--- title: "Private Diwali Dinner Party Held in Brooklyn" url: https://newscentral.site/private-diwali-dinner-party-held-in-brooklyn/ language: en publisher: "News Central Site" section: "Style" published: 2026-11-05T13:00:00.000Z updated: 2026-11-05T13:27:26.054Z id: 0e5df0ab-53ca-4c0d-b14b-694826179c68 source: "Vogue https://www.vogue.com/article/rachel-gurjar-diwali-dinner-party-brooklyn" attribution: "Link to https://newscentral.site/private-diwali-dinner-party-held-in-brooklyn/ and name News Central Site when you quote or summarize this story." --- # Private Diwali Dinner Party Held in Brooklyn A cookbook author from Mumbai hosted her sixth annual Diwali gathering in Brooklyn, featuring dishes created by herself and other guests. A private Diwali dinner party was held in Brooklyn by Rachel Gurjar, a cookbook author from Mumbai who has been hosting annual gatherings for friends and acquaintances since 2021. Gurjar's living room was transformed into an intimate setting with Amaranthus blooms complementing family heirlooms and fresh pomegranates on display. A tiffin bearing her relative's initials sat atop draped brown fabric, adding a personal touch to the space. The room's decor would have been familiar to readers of Gurjar's debut cookbook, East to East: Recipes and Stories From Mumbai to New York. Gurjar moved about the room in a pre-draped blue floral sari, busily labelling plates with scraps of tape as she prepared for the evening's festivities. She pulled out a white platter from an immaculately organized glass cabinet, stating that it was likely intended for the duck dish being served. The party marked the sixth annual Diwali gathering hosted by Gurjar, who had initially started throwing these events because she didn't have a place to celebrate the holiday herself. This year's event featured a more subdued atmosphere, with around a dozen guests in attendance - all of whom were chefs, artists, and designers who contributed to the creation of her book either through their work or inspiration. The intimate Diwali dinner party hosted by a creative figure in Brooklyn was a celebration of community and collaboration. This year's event marked a departure from the more public launch parties that have taken place earlier. The guest list consisted of individuals who have contributed to her work, either through their art or culinary expertise. Gurjar's chosen family is a diverse group of creatives, with an emphasis on Black, Brown, and AAPI talent that makes New York City what it is today. She aimed to create an environment where every individual could express themselves creatively. The evening was designed to be a space for connection and mutual appreciation among the guests. The dinner party featured an array of dishes and drinks created by Gurjar herself, including a spicy pani puri mezcalita and masala popcorn. Guests were treated to whipped masala and curry leaf butters served in vintage coupes alongside a sweet-sour pomegranate Chex Mix that had taken 12 attempts to perfect. Bollywood music filled the air as guests mingled and applied bindis to one another, fostering an atmosphere of warmth and camaraderie. The culinary journey at Rachel Gurjar's Diwali dinner party is a reflection of her cultural heritage, seamlessly blending flavors from Mumbai with those of New York City. Gurjar's mother, Ranjana, brought over homemade potato and rice chips she had made in India, cleverly sneaking them past airport security. The gesture was a testament to the importance of family traditions in their household. In fact, Ranjana spent an entire week helping Rachel prepare for the event, kneading dough and frying gulab jamun. Chef Josh Osamor, who has collaborated with Rachel on a Nigerian-Indian supper club project, praises her goat curry as one of the most delicious dishes he's ever tasted. He notes that their partnership was a natural fit, given their shared passion for fusion cuisine. The chef credits Rachel's ability to balance flavors and textures as a key element in making their biryani jollof dish a success. As guests continue to mingle and enjoy the food, artist and fashion designer Misha Japanwala makes an entrance in a stunning gold-and-silver lamé sari, complete with a custom silver breastplate she designed using body casting. The breastplate has already gained attention from high-profile clients like Cardi B and Lizzo, who have commissioned similar pieces. With a playful smile, Misha quips that everyone needs a silver breastplate in their wardrobe. As she moves through the room, Japanwala's outfit catches attention - her accessories are a testament to her roots in Karachi, where she grew up surrounded by the vibrant culture of South Asia. A close look at her jewelry reveals nipple-cast rings and silver trinkets that add a touch of elegance to her overall look. Her fashion sense is a reflection of her diverse background, which has been enriched by her experiences since moving to New York. The dinner party, an intimate celebration of Diwali, brings together people from different backgrounds who share a common connection - their South Asian heritage. Japanwala's decision to extend invitations beyond her immediate community has created a unique and inclusive atmosphere. Next to her, fashion designer Sheena Sood is making a statement with her mirrorwork lehenga and matching knit shrug, both of which are part of Abacaxi's 2021 collection. Gurjar continues to work her magic in the kitchen, expertly searing duck breasts for one of her signature dishes, paanch phoran duck, which is sure to be a hit with the guests. The aroma of freshly baked naan wafts through the air as platters of rice arrive at the table. This delicious accompaniment was lovingly prepared by Gurjar and her mother earlier that morning, adding an extra layer of warmth and hospitality to the evening. As dessert is served, the sweet treats on offer are truly mouth-watering. Homemade gulab jamun and cardamom sticky toffee cake have been carefully crafted by Gurjar, with caramel flooding each cake and a sprinkle of flaky salt adding a touch of sophistication. The evening's festivities show no signs of slowing down as Osamor expertly mixes up another round of dirty chai espresso martinis. Meanwhile, the conversation on the couch turns to more serious topics as guests reflect on their own experiences navigating cultural divides and distance from home. The dinner party in Brooklyn was a celebration not just of Diwali but also of the power of food to bridge cultural divides and connect people from different backgrounds. For some guests, this connection was particularly significant given their own experiences navigating distance from home. Gurjar's presence at the gathering had inspired many with her own journey as an Indian immigrant pursuing a creative path in the culinary arts. Her story is one that has resonated with others who have felt held back by societal expectations or lack of representation in their chosen field. The conversation turned to more serious topics, with guests reflecting on the experiences that have shaped them and the importance of telling diverse stories through food and other forms of creative expression. --- Source: [Vogue](https://www.vogue.com/article/rachel-gurjar-diwali-dinner-party-brooklyn) Published by News Central Site: https://newscentral.site/private-diwali-dinner-party-held-in-brooklyn/