BOSTON— The Desai Foundation, a nonprofit organization committed to empowering women and children through transformative community programs in India, announced its 11th Annual Lotus Festival, taking place on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at the beautiful Omni Seaport Hotel in Boston.
This year’s gala holds special significance as the Foundation commemorates a milestone achievement: impacting over 10 million lives across rural India through initiatives focused on health, livelihood, and menstrual equity.
“What began as a dream has become a movement—fueled by the passion of our teams in India and the U.S., and the steadfast support of communities like Boston,” said Megha Desai, President of The Desai Foundation. “This year, we celebrate not just a number, but the dignity, opportunity, and independence those 10 million lives now represent.”
Founded in 1997 by Samir A. Desai and Nilima Desai, the Foundation has grown into a dynamic force for grassroots impact—operating 30+ programs across eight states in India and reaching over 3,400 rural communities. With a growing network of over 500 community Heroes, 1,000 Asani Ambassadors, and more than two dozen CSR partners, the organization continues to expand its reach and deepen its impact.
“I love the way the Desai Foundation cares more about the outcomes of the people they serve than just the numbers and dots,” said Deepika Sawhney of the Sawhney Family Foundation. “As a donor to the Desai Foundation – I am really impressed with the way they show us a different way to look at impact results. Beyond the numbers.”
The Lotus Festival is more than a gala—it’s a celebration of purpose. The evening will feature an inspirational program, live entertainment, open bar, seated dinner, and a vibrant auction filled with meaningful experiences and luxury items—all in support of the Desai Foundation’s mission.
Event Details:
Date: Saturday, September 13, 2025
Location: Omni Seaport Hotel, Boston
Highlights: Live music, dancing, seated dinner, open bar, auction, and stories of impact
Tickets: Click here to buy you tickets, tables or sponsorships (Early booking is highly recommended; the event sells out annually.)
Proceeds from the Lotus Festival will directly fund programs that empower women with vocational training, support menstrual hygiene with the production of over 10 million sanitary napkins, and bring healthcare and education to hundreds of thousands of children.
In the past, Desai Foundation events have featured talent like Zarna Garg, Jay Sean, Ari Afsar, Raja Kumari, Falu, Payal Kadakia and so many others! You won’t want to miss this year’s fantastic event in Boston.
In addition to the Boston-based Lotus Festival, the Desai Foundation also hosts Diwali on the Hudson in New York City on Oct 16th, 2025—an annual celebration entering its 12th year this fall.
The past year has marked significant growth for the organization, including the addition of 10+ new CSR partners and recognition for Desai Foundation India as a Great Place to Work, reflecting its commitment to cultivating dignity both externally and internally. Last year, Desai Foundation was awarded Most Trusted NGO by Indian CSR Awards.
The Desai Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering women and children through health, livelihood, and menstrual equity programs that cultivate dignity and transform lives. Since its founding in 1997, the organization has directly impacted over 10 million lives across eight states in rural India.
With more than 30 community-driven programs operating across eight Indian states, The Desai Foundation provides vocational training, entrepreneurship support, health services, and menstrual equity initiatives that foster self-reliance and unlock human potential. Rooted in empowerment, dignity, and collaboration, the Foundation believes that the most powerful solutions come from within the communities themselves.
To learn more, visit www.thedesaifoundation.org or follow @DesaiFoundation on social media.
