Ready to light up your Diwali in the city that never sleeps? Well, hold onto your tikas, because when it comes to Diwali events in NYC, The Pierre knows how to throw a party that’s more lit than a thousand diyas! Since 2017, we’ve been dazzled by the brilliance of The Pierre’s Diwali events. Trust us when we say, they’ve got the best in the business. From mouthwatering Indian bites and divine wines to crafty cocktails and an outdoor dance floor that’s practically on fire, The Pierre has us hooked. So, join us as we spill the chai on the best Diwali events in NYC.
Best Diwali Events in NYC: The Pierre
Go big or glow home this Diwali. Every year, Diwali casts its glow in either October or November. This year, Diwali officially took center stage on Sunday, November 12th. We celebrated the Hindu festival of lights on November 10th at The Pierre. The Pierre consistently hosts one of the most memorable Diwali events in NYC.
Located on the Upper East Side on 61st and 5th Ave, this stunning hotel sets the stage for a Diwali celebration that seamlessly flows between indoor and outdoor spaces.
Hope your Diwali is lit. Outdoors, the ambiance is transformed with the luminous glow of diya lamps, the intricate beauty of rangoli, the grandeur of a rastoli, vibrant flowers, twinkling lights, and an array of enchanting embellishments.
Now, let’s mosy our way indoors to Perrine’s indoor seating and The Rotunda Room of The Pierre. Imagine a Diwali wonderland surrounded by the most beautiful hand-painted murals. If you’ve had the pleasure of soaking in the glamorous vibes of this room, you know it’s like walking through a room fit for royalty! And if you’re in the mood for a seated feast, Perrine has you covered.
Best Diwali Events in NYC: What to Wear
Guests rocked a vibrant array of traditional Indian outfits, turning the Diwali celebration into an Indian fashion show. Ladies brought their A-game with a mix of saris, lehengas, salwar kameez, gowns, and anarkalis, each outfit boasting a unique blend of tradition and modern flair.
Meanwhile, the guys showcased their style versatility with kurta pajamas, sherwanis, vests, suits, turbans, and the classic mojari (those traditional Indian shoes). It was like an Indian fashion runway and a diverse display of Diwali threads that added an extra layer of flair to the festivities.
Best Diwali Events in NYC: Performing the Puja
Diya-lightful day. A traditional Hindu puja took center stage, encircling the mesmerizing beauty of the rangoli and rastogi. This ancient ritual brought a sacred energy to the celebration, weaving spirituality into the vibrant fabric of the festival. A feast for the eyes, a rangoli is a breathtakingly beautiful, colorful pattern created on a flat surface using a mesmerizing combination of colored rice, sand, or flowers. A rastogi is a large brass diya lamp. Diya lamps and lanterns were scattered around the edges of the rangoli. The rangoli, with its intricate designs and vibrant hues, became the symbolic backdrop for the spiritual resonance of the puja.
Best Diwali Events in NYC: Sipping on Champagne, Cocktails and Mocktails
The only pain I want in my life is champange. The night was a bubbly adventure with Taittinger flowing all night long. Champagne pairs nicely with Indian food, especially the appetizers. Bubbles and Indian spices make an unbelievable pairing.
Let the good times be-gin. Guests also had the option to sip on Gunpowder Irish Gin cocktails. The aromatic and nuanced notes of Gunpowder Irish Gin provided a perfect complement to the diverse flavors of the Diwali feast.
Time flies when you are having rum. Guests were also sipped on Santa Teresa rum. This premium rum choice added a touch of Venezuela sophistication to the festivities. The distinctive notes of Santa Teresa rum, with its complex and velvety profile, provided a refined counterpart to the diverse flavors of the food.
It takes two to mango. For those who wanted a mocktail, there were also delicious mango lassis. And here’s a fun twist – they make a killer combo with rum too!
Best Diwali Events in NYC: The Chefs
I don’t want naan of that. Executive Chef Michael Mignano’s culinary prowess extends beyond ordinary boundaries, making every bite at Diwali a journey into the extraordinary. He has 30 years of culinary experience with a passion for the pastry arts and farm fresh foods.
