita and music in Ananda Marga.
Sister Svastii performed a yoga dance. She is college student from Russia who has practiced yoga and meditation for seven years. Her interests in music, reading, and dance reflect the meeting of artistic expression and spiritual life shared by many participants.
Nanda Surendra, founder of Aromananda Wellness, brought a complementary emphasis on holistic well-being. Through workshops, coaching, and community events, her work encourages people to care for their physical, emotional, social, and spiritual lives. Her husband, Dr. Suri Surendra and their family members presented a musical dance drama, “From Pride to Divine Grace – the Birth of Shiva Tandava.”
The festival welcomed a wide range of honored guests. Chief Guest Naveen Shah, Chief Executive Officer of the Navika Group of Companies, joined the gathering, bringing the business community into this celebration of culture and service. Actress and author Samaira Sandhu also attended, as highlighted in both newspaper reports, joining participants in the evening’s celebration.
Among the prominent guests honored was Dr. Sudhir M. Parikh, physician, philanthropist, and Chairman and Publisher of Parikh Worldwide Media. A recipient of India’s Padma Shri, the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman, and the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, Dr. Parikh has supported initiatives in healthcare, education, and community development. In his remarks, reported by Desi Talk, he praised Ananda Marga’s cultural and philanthropic work, particularly its contributions to education and women’s empowerment, and offered the support of his media organization for future outreach.
Dr. Bimal Ramani is an author and founder of organizations including Human Light Foundation and Mind Matrix Global, his work focuses on mental development, resilience, and the relationship between spiritual understanding and well-being. His sustained presence was especially appreciated during an evening devoted to both inner growth and community connection.
Dr. Raj Bhayani, an ENT and head and neck surgeon, entrepreneur, and community leader, was another distinguished attendee. Alongside his medical work, he has participated in charitable, educational, and civic initiatives within the Indian American community. Dr. Hari Shukla brought a similarly longstanding commitment to medicine and education. Practicing in New York since 1985, he has trained hundreds of pediatric residents and fellows over the course of his career.
The gathering also included Haridas Kotahwala, a fourth-generation jeweler, head of Royal India USA Inc., and founding member and multiple-term president of the Indian Diamond & Colorstone Association. Gary S. Sikka of the American Punjabi Society and Harcharan Singh Gulati Musafir of Long Island also joined the celebration. Entrepreneur and community leader Sanjeev Jindal, whose work has included civic engagement and outreach in Queens and Nassau County, was among the guests connecting the festival with the wider community.
Actress and author Samaira Sandhu attended the Festival of Bliss, where she was interviewed by television stations and honored on stage. Originally from Chandigarh, she made her film debut in the Tamil film Dhayam and has also appeared in Bharateeyans and Umran Ch Ki Rakheya. She is the author of Heaven in a Hell, a novel about a young woman’s struggle with drug addiction and her journey toward recovery.
Recognition from public offices formed another part of the evening. New York State Assemblymember Edward C. Braunstein of Assembly District 26 attended and presented citations recognizing community service. Neil Trivedi, Special Projects Director representing Assemblymember David Weprin, also attended and presented citations. These acknowledgments recognized the efforts of Ananda Marga and participating community members.
Guru Dileepji, Rev. Dr. Dileepkumar Thankappan, joined the gathering as an interfaith leader. Founder of the World Yoga Community, he has spent decades organizing yoga, meditation, cultural, and interfaith activities. His participation complemented the festival’s emphasis on cooperation across communities and spiritual traditions.
Behind the program stood the work of the organizing committee, volunteers, and Ananda Marga Queens community. The committee included Acarya Abhiramananda Avadhuta, Sectorial Secretary; Acarya Kovid Brahmacarii; Brother Timir Prabhakar; Brother Shukhdev; Acarya Anudhyana Avadhuta; Shri Naveen Joshi; and Bhukti Pradhan. Avadhutika Ananda Acira Acarya coordinated all the artists performance order, communications with the tech team and on-site coordination. Ac. Diiptimanananda Avt., Ac. Dhruva, Sister Devika, and Didi Vishvatiita managed the reception table. Avtk. Ananda Radhika Ac., Avtk. Ananda Sutiirtha Ac., and Ac. Anudhyanananda Avt. managed food and other miscellaneous items.
Their efforts brought together performers, guests, and supporters for a program that received coverage in both Desi Talk and Preetnama. Through the contributions of experienced artists, young performers, spiritual workers, and community guests, the Festival of Bliss gave tangible expression to its theme of one human family. Its many cultural voices shared a common space, while the call to support service projects connected the celebration with work beyond the auditorium. The organizers extended their appreciation to everyone whose participation helped make the gathering possible.