4th Annual Diwali Charity Gala · Toronto

Light Up
The Night

A celebration of culture, connection & charity

November 14, 2026 · Fairmont Royal York · Toronto

Tickets on sale soon — November 14, 2026

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4th
Annual Edition
$295K+
Raised for Charity
400+
Annual Attendees
30+
Proud Sponsors

Culture, Connection
& Charity

The Lit Gala is a not-for-profit organization born out of a passion to create a vibrant and meaningful Diwali celebration for Toronto's dynamic community of cultural philanthropists, one that blends culture, connection, and charity.

We envision a world where the spirit of Diwali, light over darkness, generosity, and renewal, ignites a connected, purpose-driven community to celebrate culture, give boldly, and drive lasting impact at scale.

Read our full story →
Celebrate Culture
Honouring Diwali's spirit with an unforgettable evening of food, music, and community, rooted in tradition, elevated for today.
Drive Impact
Every ticket, donation, and partnership directly funds causes that create measurable, lasting change in communities across India.
Build Community
Uniting Toronto's next generation of cultural philanthropists, supporters, partners, and changemakers, in a shared purpose.

Our Team

Many passionate leaders. One shared vision.

Akhil Chandan
Co-Founder
Akhil Chandan
Melissa Krishna
Co-Founder
Melissa Krishna
Sapna Makhija
Co-Founder
Sapna Makhija
Aryan Raj Nigam
Co-Founder
Aryan Raj Nigam
Amit Goel
Fundraising Lead
Amit Goel
Team
Karishma Ram
Project Coordinator
Karishma Ram
Team
Nabeela Ratansi
Principal Strategist
Nabeela Ratansi
Team

Three Years of Impact

Every year, we raise the bar in elegance, in community, and in giving.

2023 · Year I
I
$60,409 Raised
The Mariam Society
Funded education for 180 girls in rural India
2024 · Year II
II
$105,000 Raised
Handi-Care International
Empowering children with disabilities · Featured in Toronto Star
2025 · Year III
III
$130,000 Raised
H2O4ALL
Record-breaking year · Clean water for communities in India · Featured in Toronto Star

Save a Family Plan

Supporting impoverished families in India since 1965

SAFP — Save a Family Plan

This year, the Lit Gala is proud to partner with Save a Family Plan, an organization dedicated to helping impoverished Indian families achieve long-term stability and self-sufficiency. Every dollar raised goes directly toward breaking the cycle of poverty through empowerment, sustainable housing, and community development programs.

Sustainable Homes Safe housing provides the foundation for families to pursue education, employment, and a healthy lifestyle.
Solar Panels Rooftop solar systems bring electricity so parents can work and children can study after dark.
Family Development Families gain skills to start small businesses and earn sustainable income for financial independence.
Biogas & Clean Cooking Clean-burning fuel for year-round cooking, eliminating health risks from open fires.

The Word on the Night

"

The Lit Gala is sure to change the course of Diwali celebrations in the City of Toronto, for it was not just a night of celebration, but a unique experience that brought with it a sense of strong community, joy and charity. A feeling that had guests asking when tickets will be on sale for next year's event!

Anokhi Life
South Asian Media
"

Surpassing all expectations, it generated transformative support for girls' education in rural India, shifting vulnerability into opportunity. The LIT Gala stands as a testament to what is possible when culture, community, and change-makers come together, delivering elegance with impact.

The Mariam Society
2023 Charity Partner
"

The final amount raised far exceeded our expectations, enabling H2O4ALL to deliver even more safe water projects than we had originally envisioned. It has been a privilege to work alongside the LIT Gala team, and thanks to their efforts, thousands of people in India now have access to safe water and healthier lives.

H2O4ALL
2025 Charity Partner

Proud Sponsors

Past sponsors who have made our impact possible

Plus 20+ additional past partners — view all past sponsors →

As Seen In

Featured in the Toronto Star and Toronto Life

Toronto Star — Lit Gala raises $105,000 for nonprofit dedicated to children in India
Toronto Star · Jan 25, 2025
Lit Gala raises $105,000 for nonprofit dedicated to children in India

The Second Annual Lit Gala raised $105,000 for Handi-Care International at the Fairmont Royal York. Photography by George Pimentel.

Read in Toronto Star →
Toronto Star — Lit Gala raises $130,000 for clean water — 2025 feature
Toronto Star · Entertainment · Jan 3, 2026
Lit Gala raises $130,000 for clean water project in India

H2O4ALL's inaugural India project will bring sustainable change to communities in need. Photography by George Pimentel.

Read in Toronto Star →
Toronto Life
The Little Black Book of Toronto Charity Galas

The Lit Gala featured among Toronto's top charity galas in Toronto Life's definitive roundup of the city's most impactful philanthropic evenings.

Read in Toronto Life →

Join Us & Make It Count

November 14, 2026 · Fairmont Royal York · Formal Attire · Ages 25+

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