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I’m unashamedly biased when I say Diwali is the most exciting time of the year. Falling sometime between October and November, it arrives just when we need it most, as summer tans fade, coats come out, and social calendars start to thin.
The Hindu festival adds a much-needed injection of colour and light into this time of the year, and this month is littered with parties happening all over the city. Ticketed galas, celebrity-hosted dinners, and brand-backed soirées now dominate the scene. Regardless of whether you’re Hindu or not, these chic Diwali parties are the place to be, as they draw in stylish global crowds, offer networking opportunities and boast some of the best fashion.
Instagram feeds are currently lit up with pictures from last week’s Cartier party and New York’s ‘All That Glitters’ Diwali ball, where the likes of Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Gurinder Chadha, Nora Fatehi and more of the global South Asian elite gathered to celebrate the occasion.
As a British-Indian from London, Diwali has increasingly become the busiest period in my calendar. Growing up, there were always lively house parties, but it’s always been the high-end Diwali parties that have caught my interest. These events are often held at luxury hotels, and they boast the finest Indian foods from top chefs, free flowing Champagne and plenty of glamour. Five-star hotels such as The Dorchester, Biltmore Hotel and The Savoy are just a few high-profile venues that have hosted Diwali parties in the past.
This year Diwali falls on October 20, but the five-day festivities surrounding it have turned into a whole month of celebrations. As a Diwali party veteran, it’s inspiring to see this cool new wave of parties highlighting the rise of appreciation for South Asian culture here in the UK. And why not? It’s essentially Christmas on crack. Just with a lot more gold and diamonds. It’s time more people got in on the action.
We’ve seen increased interest in South Asian wear during this time with all the top stylists booked out, and fashion rental apps like By Rotation and The Borrowed increasing their South Asian stock. By Rotation reported a 60 per cent increase in searches for lehengas and traditional Indian clothing. As a result, they’ve even teamed up with South Asian boutique Amrika to offer guests the opportunity to loan out the best luxury cultural clothing from handpicked designers.
Model Neelam Gill at this year’s Cartier Diwali party
Cartier
Cartier’s Diwali bash with Conde Nast Traveller last year was the talk of the town. Guests included celebrities, members of high society, top chefs and influencers. Reflecting on the event, editor-in-chief Divia Thani told us, “It’s always the best-dressed party of the year, with everyone showcasing South Asian designers and exquisite jewellery. Diwali is joyous and sacred at the same time.”
After attending, I felt inspired to host my own party. Growing up, I’d throw an annual Diwali celebration in my house where I could celebrate my culture with all my friends and family. People dressed up for the occasion, my mum would cook an Indian feast and we’d drink and dance way into the early hours of the morning. The next day was often followed by a full English breakfast. As British-Indians, the fusion of the two cultures is a beautiful thing, and it’s something that has moulded me today. This year, I wanted to combine the energy of a chaotic house party in a luxury setting to reflect how I celebrate Diwali.
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Flute at Broadwick Soho
Broadwick Soho
This year, my good friend Aisha and I are hosting our own Diwali party at Broadwick Soho’s terrace bar, Flute — a space that perfectly mirrors the festival’s maximalist spirit. We’ve pulled together a dream team with music by legend DJ Ritu, Mera Bhai and Ramnik Tatla; food from London’s hottest desi pub, The Tamil Prince; drinks by Desi Daru; and gifting from Indian-owned perfume brand D.S. & Durga. It felt important to collaborate with South Asian talent for this party, and the result is a celebration of creativity, culture and community.
The festival of Diwali isn’t exclusively celebrated by Hindus. Jains and Sikhs also celebrate it, each commemorating different celebrations for their gods. Regardless of religion, it’s a great opportunity to get together and celebrate with good food and music.
Because at its core, Diwali isn’t just about religion. It’s about joy, togetherness and the power of light over darkness — something the world could use a little more of right now. And if your Instagram feed isn’t already glowing with sequins and sparklers, it’s only a matter of time. Here are five of the hottest Diwali parties lighting up London this season.
Five of the hottest Diwali parties to attend this season
Rahul Mishra’s Diwali party at The Dorchester
Couture king Rahul Mishra is hosting an all out Diwali party at The Dorechester, and the guestlist is packed with famous faces such as Priyanka Chopra Jonas and other A-listers. Expect hand-embroidered couture, ridiculously long trains and Gracie T and Almass Badat on the decks.
Cartier x Condé Nast Traveller
It’s back for another year at The Dorchester, and rumour has is that it’ll be even more star-studded than ever. The dress code this year is shimmer, shine and sparkle. Last year guests received a Cartier stationery card set. What will be in the goodie bags this year?
Luxury perfume house Creed have teamed up with South Asian Beauty Collective to put on an invite-only evening championing the trailblazers in beauty, retail and fashion at London’s Ambassador’s Clubhouse restaurant. Guests will enjoy highlights from the restaurant’s lavish Diwali menu.
Dishoom is putting on a night of sensory South Asian storytelling and entertainment. The event is being curated by Ryan Lanji, will be co-hosted by actors Nikkita Chadha and Jason Patel. Festivities start with a delicious meal before live music from Baluji Shrivastav OBE, Renao and Raghav.
Hailed as ‘London’s Met Gala’, this is party on everyone’s lips right now. It isn’t strictly a Diwali party, but it falls firmly within the festive period. A handful of powerful Indian names have been involved such as Sabyasaatchi Mukherjee, Sonam Kapoor and Isha Ambani to name a few. The theme is India, and it falls two days before Diwali, so it’ll be no surprise that there’ll be plenty of fabulous South Asian fashion on the night.
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