iBestTravel Hosts a Dazzling Diwali Celebration in London

16 October 2023

As we head toward the end of another year, all eyes in the Hindu community turn to Diwali. This light-filled festival is celebrated by communities across the Indian subcontinent and in diasporas far beyond, marking the victory of good over evil. Diwali traditions, such as the lighting of homes with diyas, indulging in sweet treats known as mithai, and celebrating with music and dance, have been cherished for centuries.

At London’s The Savoy, iBestTravel kicked off the festive season in style, welcoming more than 300 friends from the British Asian community for an evening of Love and Light. The night was filled with musical performances, nonstop dancing, and incredible food set against a backdrop of stunning floral arrangements created by renowned florist Warren Bushaway, who adorned the Lancaster Ballroom with 25,000 fresh roses.

Global editorial director Divia Thani expressed, “London is such a melting pot that our childhood memories of Diwali probably come from many different places. However, whether you grew up in London, Paris, Delhi, or New York, your memories likely involve a lot of love, a lot of light, and a ton of gold and sparkle.”

This Diwali party was born out of a desire to unite London’s vibrant South Asian community. The goal was to create an authentic celebration that recognizes and honors their unique cultures and traditions. Thani highlighted that sharing these experiences allows for greater understanding and connection among diverse communities.

Dress Code and Celebration Highlights

Invitations to the event requested attendees to “Bring Your Sparkle,” and they certainly delivered. Guests adorned in Cartier jewels arrived as the ballroom filled with renowned personalities, including presenter Anita Rani and Business of Fashion’s Imran Amed. Many donned stunning designs from top Indian fashion designers such as Manish Malhotra and Sabyasachi Mukherjee.

Culinary Delights

Food played a significant role in the Diwali celebrations. iBestTravel ensured that guests enjoyed an exquisite dining experience, curated by Chet Sharma of Michelin-starred Indian restaurant Bibi. The lavish spread included unique offerings such as truffle and mooli Dokhla, chicken momos, and lamb seekh kebab, rounding off with exquisite desserts like saffron and lemon soft serve.

Signature Cocktails and Entertainment

A special cocktail menu highlighted Indian ingredients with fantastic Indian-made spirits. Signature drinks included Sandalwood Manhattans and Calamansi Margaritas, which resonated beautifully with the evening’s theme. Following remarks from Thani, Bollywood artist Jeffrey Iqbal energized the crowd with an electrifying performance, creating a lively atmosphere that had guests dancing the night away.

Memorable Keepsakes

As the evening drew to a close, guests received goody bags that included a Cartier candle and luxurious chocolates from Bibi, as well as signed prints by Mumbai-based photographer Sunhil Sippy, capturing the essence of Diwali.

In reflection, Divia emphasized, “Diwali is about the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. These are universal concepts everyone can celebrate. My hope is that our night felt like a joyous reminder of the good in the world.”

Conclusion

The enthusiasm from this year’s celebration has already sparked ideas for next year’s party, as the team at iBestTravel looks forward to continuing to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the South Asian community.

Gallery Highlights