Diwali at Maxwell: A Night of Light, Belonging, and Celebration

by David Litwak | 2025-10-09

At Maxwell Social, every gathering is rooted in our philosophy of bringing people together by celebrating each other’s cultures, creating new connections, and making everyone feel at home.

This year’s Diwali celebration on October 3rd embodied that spirit beautifully as our Tribeca house transformed into a luminous celebration bringing together nearly 200 members, founders, and creatives for a night that glowed with light, laughter, and the warmth of community.

The evening was organized by David Litwak (Maxwell), Neerja Patel (Neerja PR) and Natasha Bhargava (Events by Tash), who together curated an evening that honored tradition while reimaging what a modern celebration of culture can look like

Hosted by actors Avantika, Karan Brar, Manish Dayal, and our CEO, David, the evening welcomed familiar faces like TSITP’s Minnie Mills, singer Rhea Raj, model Isabel Machado, and RHONY’s Jessel Taank, along with an inspiring mix of creators, artists, and emerging stars.

Avantika, Karan Brar, and Manish Dayal brought the evening to a radiant crescendo as they took the stage alongside our founder, David Litwak
Avantika, Karan Brar, and Manish Dayal brought the evening to a radiant crescendo as they took the stage alongside our founder, David Litwak
The Grand Room at Maxwell, glowing with candlelight with a stunning backdrop, reflecting the luminous spirit of Diwali

From the moment guests entered into Maxwell, they were greeted with warm hospitality, welcome drinks, and the golden glow of candlelight dancing across the wood-polished floors.

The atmosphere radiated the essence of Diwali, filled with light, warm, and togetherness.

Inside The Grand Room, The Garden Room, and The Explorers Room, the venue itself became a stunning backdrop, admired for its understated yet cinematic beauty, thoughtfully designed by our in-house team to reflect the luminous spirit of the night.

Kripa Joshi, Cynthia Victor, Jully, Pratik Bhakta, Anip Patel, Minnie Mills, and Reina Govindarajan Collett were among the stars of the evening.

Throughout the evening, guests moved between immersive activations and culinary moments thoughtfully created by our incredible sponsors.

Each sponsor brought their own artistry and generosity to the celebration, transforming the house into a living showcase of culture and creativity:

  • Fable & Mane, a modern hair-wellness brand, hosted a bead-making activation, inviting guests to personalize their products with custom beads as part of the evening’s festivities.
  • Kolkata Chai Co., the beloved New York café known for reimagining authentic Indian chai for a new generation, served hot and iced chai along with their signature chai martini, which quickly became a guest favorite.
  • Ahmad Tea the family-owned British tea brand, gifted guests beautifully designed and packaged gift sets to take home as a thoughtful end to the evening.
  • Malai Ice Cream, the Brooklyn-based favorite celebrated for its aromatic South Asian flavors and rich, velvety texture, delighted guests with a cart serving their signature ice creams throughout the evening.
  • Maalicious, a jewelry label known for its elegant craftsmanship, showcased stunning pieces for try on and hosted a hair accessorizing activation adorning guests with iconic marigold and jasmine florals.
  • Flutter Butter Bakery, founded by Maxwell member Sabrina Persaud and known for its decadent gluten-free treats, delighted guests with cookies enjoyed all evening.
Flutter Butter Bakery delighted guests with beautifully crafted cookies enjoyed throughout the evening
Flutter Butter Bakery delighted guests with beautifully crafted cookies enjoyed throughout the evening
Fable & Mane invited guests to personalize their products with custom beads as a creative and memorable part of the festivities
Fable & Mane invited guests to personalize their products with custom beads as a creative and memorable part of the festivities
Ahmad Tea gifted guests with beautifully designed and packaged gift sets—a thoughtful parting gesture that added warmth to the close of an unforgettable evening
Ahmad Tea gifted guests with beautifully designed and packaged gift sets—a thoughtful parting gesture that added warmth to the close of an unforgettable evening
Malai Ice Cream delighted guests throughout the night with a signature ice cream cart that became a sweet highlight of the celebration
Malai Ice Cream delighted guests throughout the night with a signature ice cream cart that became a sweet highlight of the celebration
Maalicious showcased stunning pieces for guests to try on, transforming the evening into a living gallery of artistry and style
Maalicious showcased stunning pieces for guests to try on, transforming the evening into a living gallery of artistry and style
Kolkata Chai Co. served their signature chai martini—a guest favorite that captured the evening's blend of tradition and modern flair
Kolkata Chai Co. served their signature chai martini—a guest favorite that captured the evening's blend of tradition and modern flair
A highlight of the evening—welcoming Jessel Taank of RHONY to Diwali at Maxwell

Dinner, catered by Unapologetic Foods, showcased the bold and expressive flavors that have made the food group a leader in redefining modern Indian dining. The menu perfectly complemented the night’s spirit — vibrant, generous, and full of connection.

