Delhi Gears Up for a Safe and Joyous New Year Celebration Amid Fresh Covid Concerns

Delhi Gears Up for a Safe and Joyous New Year Celebration Amid Fresh Covid Concerns

By Author

Published on December 30, 2023

As we are entering 2024, Delhi's hotels, fine-dining establishments, and cafes are all set to welcome the New Year with a blend of excitement and precautionary measures. The recent report of Delhi's first case of the new JN.1 Covid sub-variant has prompted these establishments to prioritize sanitation and hygiene, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for the capital's residents.

Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj urges calm, mentioning the city's heightened Covid testing, with 636 tests conducted on Wednesday. Despite the situation, eateries across Delhi are implementing stringent health protocols for their patrons.

Joy Singh, owner of Raasta, reflects on the impact of the pandemic, emphasizing, "The emphasis is on creating a lavish celebration while ensuring the health and wellbeing of patrons." With 70 to 80 percent of restaurant bookings already secured, Singh highlights their focus on sanitation and hygiene, ensuring safety protocols for hosting up to 250 guests simultaneously.

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Devnath, the manager of Diggin Cafe, acknowledges the challenges faced by the hospitality industry during multiple pandemic waves. Prepared with safety measures, he underscores the importance of responsibly hosting events during the festival season, prioritizing the health and wellbeing of guests.

Delhi's iconic Connaught Place, known for its vibrant nightlife, is gearing up to be the go-to spot for New Year parties. Clubs and cafes collaborate with artists to attract patrons, offering diverse experiences for music lovers. Despite the challenges faced by the industry, a New Year event planner remains optimistic, highlighting the anticipation among Delhiites for the grandeur of New Year’s Eve festivities.

Popular hangout spots, especially those with a social media theme, are preparing to host revelers. In locations like Khan Market, festive decorations draw both shoppers and diners, creating a palpable festival spirit. The manager of Unplugged Courtyard at Connaught Place expects gatherings for BBQ parties, expressing confidence in the safety measures implemented by cafe owners.

As Delhi navigates the festive season, the city's eateries aim to provide a memorable New Year celebration, blending safety with the spirit of joy and optimism.


The LaLiT Suri Hospitality Group & Special Olympics Bharat Honour Mothers of Athletes

The LaLiT Suri Hospitality Group & Special Olympics Bharat Honour Mothers of Athletes

By Hariharan U

Published on May 14, 2026

The LaLiT Suri Hospitality Group, in collaboration with Special Olympics Bharat, hosted a heartfelt Mother’s Day evening at The LaLiT New Delhi to honour the mothers of Special Olympics athletes for their unwavering support, resilience, and love.

The event brought together mothers of athletes, celebrating their silent strength and the pivotal role they play in shaping their children’s journeys in sports and life. The evening was designed as a tribute to their dedication, sacrifice, and constant encouragement that continues to inspire athletic achievement and personal growth.

The gathering saw the presence of Dr. Jyotsna Suri, Chairperson & Managing Director of The LaLiT Suri Hospitality Group, along with Mallika Nadda and other dignitaries, who personally interacted with and felicitated the mothers for their inspiring journeys.

The evening concluded with an intimate high tea at The LaLiT New Delhi, where guests shared personal stories, experiences, and moments of emotional connection. The setting reflected the brand’s continued emphasis on meaningful hospitality experiences rooted in empathy and human connection.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Jyotsna Suri said that a mother’s love has the power to transform lives, and that the event was a celebration of women whose strength and belief help their children overcome challenges and achieve success. She added that hospitality, at its core, is about creating meaningful human connections, and the group was honoured to recognise such inspiring women.

The initiative reflects the shared commitment of The LaLiT Suri Hospitality Group and Special Olympics Bharat toward inclusion, empathy, and celebrating individuals who play a crucial role in shaping extraordinary journeys behind the scenes.

