💬 Listening first
Before planning Minnesota’s first Neon Diwali Dance Party, we didn’t start with décor or DJs. We started with people.
We listened to parents, dancers, and music lovers to understand what the South Asian community in Minnesota really wanted from a Diwali celebration that feels both familiar and fresh.
Every piece of feedback became part of the design. That’s how Neon Diyas was born, not as an event for the community, but with it.
From conversations to decisions
🕕 Family-friendly timing
“If we know about it a month in advance, we can find a babysitter, and earlier evenings help.” — Sowmya Gopinathan
We heard you, Sowmya.
We announced Neon Diyas a full month in advance and set the time from 6:00–11:00 PM.
We’re calling it an EveNight Party: early enough for families, late enough to keep the festive energy alive.
🎶 A balanced soundtrack
“Most Minneapolis DJ nights ignore South Indian songs.” — Swetha Subramanian & Franky Britz
We made sure Neon Diyas includes everyone’s rhythm.
Our DJs, DJ Bat (Arun Bhatt) and DJ Emdad (Emdad Haider), teamed up to create a set that alternates between Bollywood and South Indian hits, switching every hour for perfect balance.
Thanks to Ashish Batra, another friend from the community who referred some Punjabi songs, you might also hear energetic Punjabi tracks.
🪩 No more crowding the DJ booth
At every DJ night, we’ve all seen it: endless song requests and people pushing toward the booth until security steps in.
To keep things smooth and respectful, we created a Song Request Form.
Every ticket booked before October 20th allows guests to submit three favorite tracks ahead of time.
No interruptions. Just the right mix of beats for everyone.
🧾 Faster, friendlier check-In
“Why is this queue so long? Why are they taking so much time to check us in? Why do you need my phone number here?” — A bunch of friends at a few other events.
We’re fixing that by involving community volunteers at the check-in desks.
Instead of scanning QR codes or searching phone numbers, it’s simple: just say your name and group size.
Plus, the venue’s bar area is right near the entrance, so guests can relax and chat instead of waiting in long queues.
🎇 Creating a sense of belonging
“I miss celebrating Diwali with my family. It’s nostalgic.” — Dhanraj Choudhary
That longing inspired one of our biggest design goals: to make Neon Diyas not just a party, but a place to find new connections and chosen family, a home away from home.
We’re designing a few simple physical and digital interactive experiences, moments where people can talk, play, collaborate, and laugh together. Whether you arrive solo or with friends, you’ll have an opportunity to connect and have fun.
💡 The spark that started it all: Light and Innovation
Since we can’t light real diyas (lamps) or fireworks inside a venue, we asked ourselves:
“What else can represent light in today’s world?”
The answer: Neon.
A symbol of creativity, celebration, and collective energy, where each glow represents a person adding light to the night.
That became the core idea for Neon Diyas: mixing tradition with modern festival energy.
👗 The Modern Twist on Attire
Once the neon theme was set, we wanted the dress code to reflect it — not dictate it.
“Is someone else following the dress code? Whyyyy?” — Pavan Akshay
“I like having a clear theme and I love to dress up” — Neha Dhoke
To honor both sides, the dress code is optional but inspired:
Traditional Indian attire with a modern twist.
Think of combinations like:
- A silk saree paired with sneakers
- A kurta with neon bangles or LED accessories (provided at the event)
- Lehenga with a jean jacket
- Or your own creative interpretation of “tradition + modern”
It’s less about rules and more about self-expression, matching the event’s energy of freedom, creativity, and joy.
✨ Designed with and for the community
From music to timing to design, every idea for Neon Diyas started with someone’s lived experience.
Every frustration became an opportunity, and every wish became part of the plan.
This isn’t just Minnesota’s first Neon Diwali Dance Party, it’s a shared creation by a community that wanted to celebrate, connect, and glow together.
🎟️ Join the Glow
📅 Sunday, October 26, 2025
📍 LUSH Lounge & Theater, Minneapolis
🎟️ Tickets & Details: thamcollective.com/neon-diyas
Follow @thamcollective for updates, community stories, and behind-the-scenes videos of how Neon Diyas came to life.