On Friday, 10 October 2025, Condé Nast Traveller once again welcomed Bollywood stars, musicians, and entrepreneurs to the annual Diwali celebration, in partnership with Cartier. This year, the event – which has become one of London’s most sought-after invitations – took place at one of the capital’s most glamorous hotels, The Dorchester, which was decked out in all of its glitziest finery for the occasion.
Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is the celebration of light over darkness. Each year, friends and families light up their homes as a way of symbolising new beginnings and the power of good over evil, coming together to celebrate.
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Guests arriving at The Dorchester – dressed in their sparkliest attire, of course – were greeted by Cartier bellboys, who ushered them into the entrance where hundreds of candles set the scene. The guest list was as star-studded as ever, with VIPs including film stars, musicians, entrepreneurs and models. We spotted Anoushka Shankar, Arooj Aftab, Neelam Gill, Akshata Murty, Rishi Sunak, Nic Kaufmann, Princess Gauravi Kumari and many more dazzling in gorgeous ensembles as they floated along the hallway into the ballroom.
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Guests sipped on flutes of Cartier Champagne and cocktails created in collaboration with Godawan, an Indian single malt whisky renowned for its dedication to supporting conservation efforts in Rajasthan. Favourite tipples included the Alwar Old Fashioned, made using Godawan 01 PX Sherry Cask, mixed with saffron-infused honey, cardamom, and a dash of cacao bitters, and Spiced Amber, a warm blend of Godawan 02 Cherry Cask with lime, agave, and ginger.
Chef Chet Sharma from BiBi’s – one of CNT’s all-time favourite restaurants in the capital – provided a menu of exceptional food. Roaming around the Dorchester Ballroom were platters of canapés, including shakargandi malpua (an Indian blini, made from sweet potato) topped with a dollop of pachdi (yoghurt) and Caviar; perfectly crispy murgh methi pakoras; sabudana kurkure (fluffy fritters made from potato and tapioca); delicious vegetable momos and mushroom and chickpea kebabs in a steamed bun.
Surrounded by breathtaking florals from Blooming Haus, guests stopped at various stations of mouth-watering food, from steaming dishes of idii (fermented rice cakes) topped with lobster and dosas brimming with slow-roasted duck to moreish chilli-cheese kichdi. Later in the evening, a fabulous dessert trolley arrived, serving up classic BiBi dishes such as coconut and saffron kulfis, dipped to order in either Pondicherry or white chocolate.
After guests were well fed, the entertainment began. There was a welcome speech from hosts, Global Editorial Director of Condé Nast Traveller, Divia Thani (wearing Jade by Monica and Karishma, and jewellery from Cartier’s Grain de Café collection) and Laurent Feniou, Managing Director of Cartier, before the music began. Singer Lisa Mishra brought guests to the dancefloor before handing over to DJ Kabir for an evening of energetic entertainment.
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Here are some of our favourite photos from London’s glitziest autumn event.
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