A Taste of the Himalayas: Naara Aaba, India's First Organic Kiwi Wine

A Taste of the Himalayas: Naara Aaba, India's First Organic Kiwi Wine

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on March 30, 2024

Nestled amidst the breathtaking Himalayan foothills of Arunachal Pradesh lies a story of innovation and local pride. Here, in the village of Hong, amidst the Apatani tribe, flourishes a unique winery – Naara Aaba, the producer of India's first-ever organic kiwi wine.

The Apatani people have a long history of cultivating kiwi fruit, contributing significantly to India's overall production. In 2016, Arunachal Pradesh boasted a remarkable 26% share of the country's total kiwi output. So, when faced with a surplus of this delicious fruit, agricultural engineer Tage Rita Takhe saw an opportunity.  Why not transform this local bounty into a product that could not only benefit the community but also put Arunachal Pradesh on the map?

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Naara Aaba, which translates to “father's name” in the local dialect, embodies the spirit of tradition and innovation. Launched in 2017, the winery utilizes meticulous, small-batch production methods to ensure the highest quality. The focus is on organic practices, using only locally sourced, naturally grown kiwi fruit. This not only minimizes environmental impact but also allows the unique character of the Arunachal Pradesh terroir to shine through in the final product.

For those accustomed to the world of grape-based wines, Naara Aaba offers a refreshing departure. The kiwi wine boasts a vibrant, pale yellow color and a delightful aroma reminiscent of gooseberries and tropical fruits. The initial sip presents a burst of tangy sweetness, followed by a well-balanced finish with subtle hints of citrus and honey. This unique profile makes it a versatile drink, perfect on its own as an aperitif or paired with lighter dishes like salads, seafood, and even spicy curries.

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Naara Aaba’s success extends beyond the delicious wine it produces. The winery has become a source of empowerment for the local community. It directly supports over 300 kiwi farmers, providing them with a reliable market for their produce. Additionally, the winery employs local residents, contributing to the region's economic development.

While securing a bottle of Naara Aaba outside of Arunachal Pradesh and neighboring Assam can be challenging due to transportation limitations, the journey to experience it firsthand is an adventure in itself. Arunachal Pradesh, with its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality, offers a unique travel experience. Imagine sipping on a glass of Naara Aaba amidst the breathtaking Himalayan landscape – a truly unforgettable moment.

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Naara Aaba's story is an inspiration. It showcases the power of local innovation, the importance of sustainable practices, and the potential of a community working together to create something truly special. So, next time you're searching for a unique and refreshing wine experience, remember Naara Aaba, a taste of the Himalayas waiting to be discovered.


Marriott Executive Apartments Hyderabad Brings Authentic Madurai Flavours to the City with Special Food Pop-Up

Marriott Executive Apartments Hyderabad Brings Authentic Madurai Flavours to the City with Special Food Pop-Up

By Hariharan U

Published on May 17, 2026

Marriott Executive Apartments Hyderabad is offering guests a taste of Tamil Nadu’s rich culinary heritage with a specially curated Madurai Food Pop-Up at its signature dining venue, Mazzo Rooftop Restaurant.

The limited-period culinary showcase celebrates the vibrant flavours, traditional recipes, and street food culture of Madurai, often regarded as one of South India’s most iconic food destinations. Hosted in a serene rooftop setting, the experience blends regional authenticity with contemporary hospitality.

The specially curated menu features a range of signature dishes inspired by traditional Madurai kitchens and local favourites. Guests can savour preparations such as Kola Urundai, Kozhi Kulambu, Vendakkai Mandi, and Kovil Puliyodharai, each reflecting the rustic flavours and bold spice profiles associated with Tamil Nadu cuisine.

The festival also includes dishes like Mor Kulambu, Kozhi Varuval, Kudal Kulambu, Eeral Piratal, and Aattu Kari Kulambu, showcasing the depth and diversity of Madurai’s culinary traditions. One of the highlights of the menu is the much-loved Vandiyur Chicken Biryani, paired with the iconic chilled dessert beverage Jigarthanda.

Set against the elegant poolside ambience of Mazzo Rooftop Restaurant, the food pop-up aims to offer more than just a dining experience by bringing together flavour, nostalgia, and cultural storytelling through food.

The showcase is open until 16th May 2026, from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM, inviting food lovers and regional cuisine enthusiasts to experience the essence of Madurai in Hyderabad.

Event Details

  • Venue: Mazzo Rooftop Restaurant, Marriott Executive Apartments Hyderabad
  • Date: Until 16th May 2026
  • Time: 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
  • Reservations: +91 9100080131 / +91 9100080130

Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru Launches ‘101 Days of Summer’ Experience

Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru Launches ‘101 Days of Summer’ Experience

By Hariharan U

Published on May 17, 2026

Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru has unveiled its “101 Days of Summer” campaign, a property-wide seasonal residency running from May 1 to August 31, 2026, celebrating Bengaluru’s summer culture through immersive culinary, beverage, and stay experiences.

