Durana Elmi and other Afghan celebrities dazzle at Tuti Gala 2024

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Afghan celebrities were in awe at the Tuti Gala over the weekend, paying homage to their culture and heritage at the star-studded event.

The gala, held in San Jose, California, on Saturday, October 19, was a celebration of Afghan culture, art and empowerment, attended by Afghan celebrities from around the world – including singer Aryana Sayeed, filmmaker Samir Rassoly, UFC alumnus Siyar Bahadurzada, among others.

As stars turned out and strutted their stuff, one standout attendee stole the show on Saturday night: Durana Elmi, whose company Cymbiotika served as the event’s title sponsor.

Arriving at the gala in an Afghan-inspired gown and a powerful presence to match, Elmi – COO and co-founder of Cymbiotika, an online natural and organic supplements store – rocked a gown that featured intricate traditional patterns that highlighted her cultural roots while blending elegance modern.

Throughout the night, stars celebrated Afghan creativity and achievements with performances, fashion and art from prominent Afghan figures – including a memorable speech from Elmi, who took the stage to introduce Sayeed’s performance.

“Art has always been a way to express the heart and soul of a culture,” Elmi told the crowd. “Tonight we honor the artists who keep our culture alive, who inspire us with their creativity and bravery.”

The wellness guru, who received a standing ovation for her comments, noted: “This is more than just one night – it’s about uplifting the Afghan community around the world.”