A radiant Celebration of Light, Culture and Heritage took place on October 18th, 2025 at Gracie Mansion’s Conservancy in partnership with the International Museum of The Saree, Diwali was celebrated in style the Festival of Lights Tour. The afternoon opened with heartfelt remarks from Chioma Ohakam, GMC’s Director of Public Engagement, and guest speaker Dr. Vipul Patel, MD, who welcomed guests into “The People’s House.” They highlighted the importance of embracing cultural diversity, beauty, and unity within the historic halls of Gracie Mansion.

Guests were treated to an enchanting musical interlude by International Award Winning Artist world-renowned maestro Ustad Kamal Sabri, a leading figure in Indian Classical music. Performing on a 150-year-old sarangi passed down from his father, legendary Ustad Sabri Khan, Ustad Sabri’s soulful Diwali bhajans mesmerized the audience, bridging generations of musical tradition.

The evening continued with a moving poetic performance by Dr. Ashvini Persaud, who recited from the forthcoming  literary book “Saree To The New World” and its accompanying musical album. Dr. Persaud seamlessly wove together live poetry, audience participation, and musical collaboration with Ustad Kamal Sabri, transforming the moment into a living archive of art and connection. Wearing a vintage Gujarati saree featured in the International Museum of The Saree, she embodied the spirit of cultural preservation.

The event welcomed a beautifully diverse gathering, including leaders of International Museum of The Saree, Suriname Permanent Mission, BAPS Sri Swaminarayan Mandir, GPK Foundation, Bengali International Literary Society, Sri Chinmoy Mission, Hrudayam Arts, South Asian Diasporas and local New Yorkers. Guests admired displays of illuminated diyas, colorful figurines and poetic stories by Dr. Persaud of Rama, Sita, and Lakshmi, and saree donated by Lakshmi Singh, honoring the goddess of prosperity.

A heartfelt thank-you to GMC Docent Mary Reynolds for leading guests through an inspiring tour of Gracie Mansion’s rich history and heritage while celebrating light, culture, and community and thanks to all the amazing guests who came out to support the first Diwali Tour at Gracie Mansion. International Museum of The Saree has been an influencer pop up museum directly and indirectly helping many organizations and leaders to develop inclusive perspectives in programming of cultural heritage and includes honorary members such as, Pt. Anup Jalota, Dilip Sen Rahul Roy and diplomatic diaspora families

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