Republic of zoofari brings Ayodhya to life with its annual Diwali gala 2026

New Delhi, October 26, 2026: Republic of Zoofari, an initiative of the Sonalika Group in the area of Corporate Social Responsibility, came to an end as the Annual Diwali Gala 2026, which was organized from October 23rd till October 25th at Dera Mandi, New Delhi. Drawing inspiration from the age-old city of Ayodhya, the three-day gala turned the Republic of Zoofari into an exciting festive venue.

This year’s theme centered on the emotions of reliving our childhood through the eyes of our children.

From the joy of experiencing festive markets to finding stories from the Ramayana, all elements of the gala were carefully planned with one purpose: bringing families back to the traditions of Diwali.

An Ayodhya-Inspired Celebration That Brought Traditions to Life

The gala transported visitors into a beautifully reimagined world inspired by Ayodhya, where traditional Indian aesthetics met contemporary design.

Intricate festive installations, charming little shops, vibrant artisanal displays and immersive cultural experiences recreated the warmth of an old-world Diwali celebration.

One of the defining highlights was the Ramayana-inspired parade, which brought familiar stories and characters to life for young visitors, allowing children to engage with India’s cultural heritage through storytelling and imagination.

For parents and grandparents, the experience offered an opportunity to revisit cherished childhood memories while introducing the next generation to the traditions they grew up celebrating.

The gala reflected Zoofari’s belief that cultural experiences become most meaningful when they are shared across generations.

The Introduction of the Sacred Spirit of Varanasi to Zoofari

As part of the celebration, there was the unique Ganga Aarti ceremony performed at the Republic of Zoofari, by pandits who had come from Varanasi.

Drawing inspiration from the religious traditions of the ghats in Varanasi, the performance of the ceremony helped to revive one of the most revered rituals of India. With the lighting of the diyas, chanting of hymns and aarti, it was a reflective experience for all, which allowed families to bond in the true spirit of Diwali. 

It was a chance for children to experience the beauty of an Indian tradition, while for parents and grandparents, it was a touching recollection of the ritualistic and cultural values shared between generations.

Honouring the Hands That Preserve the Legacy of Indian Artisanry

This year’s Diwali Gala event saw the incorporation of a beautifully curated artisanal market, honouring the rich tradition of handmade products and the people who maintain these traditions.

Flower sellers, chaiwalas, ittar sellers, paper crafters, and bangle artists showcased the rich tradition of India’s local bazaars through their crafts.

There were several opportunities for visitors to see the process of creating unique handmade products that we take for granted.

Apart from preserving India’s rich cultural heritage, the programme honoured the commitment of Republic of Zoofari in helping artisans in the community gain meaningful opportunities.

The Republic of Zoofari is also reaching out to the community in another way by including the talents of women and men from the neighbouring villages in the skill development programme, such as embroidery.

Table No. 17: The Next Wave of Women Entrepreneurs

The next noteworthy point was Table No. 17, which was an endeavor aimed at promoting young women entrepreneurs and budding local brands.

The table placed contemporary entrepreneurship into a venue that had been steeped in the culture and heritage of India, providing the women entrepreneurs with a chance to showcase their products and share their stories with a selective audience.

Through a juxtaposition of traditional artists along with the emerging women entrepreneurs, Republic of Zoofari made an effort to connect India’s rich past to its future through creativity.

The endeavor was symbolic of the main theme of the gala which revolved around celebrating creativity.

Speaking about the thought behind this year's celebration, Akanksha Mittal, Founder, Republic of Zoofari and Director – CSR, Sonalika Group, shared:

"For us, Diwali has always been about more than festivities. We wanted to recreate the magic of the celebrations we grew up with, while giving them a deeper purpose. By bringing traditional artisans and young women founders together, we wanted to create a space where India's heritage is celebrated, emerging talent is encouraged and meaningful opportunities are created. If our children leave with beautiful memories and a greater appreciation for the people and traditions behind them, that's what makes this celebration truly special."

A Celebration of Food, Discovery and Togetherness

Among other things that enhanced the festive spirit, a carefully selected bunch of brands like Olly Olly, 4700 BC, Ledor, Minus 30 and La Tarte was presented.

Brands participating in the event gave the celebration a modern twist along with matching its traditional surroundings.

Families from all generations came to attend the three-day gala and got chances for the kids to learn about Indian culture while the parents relished in the delights of festive shopping and meals.

Zoofari made sure that unlike any Diwali fair, their celebration was small and special with each thing having its own story to tell.

Beyond a Party: Building Memories Generation after Generation

What set the Republic of Zoofari’s Annual Diwali Gala apart from any other event of its kind was not just the Ayodhya-themed location but the emotions that accompanied the experience.

An innocent child discovering the smell of ittar, a mother reliving the experience of selecting bangles on Diwali, or families watching the Ramayana being performed together these are the small instances that encapsulated the essence of the event.

The gala emphasized the idea that traditions were not just handed down to us but experienced, relived and passed on in moments spent with loved ones.

With its consistent emphasis on culture, community, craftsmanship and family moments, Republic of Zoofari is carving out a unique brand for itself as a destination for entertainment with a higher purpose.

With the conclusion of the Annual Diwali Gala 2026, the event did not just leave behind festive memories, it reinforced the idea that Indian traditions need to be preserved and celebrated by supporting local craftsmanship and creating memorable experiences that span generations.

For sometimes the best way to revisit our childhood is to relive it once again through our children.

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