Photo: Nina Luong
This time of the year across India and its diaspora we celebrate the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil. The five days of Diwali are marked by prayer, feasts, fireworks, family gatherings, and charitable giving. For some, Diwali is also the beginning of the new year and new beginnings.
Where to celebrate in London
Looking for something more than gathering with family and friends? The biggest celebration of Diwali in Trafalgar Square is over but here is another spectacular event: Carnival of Lights on the 14 November. This event sees the Mela organisers create a one of a kind ‘Night Carnival’ featuring extraordinary performance, fabulously-lit floats and lots of community participation, all taking place in Southall, the oldest South Asian community in Europe.
Where to celebrate in New York
Looking for the perfect family activity in New York? The Culture Tree, whose mission is to promote South Asian educational & cultural programs has an amazing lineup of Diwali events in New York. Its partners offer many activities from puppet shows to diya floating, don’t miss out!
What to eat
The lovely Dishoom cookbook landed in our hands recently. Here is the recipe of Chili Garlic Crab: a dish with fresh herbs and green chilli from legendary coastal seafood restaurant in Mumbai, Trishna. It’s simple but very indulgent, invented for Diwali one year. You can also find the recipe on the
Dishoom blog.
What to wear
The Kolkata-based couturier
Sabyasachi has just opened his new magnificent store in The Archive building at 160 Christopher Street, New York, where the international audience can stroll through a stunning luxury experience of his India-rooted world first-hand from the 16th of October.
What to watch
Charlie Hunnam-starrer
Shantaram, an adaptation of Gregory David Roberts’ weighty 2003 novel of self-discovery was just released on Apple TV+. The story of Shantaram follows the life of Lin Ford, who manages to escape from a high-security Australian prison and then goes on to find a new life and identity as a doctor in the slums of 1980s Bombay. Here’s where he gets in a tiff with the local mafia boss and eventually ends up fighting against the invading Russian troops in Afghanistan with his gun-running and counterfeiting skills. All through it, he also falls in love with Karla, which further complicates his choice between freedom and love. Perfect for curling up on the couch.
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