Queer Diwali Ball

A Diwali where everyone belongs

Every year, LGBTQIA+ South Asians are left without a place to celebrate Diwali as their full selves. Many feel forced to choose between their families, their faith, their culture and who they are.

Queer Diwali Ball offers a different answer: a festive, all-ages night where every part of the community is celebrated. Now in its fourth year, the event is bigger than ever.

” Diwali is about light overcoming darkness. For LGBTQIA+ South Asians, that light is being seen by our families and communities exactly as we are. Queer Diwali Ball is where that happens,” said Aruna Rao, Executive Director, Desi Rainbow.

Rang Mahal: the palace of colors

This year’s theme, Rang Mahal, invites guests to dress in royal, colorful, classic Bollywood glamour that celebrates diversity of gender and sexuality. The evening includes:

• Music, dance and drag performances, hosted by Malai
• Featured performers Bertha Vanayshun, Tamasha Bhosle, Hariqbal Basi, Bon Abhijeet and DJ DynAmite
• A Diwali Mela with community vendors, artists and makers
• Food from catering partner Tagmo NYC

Food, access to the Diwali Mela and all entertainment are included in the ticket price. The event is open to all ages and is accessibility inclusive. Early bird tickets are available through October 31 at tinyurl.com/QueerDiwaliBall.

Vendors, exhibitors and sponsors wanted

Organizers are inviting three kinds of partners to join the 2026 Ball:

• Vendors: artists, makers, jewelers, mehndi artists and designers can apply for a spot at the Diwali Mela at tinyurl.com/QDBVendor.
• Exhibitors: businesses, corporations, nonprofits and community organizations can host a table to connect with LGBTQIA+ South Asians and their families. Apply at tinyurl.com/QDBVendor.
• Sponsors: sponsorship details are at tinyurl.com/QueerDiwaliBall.

The 2026 Ball is supported by Platinum Sponsors The Silk Bridge Team at eXp Realty and Rajat Rana & Nathanael Porembka, and Bronze Sponsor Intro Queer South Asian Dating. Tagmo NYC is the catering partner, and the Brooklyn Community Pride Center is the community event partner.

Media opportunities

Organizers, hosts, performers and attendees are available for interviews before and during the event. Visual highlights include:

• Guests in Rang Mahal attire: jewels, sarees, lehengas, sherwanis and classic Bollywood looks with queer representation.
• Live drag, dance and music performances
• The Diwali Mela, with diyas, vendors and families celebrating together

Journalists planning to attend should request media credentials from Aruna Rao by November 5th.

Event at a glance

About Desi Rainbow

Desi Rainbow provides support, education, and advocacy for an intergenerational community of LGBTQIA+ South Asians and their families. Founded in 2021, Desi Rainbow is online at www.desirainbow.org. [Add programs.]

About the Brooklyn Community Pride Center

Brooklyn Community Pride Center uplifts and empowers LGBTQ+ Brooklyn through socially conscious and culturally responsive programs, partnerships, and advocacy. The Center is the event partner for Queer Diwali Ball.