Saturday night, the Mark C. Marin Center at Antilles School became a vibrant canvas for the Festival of Lights—Diwali—bathed in gold and red. The atmosphere, warm and celebratory, set the tone for an evening that honored the rich cultural tapestry of India while bringing the Virgin Islands community closer together.
This year’s Diwali Ball, hosted by the India Association of the Virgin Islands, centered on the theme of India’s vast regional diversity. From the classical dances of South India to the lively bhangra of Punjab, the evening showcased the country’s cultural landscape in a series of stunning student performances that highlighted the music, dance, and colors of each region.
“We wanted to showcase the entire country—its regions, music, and dances,” said Co-Diwali Ball Chair Darshan Nagrani. “India is so diverse, and we wanted everyone to experience that diversity in one evening.”
Added, Co-Chair Angelina Daswani, “Diwali embodies light, love and the strength of community—and here on St. Thomas, we’re fortunate to have such a close, generous one. Gatherings like this allows us to share our traditions and nurture a sense of unity that will carry forward to future generations.”
The performances, carefully curated by organizer Simran Sakhrani—herself a trained Bharatanatyam dancer—captivated the audience with their energy and elegance. The classical grace of Bharatanatyam, the lively Gujarati Dandiya Raas, and other traditional dances that visually brought India’s heritage to life.
For many attendees, the evening was not just about cultural appreciation—it was also about a sense of connection, which hosts Serena Mohanani and Rohit Khiani shared right from the start, recalling their favorite Diwali childhood memories while setting a personal and nostalgic tone for the night. “Diwali has always been about family,” Mohanani shared. “Even now, our WhatsApp chats light up with messages from uncles and aunties, keeping the bond strong no matter where we are.”
This sense of connection extended to the evening’s support for a cause that has made a significant impact on the community—Cancer Support Virgin Islands (CSVI). India Association President Pash Daswani, a board member of CSVI along with Angelina Daswani, announced a generous $50,000 donation to further the organization’s vital work. “I’ve lost loved ones to cancer—our former president Mulo Alwani and my brother-in-law,” Pash Daswani shared. “Supporting CSVI is one way we can honor their memory and contribute to a cause that helps so many in our community.”
Daswani also challenged attendees to help meet a $500,000 match challenge issued by Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. last month, with an additional $250,000 if the goal is met.
“The support tonight reflects the kind of community we have here in the Virgin Islands,” said CSVI Director Barb Michaud. “The contributions we’ve received over the years have made a real difference, and this commitment will help us continue our work supporting cancer patients in our community.”
The evening’s food offerings were as diverse as the performances. Guests enjoyed a feast that spanned the culinary regions of India, from bold, spicy curries of the north to the light, fragrant rice dishes of the south. Each dish told a story, and the shared experience of savoring the food brought guests together in a further celebration of Diwali’s spirit of community and sharing.
“This is about coming together as a community,” said Ashook Lalwani, a past officer of the India Association. “It’s about remembering what truly matters—supporting one another.”
The night also recognized individuals who have helped build the India Association, including Lalwani and Inderjit Singh, who were honored with the Mulo Alwani Lifetime Achievement Award. In their remarks, both spoke passionately about the importance of giving back. “We’ve built something beautiful here, but it’s the community that keeps it alive,” said Singh.
As the final performance ended and the evening drew to a close, a palpable sense of unity filled the room. The spirit of Diwali—light conquering darkness, hope overcoming despair—was reflected not only in the dances and the food but also in the hearts of everyone gathered. The connections made that night were a reminder of the strength that comes from community, tradition, and the act of giving, leaving a lasting impact that will continue to resonate.
