Celebrations of Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, are filled with opportunities to create colorful events with a variety of on-theme components. Falling on October 19 this year, the holiday is meant to serve as a celebration of good over evil, or light over darkness, in commemoration of the return of Ram, or the lord of virtue, to his kingdom following 14 years in exile, according to Al Jazeera.
Here are images of food, drinks, decor, and activities tied to the festive occasion.
Looking to provide Diwali-theme ideas, Nuage Designs enlisted Tinsel Experiential Design to design a tablescape in keeping with the holiday. Orange Hemp Flocking linen reminiscent of traditional henna designs was provided by Nuage for the base of the design. A floral runner in bright fuchsia, yellow, red, and orange was strung across the table in keeping with the colorful nature of Indian celebrations. Party Rental Limited's gold florentine plates were topped by Nuage napkins to complete the festive table.
Photo:Â Parris Whittingham
The Pierre, a Taj Hotel, hosts an annual Diwali celebration. In 2015, the New York hotel's lobby was decked out with Rangoli, a holiday decor element in which patterns made with flower petals or other dry, colored materials—such as sand or rice—are created on the floor.
Photo: Courtesy of the Pierre
Decor at the 2016 edition of Toronto's University Health Network annual benefit Diwali—A Night to Shine included a wall of oversize white flowers. The fund-raising event took place at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel.
Photo: Courtesy of Nuage Designs
Roses et Piviones created a table filled with light, a cornerstone of Diwali, for a photo shoot with Ronen Rental. The table includes stacked plates of macarons, in keeping with the tradition of having a feast of Indian desserts after dinner.
Photo: Courtesy of Ronen Rental
During the five-day festival, the Pierre provided an in-room amenity two years ago that was filled with pretty sweets. Included in the offering was kalakand, gulab jamun pop, motichoor ladoo, almond peda, pistachio peda, and chocolate dia.
Photo: Courtesy of the Pierre
A plate of appetizers was served at the Pierre's Two e Bar/Lounge to shine a spotlight on Indian cuisine. Dishes serving on the opening sampler plate included a chicken samosa, vegetable shammi kebabs, and lobster chaat, along with mint, tamarind, and mango chutneys.
Photo: Courtesy of the Pierre
At Manhattan's recently opened Indian restaurant Aroqa, a drink pays tribute to the tradition of gambling throughout the month of October, when Diwali falls. Everyone who orders the "Season of Luck," which is made with chamomile-infused bourbon, Baharat syrup, Doc’s Cider, benedictine, and Angostura bitters, receives the drink served alongside a playing card that comes from a deck with two jokers. Guests who receive a joker will drink for free.
Photo: Michael Tulilpan
