New York City’s Diwali Gala, held at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, is one way the party’s hosts want to showcase South Asian culture. Co-chairman Vanity fair‘s Radhika Jones, Preet Bharara and Kal Penn, the gala welcomed international celebrities to participate in Diwali and raise money for the Asian American Writer’s Workshop. Bibhu Mohapatra, Ariana Debose and Jenna Lyons attended the lavish banquet in the 36th floor ballroom of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, overlooking Central Park.
Joy, respect and inclusivity are themes of the Diwali holiday and are echoed throughout the gala. Model and Prakti Beauty founder Pritika Swarup, who wore a lush floor-length Bibhu Mohapatra dress, shared Fashion, “It is the meaning of light and positivity, and triumph over darkness and evil. When I was young, my mother made a big deal about Diwali. She would light all these candles and bring us together. It was a moment of connection and comfort that meant so much to me.”
The gala’s South Asian fashion showcased luxury designers par excellence, in keeping with the ‘South Asian Splendor’ dress code. Mirrored sequins, gold thread, dangling beads and sheer drapes were ubiquitous on saris, lehengas and gowns. Fashionable guests wore couturiers like Rahul Mishra, Gaurav Gupta and Sabyasachi, adorned with gem-encrusted earrings, necklaces, cuffs, headpieces and purses. Many gentlemen wore patterned and jeweled sherwanis, a neat mix of modern and Rajasthani traditions.
“We celebrate Diwali very openly with all our friends from all different cultures, religions and ethnic backgrounds here in New York. It is very exciting to be able to throw this Diwali party,” said co-host Alvina Patel Buxani Fashion. “When I can walk through the streets of New York dressed in my best Indian clothes and feel very excited about it, I feel proud.” Patel Buxani, who wore a Tarun Tahiliani dress, joined other co-hosts from the fashion industry, such as Roopal Patel, Sachin and Babi Ahluwalia, and Siddharth Kasliwal, in proudly showcasing Indian culture and South Asian voices to amplify on stage in New York.
The party was decorated with thousands of candles and punctuated by exciting performances, meaningful activations and Glenlivet cocktails. Dance company IMGE performed two dance routines that combined traditional Indian, hip-hop and contemporary movements. A poet wrote custom poetry live for lucky guests. The DJ played a mix of South Asian and American songs that had glittering guests like Prabal Gurung, Huma Abedin and Wes Gordon dancing the night away. The coda of the gala ended with a surprise performance by rapper Tesher, who performed his hit ‘Jalebi Baby’.
No Diwali celebration is complete without food, so Maneesh K. Goyal’s restaurant SONA catered the gala. “I’m a new father and I’m starting to teach my son what Diwali means. It feels exciting for me to get him excited about this holiday, where it’s all new. The possibilities that exist when we look ahead are limitless. That is the innate feeling of Diwali.” Goyal channeled this joy and excitement through the gustatory delights of SONA. The meal consisted of savory and sweet mini dosas, Italian pastas with Indian chilli, pani puri filled with tequila or vodka shots and traditional curries. For dessert, guests enjoyed gulab jamun, moong dal halwa and other sweet delicacies.
As the Diwali gala came to an end and looked out over Central Park and over Manhattan, all the twinkling lights looked like a sea of diyas, as if all of New York City were celebrating Diwali on this evening to remember.
