Ditch the Diwali Clichés: 7 Rare Dessert Recipes to Wow Your Crowd!

Ditch the Diwali Clichés: 7 Rare Dessert Recipes to Wow Your Crowd!

By Author

Published on November 7, 2023

Hey there, sugar enthusiasts and confectionary connoisseurs! Are you ready to upgrade your sweet tooth to a sweet tusk? Because I'm about to take you on a delectable journey through some of the most luscious, mouth-watering, and "I-need-a-gym-membership-after-this" desserts from around the globe. Buckle up, because it's going to be a tasty ride!

1. Shrikhand: A Creamy Dream from India

First off, let's get tangy with a classic Indian dessert that's as fun to eat as it is to say: Shrikhand. This yogurt-based dessert is smoother than a Bollywood dance move and comes packed with the perfumed punch of saffron and cardamom.

What You'll Need:

  • 4 cups of Greek yogurt 

  • 1 cup powdered sugar 

  • A pinch of saffron strands

  • ½ teaspoon cardamom powder 

  • Chopped nuts and dried fruits for garnish

Let's Whip It Up!

  • First, let's turn that yogurt into something magical. Line a colander with cheesecloth, pour in the yogurt, and let it sit over a bowl in the fridge overnight. You want it thicker than a winter coat.

  • Next day, scoop that thick yogurt into a bowl, and start an arm workout by whisking in the powdered sugar.

  • Take those saffron strands and let them have a pool party in a tablespoon of warm milk until the color pops.

  • Now, mix the saffron milk, cardamom powder, and a dollop of enthusiasm into the yogurt.

  • Garnish with nuts, maybe some fruit, and voilà, Shrikhand that'll make you do a happy dance!

2. Salted Coconut Ladoos: A Tropical Twist on an Indian Classic

Moving on to a beachy spin on another Indian treat: Salted Coconut Ladoos. These little guys are the life of the dessert party and are as easy to make as they are to pop into your mouth one after another...not that I'd do that...okay, I would.

What You'll Need:

  • 2 cups shredded coconut 

  • 1 cup condensed milk 

  • A pinch of salt 

Roll With It:

  • In a non-stick pan, mix the coconut and condensed milk until they're best buds.

  • Add that pinch of salt — it's tiny but mighty.

  • Once the mixture cools down (patience, my friend), grease your palms with a little butter and roll them into bite-sized balls of joy.

  • Give each ladoo a coconut jacket by rolling it in extra shredded coconut.

  • Pop them in the fridge, and then pop them in your mouth. Delish!

3. Nan-e Berenji: Persian Rice Cookies with a Heart of Gold

Let's jet-set to Iran with some Nan-e Berenji. These delicate rice flour cookies are so light and crumbly, they're like the whispers of angels in your mouth.

What You'll Need:

  • 2 cups rice flour 

  • ¾ cup powdered sugar 

  • ½ cup melted butter

  • 1 egg yolk 

  • Rosewater for that Persian aroma 

The Bake-Off:

  • Preheat your oven — it's getting hot in here!

  • Mix all the ingredients into a dough that's smoother than a jazz solo.

  • Roll into small balls, press with your favorite stamp (I use a smiley face because, why not?).

  • Bake until they're just blushing golden.

  • Let them cool, and try not to eat them all at once. Self-control, people!

4. Cardamom Pistachio Kulfi: The Ice Cream That Doesn't Melt

Next up: Cardamom Pistachio Kulfi. This ain't your average ice cream; it's India's cooler cousin that doesn't drip down your arm.

What You'll Need:

  • 4 cups whole milk 

  • 1 cup cream 

  • ¾ cup sugar 

  • 1 teaspoon cardamom 

  • A handful of pistachios 

Freeze & Please:

  • Simmer the milk and cream in a pot until it's as thick as a plot twist.

  • Stir in the sugar and cardamom until they dissolve like a good alibi.

  • Let the mix cool, then add the pistachios.

  • Pour into molds and freeze. Patience is a virtue, my frosty friend.

Once solid, serve and watch the compliments roll in!

5. Saffron Milk Cake: A Dessert That Dresses to Impress

Now, let's bake a Saffron Milk Cake that's so fancy, it should come with a monocle.

What You'll Need:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour 

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder 

  • ½ cup sugar 

  • ½ cup butter 

  • A pinch of saffron 

The Fancy Schmancy Process:

  • Preheat your oven to "Let's Get This Party Started" degrees.

  • Cream together the butter and sugar until it's fluffier than a cloud wearing a tutu.

