Los Angeles, California, USA: The Canadian entertainer Lilly Singh hosted her fifth annual Diwali event in Los Angeles last weekend, titled 'Love & Light: A Royal Affair', attracting celebrities and artists from Hollywood and beyond.
Themed around Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Netflix hit Heeramandi and styled by Indian designer duo Falguni Shane Peacock, the party fused Indian cultural traditions with Hollywood elegance. Singh’s Diwali gatherings have become a notable highlight on Los Angeles’ cultural scene, celebrated for their combination of South Asian aesthetics and star-studded attendance.
What began as informal get-togethers has grown into a signature annual event symbolising cultural pride and a sense of community in Hollywood. Sharing snapshots from the celebration on Instagram, Singh emphasised her mission to cultivate “community” and create “safe spaces for people to come together.”
“I’ve grown older and witnessed how the world encourages isolation and division, so I focus on building spaces where people can connect and feel included,” she explained. “I genuinely believe that community is the healing force we all need.”
Acknowledging the extravagance of the event, Singh admitted, “Yes, the party is lavish, and I spend an entire year planning it… But that’s because celebrating togetherness is something I’m deeply passionate about.” She noted that she dedicates the same level of care to her friendships and community-building as she does to her professional endeavours. “Organising gatherings, creating memories, and fostering safe spaces requires effort and coordination—but it is absolutely worth it,” she added.
The venue’s transformation was handled by Saman and her team at 2CreateDesigns, turning the space into what Singh described as “a completely immersive world,” complete with floral arrangements, vintage furniture, and a fountain surrounded by Kathak dancers choreographed by ChasingLife. The musical lineup included longtime collaborators 3D Sounds and DJ Nitro, along with a guest set by M2Ray.
Singh also highlighted the event’s role in promoting cultural awareness. “Every year, people tell me, ‘This was my first Diwali, and I can’t wait for the next one,’” she shared. “Moments like these are meaningful to me because when I first arrived in LA, few people I met knew about South Asian traditions. Today, Diwali is officially recognised as a holiday in California.”
Looking ahead, Singh said preparations for next year’s event are already on her mind. “It’s not just because I’m Type A,” she said, “but because hosting these celebrations brings me joy. It’s my little light shining throughout the year.”
