DIWALI — A CELEBRATION OF LIGHT, South India Meets Bali

An Evening of Sacred Ritual, Meditation, Poetry & Festive Dining

Join us for a magical celebration of Diwali, the Festival of Lights, honoring the triumph of light over darkness, wisdom over ignorance, and hope over fear. We begin with a short, inspiring talk by Manish Pole on the deeper spiritual significance of Diwali, followed by a guided meditation and the traditional lighting of sacred ghee lamps (diyas) — a beautiful ritual symbolizing the awakening of our inner light.

As the lamps illuminate the evening, we gather around the table for a festive South Indian banana-leaf dinner with a Balinese twist, celebrating the richness of Indian culinary traditions and the flavors of our island home.

Throughout dinner, our guest poet will enchant us with a special poetry reading, bringing words of beauty, reflection, and inspiration to our celebration.

An evening to nourish the senses, open the heart, and celebrate the light that connects us all. Come dressed in your festive colors and join us in the spirit of Diwali!

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THE FESTIVE BANANA-LEAF MENU

To Begin

Crispy Banana Chips & Pappadam

Served with coconut, green, and tamarind-date chutneys

A Feast of South Indian Flavors

Beetroot Pachadi — Beetroot, coconut yogurt, mustard seeds & curry leaves

Golden Pumpkin Curry — Pumpkin simmered in fragrant coconut milk

Green Bean Thoran — Tender green beans with fresh coconut & curry leaves

Parippu — Comforting mung dal with ghee

Vegetable Sambar — Traditional lentil and vegetable stew with tamarind

Cabbage, Carrot & Cashew Poriyal — Lightly spiced vegetables with toasted cashews

Golden Basmati Rice

Pandan Paal Payasam — South Indian rice pudding infused with fragrant Balinese pandan

A Sweet Finale

Cashew Mysore Pak — Traditional Indian sweet served with tea

Come dressed in your festive colors and join us for a celebration of light, flavor, and community!