  • Add in the eggs, one by one, like a parade of yolks.

  • Sift in the flour and baking powder, and sprinkle the saffron like you're a fairy godmother.

  • Bake until it's golden and glorious. Drizzle with saffron milk because, why not?

  • Serve and watch it disappear faster than your New Year's resolutions.

And there you have it, folks! Five sweet recipes that'll take your taste buds on an international tour de force. Get ready to impress your friends, woo your family, and have your neighbors knocking for seconds. Just remember to save some for me! Happy cooking, and even happier eating!


Water Recycling Systems Launched at Arignar Anna Zoological Park to Boost Sustainable Conservation

Water Recycling Systems Launched at Arignar Anna Zoological Park to Boost Sustainable Conservation

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 5, 2026

Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Vandalur, Chennai, has taken a major step towards sustainable conservation with the launch of a new Water Recycling System at the Nilgiri Langur enclosure. Alongside this, the foundation stone has been laid for similar systems at the Otter and Chimpanzee enclosures, marking an important milestone for the Institute for Climate and Environment (ICE) in its role as Knowledge Partner.

The ceremony was attended by Thiru. Srinivas R. Reddy, IFS, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Head of Forest Force), who graced the event as the Chief Guest. Rtn. Nikhil Raj, President of the Rotary Club of Madras, was present as the Guest of Honour, while Thiru. T. Ritto Cyriac, IFS, Director of Arignar Anna Zoological Park, presided over the function.

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This initiative has been supported by sponsors R B Agarwalla & Co., Aspire Systems (India) Pvt. Ltd., and DRA Homes. Co-sponsors Rtn. Shri Shakthi Girish and Rtn. Suresh Amirapu also extended their support. Circen Technologies played a key role as the CTCe Implementation Partner, offering solutions designed to promote responsible and efficient water management.

Developed in association with the Rotary Club of Madras and implemented by its Environmental Action Committee, the water recycling system has a treatment and recirculation capacity of 400,000 litres per day. The technology provided by Circen Technologies is designed to reduce the enclosure’s dependence on fresh water while maintaining high standards of habitat care and animal welfare.

The system installed at the Nilgiri Langur wet moat enclosure is expected to cut fresh water consumption by nearly 70%. At the same time, it ensures that the primates continue to live in safe and healthy surroundings. This move sets a strong example for eco-friendly infrastructure and responsible water use within zoological parks.

In addition to the Langur enclosure, a new water treatment plant is set to come up at the Otter Pond, sponsored by Aspire Systems (India) Pvt. Ltd. Plans are also in progress for a water recycling system at the Chimpanzee Enclosure with support from DRA Homes. What started with the Langur enclosure is now expanding across the zoo, building steady momentum towards better water efficiency and environmentally conscious operations.

This joint effort by Arignar Anna Zoological Park, the Rotary Club of Madras, and the Institute for Climate and Environment (ICE) shows how strong partnerships can drive meaningful change. By focusing on efficient water usage and animal well-being, the project highlights how public institutions can lead by example in sustainable conservation practices.


GuestEzee with Contactless Check-In is Powering the Next Generation of Smart Hotels Worldwide

GuestEzee with Contactless Check-In is Powering the Next Generation of Smart Hotels Worldwide

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 4, 2026

Hospitality has always been about experiences, but in today’s fast-moving digital world, experience begins long before a guest steps into the lobby. Modern travellers expect instant confirmations, seamless access, personalised services, and effortless communication. At the same time, hotel operators are managing rising operational costs, staffing pressures, fragmented technology systems, and the constant demand for better reviews and stronger loyalty. The industry does not just need another software solution. It needs a smarter, unified system built for the realities of today. GuestEzee with Contactless Check-In answers that need.

Developed by GuestVento Technology Pvt Ltd, GuestEzee is a global, cloud-based Guest Management System designed to transform how hotels operate and how guests experience their stay. It is not positioned as a single feature application or a limited operational tool. It is built as a complete digital ecosystem that connects guests, staff, and management on one intelligent platform.

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Across global hospitality markets, many hotels continue to function with disconnected systems. Property management software operates separately from POS systems. Door lock access remains dependent on physical cards. Guest feedback is collected manually or too late to make a difference. Housekeeping coordination relies on phone calls and fragmented communication. These inefficiencies cost hotels more than time. They impact revenue, reputation, and repeat business.

GuestEzee brings all essential functions together into one seamless structure. With fully integrated contactless check in, guests can complete arrival formalities digitally and access their rooms using mobile key technology. The elimination of long queues and physical dependency instantly elevates the arrival experience. However, the platform goes far beyond entry.

