Hundreds of South Asian professionals gathered at Ambassadors Clubhouse in Manhattan's NoMad neighborhood last Saturday for an annual Diwali celebration that has quietly become one of New York's more consequential networking nights. The All That Glitters Diwali Ball brought together power players across South Asian finance for an evening that blended festival lights with deal talk.
The gathering, held October 17 at the NoMad restaurant, attracted a crowd interested in both celebrating Diwali and discussing transactions, according to Bloomberg. Bloomberg reporter Hema Parmar described the party as a gathering of power players across South Asian finance, noting it serves as a space for dealmaking as well as celebration. Among the attendees were Rami Bajaria and Bela Bajaria, alongside the event's founder and host, Anjula Acharia.
Acharia, founder and CEO of A-Series Investments and Management and manager to actress Priyanka Chopra Jonas, hosts the ball as her annual celebration of South Asian culture, community, and creativity, according to the Daily Front Row. The event has grown over the years into an influential gathering for executives, venture capitalists, and media leaders drawn to its mix of culture and commerce.
A New Venue With Old-World Flair
This year's party unfolded at Ambassadors Clubhouse, a North Indian and Punjabi fine-dining destination from London-based JKS Restaurants that made its U.S. debut in February 2026. The venue was modeled after historical party mansions in Northern India, according to Resy. Past editions of the ball had been hosted at other prominent Manhattan venues, including Lotte New York Palace in October 2025 and The Pierre Hotel in October 2024, as the event's footprint has expanded along with its guest list, per Forbes.
Lexus was among the event's partners, reflecting growing corporate interest in South Asian cultural milestones. The gala also carries a charitable component, raising funds for nonprofits including the South Asian Council for Social Services and the British Asian Trust, with past iterations supporting international humanitarian relief as well.
A Netflix Executive In Transition Among The Guests
One of the more notable names at the ball was Bela Bajaria, who stepped down as Netflix's Chief Content Officer earlier this month after nearly ten years with the streaming company, as reported by the Los Angeles Times. Bajaria was named chief content officer in 2023 and oversaw teams responsible for content around the world. Her presence at the gathering underscored the overlap between South Asian cultural events and the entertainment industry's upper ranks, even amid her own career transition.
Diwali's Growing Civic And Economic Footprint
Diwali has become an official holiday in some parts of the United States.
The economic stakes behind events like the Diwali Ball are substantial. South Asian American consumers represent a fast-growing demographic controlling more than $1.3 trillion in U.S. spending power, according to market research cited by Forbes.
Taken together, the numbers help explain why a Diwali celebration in NoMad can double as a dealmaking venue. Hoodline has covered Diwali observances elsewhere this fall, including a free festival in Houston and the Orlando Magic's Diwali theme night, but the Manhattan gala stands apart for the sheer concentration of finance and media muscle it draws into one room each October.
