Diwali Dance Party

Join us for the East Bay's Diwali party (21+), a joyous celebration of community and South Asian culture. Anchored in the time-honored tradition of the Festival of Lights, this event invites you to immerse yourself in a rich tapestry of dance, snacks, music, and sparkling festivities. We are committed to creating a welcoming and safe space for all, with a special emphasis on centering and uplifting QTBIPOC individuals. Come as you are, and know that your full self is not only seen but celebrated.

follow @eastbaydiwali for updates!

HUGE shout-out to our participating artists and vendors:
@the.kulfi.jaan
Kulfi Jaan (he/she/they), from the House of Vagistan, is a Desi drag deity and the people’s courtesan. Kulfi's recent adventures in Boston brought him to the Top 3 of the Serve Star! competition, winner of Lucky 13, and opener for Chappell Roan at House of Blues. This singing, dancing, genderfucking force is thrilled to bring the sweetness of life and Bollywood delight to the Bay Area

@chaikana_oakland
Chaikana means house of tea in many languages, including Urdu. Run by Fayzan, a local queer trans-Muslim, chai khana Oakland hopes to build more belonging and intergenerational community (while countering whitewashed chai tea lattes). Come try their chai offerings, including oat milk and decaf, host a chai workshop, or take home some concentrate!

@sejalkargal
Sejal Kargal known as $EJ is a first-generation South Indian-American fusion Carnatic-trained singer-songwriter who blends traditional South Asian sounds with modern indie and experimental genres. Her music, marked by authenticity and heartfelt storytelling, explores themes of identity, and self-discovery. 

@duniyadanceanddrum
Formed in April 2007, Duniya Dance and Drum Company creates dance and music from Punjab, India, Guinea, and West Africa, and unique blends of these forms and beyond. The word duniya means “world” in a wide array of languages, including Punjabi, Arabic, Susu, and Wolof. Duniya’s work embodies this word, as it explores the forces that have brought together the members of the company and their dance and drum styles, including, but not limited to, colonization, globalization, immigration, art, dance, music, and love.

@henna_by_jinal
As a henna artist, Jinal’s journey began with a deep appreciation for art and culture. Over time, what started as a hobby transformed into a passion, allowing her to express her creativity while sharing the rich traditions of henna with others. Each design she creates is not just art; it’s a way of celebrating life’s moments and a way to connect with people.

@badambabe
Badam Babe is an SF micro bakery that melts nostalgic and authentic South Asian flavors into American desserts. It reflects my heritage as an Indian woman growing up in America. The business originally started as a way for me to practice European pastry techniques with flavors that felt real to my roots, but it became a diary of how I think about my identity and my connection to food and pastry. While I started the business only making cakes, cupcakes, and cookies, I’ve expanded into chocolate making.

@fatima
Fatima Zaidi is an artist, neuro-affirming behavior analyst, and special education advocate. Her work centers around themes of dignity, community, and the beauty of her Indian-Pakistani heritage. Through her art and advocacy, Fatima weaves together cultural expression and a commitment to inclusive spaces, celebrating both identity and connection.

@whatmeenamakes
Meena is a chef and maker engaged in multi-sensory storytelling through her food and product line, YAAR. YAAR is her connection to her ancestors and her Iranian and Indian roots. The word "YAAR" means both friend and beloved, and the brand explores the tastes and aromas of India and Iran through the lens of the diaspora.

DJ line up

IMLI
IMLI is a diasporic Punjabi antidisciplinary artist raised in the Bay Area, currently residing on unceded Ohlone land. They craft across physical and digital realms of ink, paint, textile, audio, video, organic materials, and projection design. Their creative practice is an avenue for storytelling, existing at the intersections of community care and cultural continuity.

DJ BAQVAS
DJ BAQVAS is a queer & genderfluid bay area local who enjoys bringing people together through the art of curating music. They've performed at Arwah Collective benefit shows for Kashmir, and Queer Eid events, and have produced shows on BFF.fm, Lower Grand Radio, and KPFA 94.1FM.

A custom Drinks Menu is in the works for the event including alcoholic, non-alcoholic beverages

Ticket proceeds will go to paying participating artists and vendors, with 10% of proceeds reserved for Sakhi, an organization focused on the South Asian and Indo-Caribbean diaspora living in America in a survivor-led movement for gender justice by providing culturally competent direct services such as a helpline, counseling, advocacy, housing assistance, economic empowerment, food justice, elder abuse intervention, and youth programs that honor the collective and inherent power of all survivors of violence.

Interested in collaborating or have questions? Tell us more here.