Lights, Sweets, Action! Countries That Could Be India's Diwali Doppelgangers

Lights, Sweets, Action! Countries That Could Be India's Diwali Doppelgangers

By Author

Published on November 11, 2023

Diwali, or Deepavali, the enchanting festival of lights, stretches its warm glow far beyond the Indian subcontinent, illuminating the hearts of millions around the world. Let's embark on a globe-trotting journey to discover the grandeur of Diwali celebrations in five different countries: Sri Lanka, Trinidad and Tobago, Indonesia, a conglomerate of Western nations (Australia, the UK, Canada, and the US), and Singapore.

Sri Lanka: Lamps, Legends, and Ladoos

In the pearl of the Indian Ocean, Diwali sparkles against the backdrop of the serene Sri Lankan landscapes. The Tamil community here mirrors the traditional Indian festivities but with a distinct Lankan twist. Homes twinkle with oil lamps and the air is scented with the aroma of sweets like ladoos, a ball-shaped confection that might just give the local cricket team a run for their money in terms of popularity. It's not just about lights; it's a celebration of the cultural tapestry that weaves this island nation together.

Trinidad and Tobago: A Carnival of Culture

When you mix the vibrancy of the Caribbean with the spirit of Diwali, you get a celebration that's nothing short of a cultural carnival. In Trinidad and Tobago, Diwali is a national holiday, and rightfully so. The night sky is set ablaze with fireworks, while the day is a visual spectacle with the 'Deya' lighting, where thousands of clay lamps known as 'deyas' flicker on the banks of waterways, creating a sight that's as mesmerizing as a calypso rhythm—without the noise!

Indonesia: Harmony in Diversity

The predominantly Hindu island of Bali in Indonesia offers a serene yet profound observation of Diwali. Here, it’s a symphony of religious reverence rather than grand public spectacles. The Balinese Hindus celebrate with prayers, and the lighting of lamps, emphasizing the spiritual aspect of dispelling darkness with light. It's a humble reminder that the essence of Diwali transcends borders and finds a home in the most diverse settings.

The Western Quartet: A United Flame

Australia, the UK, Canada, and the United States may be miles apart, but come Diwali, they're united by the shimmering diaspora celebrations. In these countries, the festival is as much a social bonanza as it is a spiritual affair. From Sydney to Surrey, Toronto to Texas, communities gather in public squares and homes, showcasing a fusion of cultures. Firecrackers, cultural programs, and an array of fusion foods mark these events—imagine a samosa with a side of maple syrup, anyone?

Singapore: Little India, Big Celebrations

Singapore's Little India transforms into a kaleidoscope of colors during Diwali. It's a feast for the senses, with flower garlands and colorful rangolis adorning the streets. The island nation takes pride in its multicultural fabric, and Diwali is a time when locals and tourists alike throng to Serangoon Road, drawn by the allure of concerts, bazaars, and a display of lights that could give the famous Marina Bay Sands' light show a run for its money. It's not just a festival; it's a showcase of Singapore's unity in diversity.

As we light our diyas and sparklers, let's remember that the festival of lights is a beacon of hope and joy that brings people together, regardless of geography.And perhaps, in that shared light, we find the true essence of Diwali. After all, a little light goes a long way, especially if it's shared with a few million of your closest friends across the globe!


Godrej Home Lockers Teams Up With Dhurandhar: The Revenge and Ranveer Singh to Redefine Home Security

By Hariharan U

Published on March 21, 2026

Godrej has always stood for trust and protection in Indian homes, and its latest campaign makes that message impossible to miss. The Security Solutions Business of Godrej Enterprises Group has collaborated with the highly anticipated film Dhurandhar: The Revenge, featuring Ranveer Singh, to launch a co-branded digital campaign that puts Godrej home lockers squarely at the centre of the home security conversation.

The concept is a natural fit. Dhurandhar, as a word and as a character, carries weight: strength, resilience, and an unshakeable sense of dependability. Those are precisely the values Godrej has built its security portfolio around, and the collaboration uses the film's powerful narrative to bring that connection to life in a way that feels culturally relevant and immediately relatable.

A co-branded video featuring Ranveer Singh has been launched across digital platforms, blending cinematic storytelling with a strong product narrative that highlights the robustness and reliability of Godrej home lockers. The campaign is being amplified through YouTube, Connected TV, and Meta platforms, targeting audiences where the conversation about both entertainment and home safety is most active.

Pushkar Gokhale, Business Head of the Security Solutions Business at Godrej Enterprises Group, explained what drew the brand to this collaboration. "Dhurandhar: The Revenge as a concept represents strength, resilience, and dependability, values that are deeply embedded in our brand ethos. By collaborating with a cultural moment led by a dynamic personality like Ranveer Singh, we can bring alive the idea that true strength lies in securing what matters most. Our home lockers are designed to be that unwavering protector for Indian households."

The campaign arrives at a time when Indian consumers are increasingly thinking about both physical and digital safety at home. Godrej's Security Solutions Business has been responding to that shift with advanced home lockers that bring together modern technology and the kind of legacy trust that has been built over decades.

Positioning the product as the true Dhurandhar of the household is a smart and memorable way to make that case, and with Ranveer Singh delivering the message, the reach is guaranteed to be significant.


IHCL’s Gateway Brand Reaches 50-Hotel Milestone with Hyderabad Signing

IHCL’s Gateway Brand Reaches 50-Hotel Milestone with Hyderabad Signing

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 16, 2026

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company, has announced the signing of a Gateway hotel in Somajiguda, Hyderabad. With this addition, the Gateway brand has reached a significant milestone of a 50-hotel portfolio. The upcoming property will be developed as a conversion project.