Adding his culinary prowess to the mix, Sous-Chef Abhinav Sharma proved to be a stellar collaborator alongside Chef Michael, orchestrating the creation of this delectable Indian feast. Starting at Le Meridian Bangalore in 2008 and later moving to Taj in 2016, Sous-Chef Abhinav boasts expertise in various Indian regional cuisines and fluency in seven regional languages. Specializing in Hyderabadi and Awadhi cuisine, he excels in crafting flavorful dishes, with a particular love for Biryani, Haleem, and anything with lamb.
Best Diwali Events in NYC: Devouring Delicious Indian Fare
Cumin get it. As soon as we entered The Pierre, we were greeted with the Khau Gali Feast. Picture this: live-action chefs at the helm, crafting made-to-order delights like Kathi Rolls, Fushka, and Pav Bhaji.
I love you samosa. But the feast didn’t stop there. We delighted in the unique sweetness of sweet corn dhokla and relished the bite-sized wonders of Miniature Vegetable Samosas, Kale Pakoras and Chicken Tikka Samosas. This was all part of a spread that took our Diwali celebration to a whole new level. The live kitchen theater and the symphony of tastes turned the dining experience into a gastronomic adventure. Keep in mind that these were just the apps- so we had to save room for the mains and dessert too.
Life is so daal without you. We also enjoyed iconic Indian classics: the creamy Dal Makhni, the aromatic Vegetable Biryani Masala, and the flavorful Chicken Tikka Masala. Crafted by Chef Michael Mignano and Sous-Chef Abhinav Sharma, these dishes were a feast of familiar delights, each bite a burst of authentic Indian flavors.
Our sweet finale led us to the irresistible Mithai Wall, a curated selection of mini Indian sweets and desserts envisioned by the culinary wizardry of Chef Michael Mignano. We love mini desserts because they let us indulge in multiple desserts. The standout among these delectable delights was the gulab jamun cheesecake, a fusion masterpiece. Now, mind you, our mom is the reigning champion in the gulab jamun department, but this delightful creation stood as a worthy counterpart. Topped with cheesecake, it was a delightful fusion of Diwali at its finest.
Best Diwali Events in NYC: The Rotunda Room
We hosted a prior birthday dinner in the Rotunda Room a few years ago, and the hand-painted murals on the walls are undeniably stunning. To truly capture the enchantment, be sure to take some photos on the stairs – every step makes you feel like royalty in this room. The ambiance of the Rotunda Room is more than just visually striking; it’s a regal experience that leaves a lasting impression.
Best Diwali Events in NYC: Dancing the Night Away with Bollywood Beats
We immersed ourselves in a Bollywood extravaganza, grooving to the beats of chart-topping hits that kept the Diwali celebration alive all night.
The infectious rhythms and soulful melodies seamlessly blended, casting a spell that transformed The Pierre into a pulsating dance floor right on the iconic 5th Ave. The atmosphere crackled with an electric energy, drawing everyone into the rhythm of the night. It was more than just a dance party; it was a vibrant kaleidoscope of movements and laughter that echoed through 5th Avenue.
Shine bright like a diya. Thanks to the Michael, Abhinav and the team at The Pierre and Perrine for putting together another fabulous Diwali event. You can see past Diwali and other events at The Pierre here. Photos courtsey of Lori Frye.
Spread the light of Diwali and make the world a better place.
Anonymous
It all looks so fantastic! The food, the drinks, the decorations – perfect Diwali celebrations! Love it!
It’s nice that NYC celebrates all different events. The Diwali looks like a fun event and so colourful too.
This Diwali event sounds very amazing. I want to attend the Diwali event, looks very fun and so much food.
Wow all of your outfits look incredible. Sounds like a great way to spend Diwali, some great looking events you found x
I would love to attend a Diwali event in New York City. The colorful festivities look wonderful.
The Pierre is absolutely gorgeous! I think any celebration would be amazing there. Just a beautiful setting.
oh wow…I would love to attend Diwali events, they’re so much fun and colorful…The NYC diwali events oh wow!!! I am attending these amazing events next year for sure…
Oh, I’m fascinated! Attending Diwali events sounds like so much fun and full of vibrant colors. The Diwali events in NYC seem incredible! I’m definitely marking my calendar to attend these amazing celebrations next year.
Goodness what a stunning event! Everyone looks beautiful and it looks like such a great time. I bet the food was amazing!
Oh wow it looks like you had such a fun time! The food spread looks amazing!