For more information, visit The LaLiT Hotels


Avakaya Mixing Ceremonies Take Centre Stage in Visakhapatnam

Avakaya Mixing Ceremonies Take Centre Stage in Visakhapatnam

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 7, 2026

Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach and The Bheemili Resort, part of the Accor portfolio, marked the arrival of mango season with special Avakaya Mixing Ceremonies held over the weekend on 2nd and 3rd May. The events brought to life one of Andhra Pradesh’s most loved culinary traditions, offering guests a closer connection to local culture.

Rooted in nostalgia and a strong sense of community, the ceremonies were designed as interactive experiences where guests could understand and take part in the traditional preparation of Avakaya. By blending storytelling with hands-on participation, the initiative created a meaningful way to showcase Andhra’s culinary heritage.

At The Bheemili Resort, the celebration on 2nd May unfolded in a calm coastal setting. Guests were invited to take part in the process of mixing freshly cut raw mangoes with spices and gingelly oil, guided by culinary experts. The session offered a deeper appreciation of the effort and skill behind this iconic pickle. The experience was complemented by a selection of regional dishes and refreshing seasonal beverages, adding to the relaxed and culturally rich atmosphere.

The celebration continued on 3rd May at Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach, where guests and food enthusiasts came together for an engaging evening. Set against a scenic seaside backdrop, the event captured the spirit of togetherness, with participants sharing stories and traditions linked to Avakaya preparation. The evening was further enhanced with summer-inspired welcome drinks and a curated spread of regional specialities that reflected the diversity of Andhra cuisine.

Sharing her thoughts on the initiative, Lakshmi Sridhar, General Manager said, “At Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach and The Bheemili Resort Managed by Accor, we are committed to creating meaningful guest experiences that celebrate the cultural essence of each destination. The Avakaya Mixing Ceremonies at the properties are a tribute to Andhra’s rich culinary heritage, offering guests an opportunity to engage with local traditions in an authentic and memorable way.”

Across both properties, the ceremonies reflected a strong focus on celebrating local culture through immersive experiences. Each event was carefully curated to highlight Andhra’s culinary roots while giving guests a chance to connect with traditions in a memorable and engaging way.


The LaLiT Suri Hospitality Group Drives Inclusive Skilling Initiative

The LaLiT Suri Hospitality Group Drives Inclusive Skilling Initiative

By Hariharan U

Published on May 3, 2026

The LaLiT Suri Hospitality Group, in partnership with Sofiya NGO and Keshav Suri Foundation, has launched a transformative skilling and employment initiative aimed at building a more inclusive and equitable workforce in India.

The programme focuses on empowering Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) and individuals from economically marginalised communities by equipping them with industry-relevant skills and facilitating their integration into the formal workforce. Rooted in the idea that India’s growth must be inclusive, the initiative aims to unlock untapped talent while strengthening the hospitality sector’s talent pipeline.

Designed as an immersive, hands-on learning experience, participants were trained within live hotel environments across key operational departments such as Front Office, Housekeeping, Linen & Tailoring, Bakery, Food & Beverage Production, and In-Room Dining. The training approach was tailored to individual abilities and interests, ensuring both dignity and effectiveness in learning.

Beyond technical skills, the programme emphasised holistic development, with participants showing notable progress in confidence, independence, and workplace readiness. The initiative highlights the importance of aligning opportunity with ability, supported by structured mentorship and inclusive workplace practices.

The collaboration also included foundational training at Sofiya NGO’s centre in Mustafabad, alongside mobility support and advocacy driven by the Keshav Suri Foundation. Together, the partners have created an end-to-end ecosystem that bridges the gap between skilling and employability.

Speaking on the initiative, Keshav Suri said, “This initiative reflects our belief that inclusion must translate into tangible action. When individuals are provided with the right skills, support, and opportunities, they not only transform their own lives but also contribute meaningfully to the nation’s progress.”

The programme has already opened pathways for long-term employment, with several participants recommended for permanent roles. At the same time, it highlights the need for continued improvements in accessibility infrastructure and transportation support to scale such initiatives effectively across the country.

Positioned as a scalable model for inclusive workforce development, the initiative reinforces the role of corporate India in driving meaningful change—ensuring that growth is both sustainable and inclusive.

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