Through a unified guest interface, visitors can order in room dining, request services, receive curated upsell offers, and provide instant feedback. Every interaction becomes smooth, intuitive, and personalized. For hotels, this translates into stronger guest engagement and increased average revenue per room. Built in upselling capabilities allow properties to present relevant services at the right moment, turning convenience into profitability without disrupting the guest journey.

Operationally, GuestEzee empowers teams with real time coordination. The staff interface enables structured housekeeping, f&b and front office workflows, maintenance tracking, and immediate complaint resolution through an automated escalation matrix. Management gains access to a comprehensive dashboard featuring billing, operational visibility, and performance analytics. Instead of working reactively, hotels can now operate with proactive intelligence.

As a subscription driven SaaS platform priced per key per month, GuestEzee offers scalability for mid scale and premium hotels seeking modern transformation without complex infrastructure investment. Its cloud first architecture ensures quick deployment, remote accessibility, and seamless integration with PMS, OTAs, POS systems, and digital lock technologies. The result is a connected ecosystem that eliminates silos and simplifies technology adoption.

Guests demand speed, personalization, and transparency. Operators demand efficiency, visibility, and revenue growth. GuestEzee with Contactless Check-In brings these demands together into one powerful solution.

As digital transformation becomes the defining factor of competitiveness in hospitality, GuestEzee is not just participating in the shift. It is helping lead it.

“Stay at Ezee with GuestEzee”  

For more info visit: www.guestezee.com & mail us at: enquiry@guestezee.com


Innov8 Reports 55% Revenue Growth in Q1 FY26 to INR 38 Crore

Innov8 Reports 55% Revenue Growth in Q1 FY26 to INR 38 Crore

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 3, 2025

Innov8, one of India’s fastest-growing flex space startups, has reported an impressive start to FY26 with Q1 revenues of INR 38 crore, marking a 55% increase from INR 24 crore in the same period last year. Profitability also improved, with EBITDA rising to INR 8 crore, compared to INR 3 crore in Q1 FY25, underscoring the company’s strong operating performance.

This momentum follows a robust FY25 when Innov8 nearly doubled its revenues to INR 123 crore from INR 75 crore in FY24, and grew EBITDA to INR 70 crore from INR 47 crore. The company also stood out as one of only two net-profitable players in India’s flex space segment, reporting a profit of INR 7 crore in FY25.

A key growth driver has been the rise in average monthly membership revenue (AMMR) per seat, which grew 21% year-on-year to approximately INR 10,000. This reflects improved pricing power, customer loyalty, and a stronger seat mix favoring higher-yield formats. Innov8’s asset-light model, which leverages landlord-led capex for capital-efficient expansion, continues to fuel scalable and profitable growth.

To support its long-term ambitions, Innov8 transitioned from a private limited company to a public limited entity in FY25, while also raising its authorised share capital from INR 1.50 crore to INR 26.50 crore.

Pankhuri Sakhuja, Business Head, Innov8, said, “With a strong foundation and a clearly defined roadmap, we are looking for aggressive growth and confident of doubling our center count in FY26. Our focus is on accelerating expansion in high-density hubs across India’s major metros and strengthening enterprise-grade solutions such as private suites and managed offices. We see significant potential in regions like the Mumbai Metropolitan Region and will continue to prioritise growth in these key markets.”

The growth comes at a time when demand for flexible workspaces in India has surged nearly sixfold over the past five years, according to Cushman & Wakefield. Innov8 is doubling down on technology adoption to drive operational efficiency and enhance vibrant, community-led workspace experiences that foster collaboration.

Innov8 offers premium plug-and-play workspaces with flexible layouts, enterprise-grade security, and fully managed services. Its centers are strategically located in prime business districts, giving enterprises access to top talent and infrastructure. Recent expansions include:

  • House Zion near Mumbai International Airport with 1,500+ seats

  • Prestige Tech Park, Bengaluru with 900 seats

  • Graphix Towers, Noida with 500 seats

The company’s client portfolio includes leading enterprises such as Swiggy, Tata Digital, Apollo24/7, Paytm, Razorpay, IndusInd Bank, Whirlpool, BBC News, PepsiCo, Oppo, Snapdeal, Lenskart, Nykaa, BigBasket, Ola, and PhonePe.

Founded in 2015 by Dr. Ritesh Malik, Innov8 is currently present across 10 cities including Delhi, Gurgaon, Mumbai, Pune, Chennai, Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, and Indore, and continues to position itself as a leading force in India’s flex space industry.

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