Cultural celebration in L.A. blends tradition, art and community service to support the city’s unhoused through SevaSphere
By Pallavi Mehra
LOS ANGELES — As California prepares to celebrate its first official year recognizing Diwali as a state holiday in 2026, the South Asian diaspora is preparing for a season of vibrant festivities, colorful street fairs and traditional temple gatherings. But one Los Angeles event is taking the celebration a step further by blending cultural pride with community impact.
Diwali Dunz, a multisensory, purpose-driven cultural festival, will light up The Kult LA on Saturday, October 24, 2026, with an exciting mix of traditional performances, hands-on workshops, food, art and shopping. What sets the event apart is its deeper mission: transforming festive joy into real support for the city’s unhoused residents on Skid Row. All proceeds from the event will benefit SevaSphere, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides fresh meals, dignity and restorative programs to unhoused Angelenos.
Founded by creative producer AmbiKa “B” Sanjana and artist and marketing expert Dr. Varshini Muralikrishnan, popularly known as “The Musical Doc,” Diwali Dunz was born from a simple yet powerful desire—to bring back the true spirit of Diwali: seva, or selfless service.
Carrying the Light Beyond the Festival
For the co-founders, Diwali Dunz is more than just an event; it is a movement to uplift those who are often overlooked. The festival seeks to extend the warmth of Diwali beyond homes and celebration venues to neighbors who face hardship every day.
“Diwali is the festival of light, and Diwali Dunz is our way of carrying that light to every corner of Los Angeles, including our neighbors on Skid Row who are too often left in the dark. One day where every ticket, every vendor, every volunteer hour goes back into showing up for people through Seva week after week,” said AmbiKa “B” Sanjana, co-founder of Diwali Dunz.
Muralikrishnan says the event is designed to restore the wonder and excitement of Diwali while encouraging lasting empathy within the community.
“It’s Diwali through a child’s eyes: playful, magical, and meaningful, with seva at its heart. We imagined a Diwali where you get to meet your inner child again. Whether you’re five or fifty, you leave understanding the meaning behind our traditions in a way that connects with you,” said Dr. Varshini Muralikrishnan, known as “The Musical Doc” and co-founder of Diwali Dunz.
A Celebration Through Children’s Eyes
Designed for visitors of all ages, Diwali Dunz invites families, children and adults to experience South Asian culture through participation rather than observation. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. PDT, guests can explore creative activities, cultural demonstrations, music, dance and storytelling.
The program includes interactive classes in traditional mithai-making, handpainted diya and puja thali decoration, rangoli design and floral gajra garland weaving. These experiences offer participants an opportunity to learn traditional crafts while discovering the stories and customs that have shaped Diwali across generations.
The event will also feature an instrumental workshop led by multi-instrumentalist Neil Nayyar, energetic dance sessions by Bollypop, an immersive garba lesson from Adaa Dance Studio, and live performances showcasing both classical and contemporary South Asian arts.
Storytelling circles will explore the history and philosophy of Diwali, while a curated bazaar will bring together regional artisans, festive decorations and authentic street food. Together, these activities aim to create a lively cultural environment where heritage, creativity and community can come together.
Keeping the True Spirit of Diwali Alive
Diwali has long symbolized the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance and hope over despair. Yet in an era when festivals can become increasingly commercialized, the value of seva—serving those in need—can sometimes be overshadowed by shopping, entertainment and elaborate celebrations.
Diwali Dunz seeks to restore that balance. By connecting festival participation with SevaSphere’s year-round nourishment programs on Skid Row, the organizers hope to ensure that the spirit of generosity continues long after the decorations are taken down.
Every ticket, workshop pass and bazaar purchase contributes to a wider mission of supporting vulnerable residents. The initiative also demonstrates how cultural celebrations can preserve traditions while responding to the needs of the communities in which they take place.
For the South Asian diaspora, the festival offers an opportunity to share cultural heritage with younger generations and the wider Los Angeles community. For those benefiting from SevaSphere’s work, it represents a practical expression of compassion through meals, support and programs centered on dignity.
A Movement of Compassion
As Los Angeles enters a historic Diwali season, Diwali Dunz stands out as more than a day of festivities. It is an invitation to connect celebration with civic responsibility and to recognize that the meaning of a festival lies not only in its rituals, but also in the kindness it inspires.
By bringing together art, heritage, music, food and purposeful action, the organizers hope to create a model for celebrations that give back to the communities around them. The message is simple: when people share their light with others, the impact can reach far beyond a single event.
Event Details
- Date: Saturday, October 24, 2026
- Time: 11 a.m.–4 p.m. PDT
- Venue: The Kult LA, Los Angeles, California
- Beneficiary: SevaSphere, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit
- Tickets and information: www.diwalidunz.com
- Instagram: @DiwaliDunz
General admission, workshop passes and VIP experiences are available through the event website. Visitors can follow Diwali Dunz on Instagram for updates.