Speaking about the development, Ms Leah Tata, Vice President & Brand Leader, Gateway Hotels & Resorts, IHCL, said, “The re-imagined Gateway’s ethos is centred on the idea of creating a ‘Gateway to a Destination’, with hotels that are closely connected to the cultural fabric of the location. This strength of the brand has enabled it to rapidly scale to a 50-hotel portfolio, capturing the growth in business and leisure markets across metros cities, state capitals and commercial centres. With the addition of Gateway Hyderabad, the brand debuts in the city and we are delighted to partner with Mr. D. Siva Rama Raju and Mr. DVS. Soma Raju for this project.”

Located in the heart of Hyderabad, the 225-key Gateway Somajiguda, Hyderabad will offer a range of dining and recreational facilities. The hotel will feature an all-day dining restaurant, a specialty restaurant, a bar and a lounge. Leisure amenities will include a modern gym, health club, swimming pool and treatment rooms.

The property will also cater to meetings and events with extensive conference infrastructure. It will include 11 banquet halls, with the largest spanning approximately 10,000 square feet, supported by multiple meeting rooms, making it suitable for both corporate gatherings and social events.

Commenting on the partnership, Mr D. Siva Rama Raju and Mr DVS. Soma Raju said, “We are delighted to collaborate with IHCL for this project. We look forward to bringing a refreshed hospitality experience to Somajiguda.”

Somajiguda is one of Hyderabad’s prominent commercial and residential areas, known for its corporate offices, retail establishments, and healthcare institutions. Its central location makes it a strategic destination for business travellers as well as leisure visitors.

With the addition of this project, IHCL will have eight hotels in Telangana, including three currently under development, further strengthening its footprint in the region.

Mr D. Siva Rama Raju, an entrepreneur from Andhra Pradesh, began his professional journey in agriculture and civil contracting before establishing himself as a leading real estate developer and hotelier in Hyderabad. He is also recognised for his philanthropic and religious contributions.

Mr DVS. Soma Raju, an MBA graduate from the University of Dubuque in the United States, has gained hands-on hospitality experience both in the U.S. and India. He previously led the development and operations of a hotel in Hyderabad and later co-founded a large-scale 999-bed medical tourism project.


Himalayan O₂ – The Tehri Lake Festival 2026 Inaugurated in Uttarakhand

Himalayan O₂ – The Tehri Lake Festival 2026 Inaugurated in Uttarakhand

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 10, 2026

The Himalayan O₂ – The Tehri Lake Festival 2026 was inaugurated at Tehri Lake from 7 to 9 March 2026, marking another important step in promoting Uttarakhand as a destination for adventure tourism. The event was officially launched by Uttarakhand Chief Minister Sri Pushkar Singh Dhami at Koti Colony in Tehri.

Addressing a large gathering that included athletes, tourists, and local residents from across India and abroad, the Chief Minister shared the government’s vision of transforming Tehri into a global hub for tourism and adventure sports. He expressed confidence that the scenic Tehri Lake, surrounded by the Himalayas, will soon gain international recognition for tourism, culture, and outdoor adventure activities.

Highlighting the purpose of the festival, Sri Pushkar Singh Dhami said the initiative brings together tourism, sports, environmental awareness, and local culture on a single platform. He noted that Tehri Lake is not only known for its natural beauty but is also emerging as an important centre for adventure sports. The festival marks the third international-level event hosted at the lake in the past two months.

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The Chief Minister also spoke about several development projects currently underway in the region. Projects worth more than ₹1,300 crore are being implemented to strengthen tourism infrastructure. These include the development of Tehri Lake, construction of a ring road, and the transformation of Timad village into a tourism village.

Adventure activities such as kayaking, canoeing, jet-skiing, parasailing, and scuba diving are becoming increasingly popular at the lake. The state government is also working on developing modern training facilities to support young athletes from Uttarakhand and help them compete at national and international levels.

During the event, the Chief Minister announced that the Koti Colony–New Tehri Ropeway will be developed to further improve tourism infrastructure in the region.

He also mentioned that Prime Minister Narendra Modi shares a strong emotional connection with Uttarakhand and has consistently encouraged initiatives that support tourism and development in the state. The Chief Minister highlighted other sporting events promoted in Uttarakhand, including the high-altitude marathon at Adi Kailash and the MTB Challenge in Mana Village.

Cabinet Minister Subodh Uniyal said the festival is helping connect different parts of the district while supporting regional development. Tehri MP Mala Rajya Lakshmi Shah added that collective efforts are essential for the overall progress of Tehri and for strengthening its recognition at national and international levels.

Several public representatives and officials were also present at the event, including MLAs Kishore Upadhyay, Vikram Singh Negi, Vinod Kandari, and Shakti Lal Shah, OBC Commission Chairman Sanjay Negi, District Panchayat President Ishita Sajwan, and District Magistrate Nitika Khandelwal, along with athletes, tourists, and local residents in large numbers.

Himalayan O₂ – The Tehri Lake Festival is District Tehri Garhwal’s flagship celebration that brings together adventure, culture, and creativity. The multi-day festival features sports competitions, cultural performances, and artistic showcases, attracting participants from across India. The event aims to highlight regional talent while promoting sustainable tourism and the vibrant spirit of the Himalayas.

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