Part of the global Four Seasons seasonal activation, the Bengaluru edition has been thoughtfully adapted to reflect the city’s Garden City identity, combining nostalgic summer traditions with luxury hospitality experiences curated specifically for the local landscape and climate.

The campaign transforms the hotel into a summer sanctuary, offering guests a slower and more experiential approach to the season through artisanal food, botanical beverages, alfresco moments, and curated staycations.

At the centre of the experience is an artisanal gelateria concept featuring a vintage-inspired summer cart that recreates nostalgic frozen treats with a luxury twist. Signature offerings include the Java Plum in the Promenade Sorbet and the Coastal Cream Magnum Bar, both inspired by familiar regional summer flavours. The hotel’s Sunday brunches at CUR8 will also feature rotating artisanal gelatos and elaborate summer sundaes designed around seasonal indulgence.

The beverage programme introduces a specially curated “Garden City Collection” featuring cocktails and mocktails inspired by Bengaluru’s botanical heritage. Drinks such as the Nandi Hills Spritz and Silk Route Summer Float incorporate local ingredients and handcrafted elements, while the “Temperance Trail” mocktail collection offers non-alcoholic interpretations rooted in regional flavours.

Complementing the beverage programme is a dedicated Mango Residency at the Lobby Lounge celebrating India’s most iconic summer fruit. Guests can experience a mango-themed afternoon tea, Alphonso Mango Kulfi, and a range of seasonal desserts and beverages inspired by regional orchards and summer traditions.

Beyond dining, the campaign also positions Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru as a luxury urban retreat through curated summer staycations. Garden suites, poolside experiences, wellness offerings, and leisurely dining moments have been designed to encourage guests to embrace a relaxed and immersive summer lifestyle within the city.

Signature touches such as floral-inspired beverages, alfresco lounging, and poolside culinary experiences further reinforce the property’s vision of blending Bengaluru’s local identity with the global luxury ethos of the Four Seasons brand.

Through “101 Days of Summer,” the hotel aims to transform the season into a thoughtfully crafted celebration of flavour, nostalgia, design, and experiential luxury, offering guests an elevated interpretation of a Bengaluru summer.

For more information, visit Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru


Six Fields Launches #CheersForMore Campaign with Anil Chaudhary

Six Fields Launches #CheersForMore Campaign with Anil Chaudhary

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 16, 2026

Six Fields has launched its Summer 2026 campaign, #CheersForMore, bringing internationally recognised cricket umpire Anil Chaudhary on board to create a fresh and engaging cricket-viewing experience. Launched during the ongoing cricket season, the campaign aims to encourage fans to celebrate not only match-winning moments but also the smaller moments that shape the game.

At the centre of the campaign is a digital film featuring Anil Chaudhary in a role not commonly seen in cricket brand campaigns. Instead of focusing only on players and high-impact moments, the campaign highlights the many events that keep fans emotionally invested throughout a match, from wides and dot balls to appeals, boundaries, near misses, and changing momentum.

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The idea behind the campaign comes from an interesting insight into fan behaviour. While cricket viewers remain emotionally connected from the first ball to the last, celebrations usually happen only during major moments like sixes, wickets, or final victories. Through #CheersForMore, Six Fields aims to make every moment worth celebrating.

Using familiar umpire signals as a creative element, the campaign transforms official gestures into easy fan reactions that people can use while watching matches together. Through this approach, Six Fields hopes to build a more interactive and socially driven viewing culture among modern cricket audiences.

Speaking about the campaign, Prem Dewan, Chairman and Managing Director of DeVANS Modern Breweries Ltd., said: “Cricket is one of India’s biggest entertainment experience and our campaign #CheersForMore celebrates the energy that exists in every moment of the game. The campaign reflects this energy and encourages fans to engage more actively throughout the game.”

The campaign’s choice of Anil Chaudhary also stands out. While many cricket campaigns usually feature current or former players, Six Fields has selected a personality closely associated with the game’s structure and authenticity. Having retired from IPL umpiring only last year, Chaudhary continues to be recognised as the most experienced umpire in IPL history, bringing familiarity and credibility to the campaign.

The initiative also reflects how cricket consumption habits are evolving, especially among younger audiences. Fans today interact with matches through memes, reels, fantasy leagues, watch parties, social media discussions, and live conversations beyond television screens. Brands are increasingly trying to become part of these moments rather than simply seeking visibility.

The campaign will roll out extensively across digital and social platforms during the cricket season. It will include creator collaborations, fan participation formats, influencer content, and real-time conversations to make the cheering behaviour more engaging and visible online.

Speaking on the campaign, Anil Chaudhary said: “Every signal on the field exists because every moment matters in cricket. Through #CheersForMore with Six Fields, we wanted to bring that same spirit to fans and encourage them to stay engaged with the game beyond just the major moments.”

With #CheersForMore, Six Fields is looking to strengthen its connection with cricket culture, social engagement, and celebration moments during one of India's biggest sporting seasons. Cheers For More with Six Fields!

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