Desi Things to Do in Hicksville (September 2026)
TL;DR
- Hicksville holds one of Long Island's densest South Asian communities, with a temple, restaurants, and grocery stores all within a compact corridor
- Ganesh Chaturthi on September 14 kicks off a month of observances; Ekadashi, Pradosh Vrat, and Purnima follow before October
- Apna Bazar and Maharaja Farmers Market are the pantry anchors — open daily with wide Desi stock
- Dosa World handles South Indian vegetarian; Kiran Palace covers tandoor classics and seafood
- Navratri is just around the corner in October — Hicksville's garba nights are a Long Island tradition 🪘
Long Island's Desi Hub: What Makes Hicksville Different
Hicksville, a hamlet in Nassau County on Long Island, has become one of the most recognizable South Asian destinations in the New York metro area outside of Queens. The main commercial strip along Broadway is studded with Indian restaurants, grocery stores, sari shops, and sweet shops that have grown up alongside a community that has been putting down roots here since the 1970s. For families who moved from Jackson Heights to find more space, and for newer arrivals who want a ready-made desi social world outside the city, Hicksville delivers on nearly every front.
September is a particularly meaningful month for the community. The Hindu calendar picks up speed with Ganesh Chaturthi on September 14, followed by Ekadashi on September 22, Pradosh Vrat on September 24, and Purnima on September 26. These are not just dates to mark on a calendar — each brings its own rhythm of fasting, puja, and community gathering, and the Broadway corridor reflects that energy on and around each occasion.
Asa'Mai Hindu Temple and Community Center
The spiritual center for much of Hicksville's Hindu community is Asa'Mai Hindu Temple and Community Center on East Barclay Street. The temple draws worshippers from across Nassau County and hosts a full schedule of events tied to the Hindu calendar. Ganesh Chaturthi puja, Navratri garba, Karva Chauth celebrations, and Diwali mela are among the major events organized here annually.
What sets Asa'Mai apart is its dual identity as both a place of worship and a community hub. Cultural programming, youth events, and religious education run alongside the ritual calendar. For families new to Long Island, this temple often serves as the first point of connection — where they find a pandit, pick up a local restaurant recommendation, and meet other families from their region. If you are visiting Hicksville for any religious observance this month, the temple is the logical first stop. For Ganesh Chaturthi on September 14, the temple holds special aarti and darshan programs — confirm the schedule directly with the temple as the date approaches.
Eating Desi in Hicksville
The restaurant scene in Hicksville has matured considerably over the past decade. Two establishments worth knowing well are Dosa World and Kiran Palace.
Dosa World is the go-to for South Indian vegetarian cooking on Long Island. The menu leans into dosas, idlis, vadas, and sambar — all done with care and without compromising on the sourness of the fermentation or the brightness of the chutneys. It is a popular choice for families who observe vegetarian diets strictly, especially on Ekadashi and other fasting days when a light South Indian meal feels right.
Kiran Palace takes a different approach, with a tandoor-heavy menu that includes clay-oven breads, kebabs, and seafood dishes alongside vegetarian options. For a sit-down meal that covers multiple tastes at the table, Kiran Palace has enough range to accommodate the full family. Both restaurants are located along the Broadway corridor and are within walking distance of each other.
Beyond these two, the stretch of Broadway offers a rotating mix of chaat stalls, mithai shops, and regional Indian eateries. Exploring on a Saturday afternoon, especially around Ekadashi or Purnima weekend, puts you in the middle of a street scene that feels genuinely alive.
Grocery Shopping: Stocking the Desi Kitchen
Two grocers dominate for the Hicksville community.
Apna Bazar on Bethpage Road has been a fixture in the area for decades, trusted for its range of Indian packaged goods, fresh produce, dairy, and spices. The store carries products sourced directly from Indian brands, so you will find items here that are unavailable in mainstream supermarkets. The produce section is particularly strong for South Asian vegetables — karela, tindora, drumsticks — and the frozen section stocks paratha and roti for convenience.
Maharaja Farmers Market on South Broadway functions as a multicultural supermarket, though the Indian section is the clear draw for most Desi shoppers. It is larger than Apna Bazar, carries a wider range of produce including regionally specific varieties, and stocks fresh halal meat. During the festive season, both stores expand their selection of puja items, sweets, and dry fruits — so September and October visits are worth planning around availability.
Insider Tip: The week before Ganesh Chaturthi (approximately September 7–13), both Apna Bazar and Maharaja Farmers Market receive expanded stock of modak molds, coconut, jaggery, and puja supplies. Arrive early in the week if you want the best selection before the rush hits over the weekend.
Getting Ready for Navratri
Navratri begins on October 11 this year, which means September is effectively the planning month for one of the biggest community events on Long Island. Asa'Mai Hindu Temple runs one of the most attended garba nights in Nassau County, drawing participants who travel from as far as Brooklyn and the East End. Dandiya sets, chaniya cholis, and traditional footwear are available from several vendors along Broadway — shopping in September means you beat the October rush and have your outfit ready before the first night of garba.
If you are new to the area and looking to connect with the community before Navratri, attending Ganesh Chaturthi puja at Asa'Mai on September 14 is one of the best ways in. The festive season runs continuously from Ganesh Chaturthi through Diwali, and the connections made at early-season events carry forward through the whole arc.
FAQ
Q: Is Hicksville well connected by public transit for Desi events? A: Yes. The Long Island Rail Road stops directly in Hicksville, and the station is within walking distance of the main Broadway corridor. Service runs frequently from Penn Station in Manhattan and from Atlantic Terminal in Brooklyn.
Q: When does Navratri garba typically start and end each night at Asa'Mai Temple? A: Garba events usually begin in the evening, often around 7–8 PM, and run through midnight on peak nights. Confirm the schedule directly with the temple as timings vary each year.
Q: Are the Indian restaurants on Broadway mostly vegetarian? A: The corridor has a good mix. Dosa World is fully vegetarian. Kiran Palace and most other establishments offer both vegetarian and non-vegetarian menus, with expanded vegetarian sections reflecting the large Jain and strictly vegetarian population in the area.
Q: Is Ganesh Chaturthi celebrated publicly in Hicksville? A: Yes — temple pujas and community gatherings mark the occasion. Asa'Mai Hindu Temple holds special aartis and programs for Ganesh Chaturthi. Check the temple's announcements closer to September 14 for specific timings.
Q: What is the best time to shop at Hicksville's Indian grocery stores during the festive season? A: Weekday mornings are least crowded. Weekends in September and October see heavy traffic, especially in the days before Ganesh Chaturthi, Navratri, and Diwali. Stocking up midweek avoids the longest lines.
Bottom Line
Hicksville earns its reputation as one of the most self-sufficient Desi communities on Long Island. The temple, restaurants, and grocery stores form a tight ecosystem that functions year-round — and September, with its packed calendar of Hindu observances, is one of the most rewarding months to be here. Whether you are looking for a proper Ganesh Chaturthi puja, a South Indian meal after fasting, or a Navratri outfit before the October rush, Hicksville has what you need.