DJ Nava kept the energy high throughout the night, spinning a mix of Bollywood classics and contemporary beats that kept guests dancing well into the evening.

As the program began, Neerja Patel brought her signature energy and vision as she introduced the evening’s hosts and activations. Natasha Bhargava welcomed everyone with heartfelt words of gratitude, setting a tone of reflection and connection. Sabrina Persaud, Maxwell member and founder of Flutter Butter Bakery, shared how this celebration was born out of community — and how Maxwell has always been a space that resonates with creativity, inclusivity, and celebration. Founder David Litwak shared thoughtful reflections on belonging, gratitude, and light – values at the heart of Maxwell.

One of the night's most memorable highlights: Palak Patel of The Chutney Life, together with hosts Karan Brar, Manish Dayal, and Avantika, brought Maxwell's Grand Kitchen to life with a live culinary activation

Avantika, Karan Brar, and Manish Dayal brought the evening to a radiant crescendo as they took the stage. Speaking with warmth, grace, and sincerity, each shared heartfelt reflections on heritage, intersectionality, and interfaith connection, offering personal perspectives that reminded everyone of Diwali’s deeper meaning — a celebration of light over darkness, renewal, and the power of unity across cultures and generations. Their words carried both emotion and humor, bringing a sense of intimacy and depth that beautifully anchored the night. We are endlessly grateful to them for hosting and for making this evening as meaningful and memorable as it was.

Palak Patel (The Chutney Life), together with the evening’s hosts, brought Maxwell’s Grand Kitchen to life in spectacular fashion with a live culinary activation that became one of the night’s most memorable highlights. Side by side, they crafted gulab jamun trifle desserts in real time as guests gathered around, drawn in by the creativity, laughter, and effortless spontaneity of the moment. What unfolded was more than a culinary showcase; it was a shared experience of celebration, collaboration, and joy that captured the true spirit of Diwali.

Neerja Patel brought her signature energy and vision to the evening
Neerja Patel brought her signature energy and vision to the evening

The evening was as much a visual celebration as it was cultural, with fashion taking center stage throughout the night. Harleen Kaur, who styled David Litwak and Neerja Patel, was among several fashion industry attendees, including Megha Roa. The crowd was impeccably dressed, from traditional silks to embroidered saris.

The night flowed effortlessly, each moment weaving into the next, with music and laughter spilling across rooms, candles burning low, and friendships forming in the soft hum of conversation. By the end, the house felt transformed — alive with the spirit of Diwali and the warmth of everyone who filled it. It was a celebration of light, yes, but also of belonging, connection, and the beauty of coming together under one roof.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who joined us in making this celebration so special. Diwali at Maxwell was a reflection of everything we value — community, creativity, and shared joy.

Until next time, and until the lights return — see you next year at Maxwell. 🪔✨

A moment of joy and collaboration as Karan Brar, Avantika, David Litwak, and Manish Dayal gathered in Maxwell's Grand Kitchen to craft gulab jamun trifle desserts alongside Palak Patel (The Chutney Life)
A moment of joy and collaboration as Karan Brar, Avantika, David Litwak, and Manish Dayal gathered in Maxwell's Grand Kitchen to craft gulab jamun trifle desserts alongside Palak Patel (The Chutney Life)
Avantika bringing her creativity to the live culinary activation
Avantika bringing her creativity to the live culinary activation
Palak Patel of The Chutney Life brought culinary magic to Maxwell's Diwali celebration
Palak Patel of The Chutney Life brought culinary magic to Maxwell's Diwali celebration
The evening's hosts—Karan Brar, Avantika, and Manish Dayal—brought grace beautifully anchoring a night that celebrated the power of coming together
The evening's hosts—Karan Brar, Avantika, and Manish Dayal—brought grace beautifully anchoring a night that celebrated the power of coming together
Maxwell's bar, a cornerstone of the hospitality that made everyone feel at home
Maxwell's bar, a cornerstone of the hospitality that made everyone feel at home
Natasha Bhargava welcomed guests to Diwali at Maxwell, setting the tone for an evening rooted in connection, celebration, and light
Natasha Bhargava welcomed guests to Diwali at Maxwell, setting the tone for an evening rooted in connection, celebration, and light
Our Founder David Litwak with Reina Govindarajan Collett at Diwali at Maxwell
Our Founder David Litwak with Reina Govindarajan Collett at Diwali at Maxwell

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