India, Oct. 19 -- Delhi's Diwali parties are truly iconic, not just for their scale and glamour, but also for the intimate, heartwarming gatherings that happen alongside the big bashes.

"These are also a spectacle of high fashion; guests arrive in custom-made designer wear and heirloom jewellery, embracing a 'bold, expressive, and elegant' Delhi aesthetic," says art and design collector Shalini Passi.

She reveals that the action peaks post-midnight as she notes, "Delhi knows how to party, and during Diwali, it doesn't stop at midnight. Many of these events go on until 4 or 5 in the morning, with breakfast often being served just before guests leave. Card games, in particular, can go all night. Some friends of mine take them very serious...