The ‘All That Glitters’ Diwali Ball Brought South Asian Glamour to the Spotlight

Last night, the Lotte New York Palace gleamed with the annual “All That Glitters” Diwali Ball, a celebration honoring influential South Asian creatives from a range of industries. Founded by talent strategist and strategic investor Anjula Acharia, the event brings people together through community, with food, dancing, live performances, and a major philanthropic fundraising initiative.

“The ball more than a celebration—it’s a cultural movement,” Acharia exclusively tells ELLE.

Anjula Acharia giving remarks.

She continued, “Each year, we gather not just to honor our heritage, but to create space for South Asian voices, champion global causes, and build bridges through community, creativity, and purpose. I’m so proud of the way this event has flourished, and I’m looking forward to many years of continuing this annual tradition.”

The occasion also marked Diwali, the Festival of Lights, with attendees sparkling throughout the evening in their traditional holiday ensembles.

Guests in their glittering looks.

Designer Falguni Peacock told ELLE that she created looks for Bozoma Saint John and Bollywood actress Bhumi Pednekar to wear, noting, “The vibrant South Asian fashion industry is wonderfully showcased at this event.”

Shane Peacock, Divya Mathur, Bhumi Pednekar, Bozoma Saint John, Bhumi Pednekar, and Falguni Peacock.

This year, the ball raised funds for the South Asian Council for Social Services and King Charles’s British Asian Trust, both of which champion global humanitarian efforts. A dinner from the renowned New York City restaurant Bungalow was served, followed by a performance from Indo Warehouse.

Priyanka Chopra Jonas in conversation.

Indo Warehouse at the DJ booth.

The guest list was a who’s who of stars, featuring celebrities such as Priyanka Chopra Jonas and her husband, Nick Jonas, Aasif Mandvi, Avantika, Gurinder Chadha, Jay Sean, Jessel Taank, Kal Penn, Nora Fatehi, Prabal Gurung, Siddarth, Vikas Khanna, and more. Also in attendance were influential executives including Robert Kyncl, Anjali Sud, Bing Chen, Divya Mathur, Jonathan Bottomley, Monte Lipman, Rajnish Bharadwaj, Samina Virk, Viral Patel, and Anita Chatterjee.

“At a time of particular strife and darkness at home and abroad, it was a joyful night full of love, light, and friendship in the spirit of uplifting organizations that do amazing work around the globe,” Penn says.

Kal Penn

Avantika had a similar takeaway, saying, “Anjula does an incredible job of bringing our diaspora together—it made my night so filled with light to have my Bollywood mentors, Hollywood role models, best friends from all over the subcontinent, South Asian agent, and so many people who have made my career possible all in one room together dancing to ‘Desi Girl’!”

For more photos from the ball, click through the gallery below.