Films inspired by India's epics have the potential to take audiences beyond the screen and introduce them to destinations connected with their stories. With the release of Ramayana: Part 1, places associated with the character of Jatayu have received renewed attention, raising an interesting question for India's tourism sector: can interest generated by a film translate into lasting visitor growth?

One of the strongest reported examples comes from Jatayu Earth Centre at Chadayamangalam in Kollam district, Kerala. According to local tradition, the hill is associated with the place where Jatayu fell after fighting Ravana while attempting to rescue Sita. Reports following the film's release have highlighted an increase in visitors to the destination. Separate coverage has put its current attendance at around 2,500 visitors a day.

However, the daily attendance figure should be viewed carefully. Without comparable visitor numbers from before the film's release, it is not possible to establish how many additional visitors came specifically because of the movie or measure the exact increase. It nevertheless points to renewed attention towards a destination that already holds a strong connection with the epic.

Beyond Kerala, several other places associated with Jatayu are also part of the conversation. Lepakshi in Andhra Pradesh has a local tradition connecting its name with Rama addressing the wounded Jatayu. The destination is also known for its Jatayu sculpture. In Tamil Nadu, Thirupputkuzhi near Kanchipuram is associated with Rama performing Jatayu's final rites, while Thirupullabhoothangudi is another Vaishnava shrine linked to Jatayu's liberation and final rites. Taked near Nashik in Maharashtra is home to Sarvatirth Jatayu Mandir, which preserves a local tradition connected with Jatayu and Rama.

These destinations offer opportunities to explore a wider Jatayu trail. However, renewed public discussion should not be mistaken for proven tourism growth. It is also important to distinguish destinations associated with the epic through religious belief and local traditions from actual filming locations.

The wider Ramayana Circuit provides another opportunity to connect such destinations. The government-backed circuit includes places such as Ayodhya, Chitrakoot, Sitamarhi, Buxar, Darbhanga, Nashik, Hampi, Bhadrachalam and Rameswaram, among others. While this network offers a framework for developing epic-inspired travel experiences, its inclusion does not establish a recent increase in visitors because of the film.

For tourism organisations, the next step should be to understand what motivates people to visit these places. Some may feel emotionally connected to Jatayu's sacrifice, while others may wish to revisit childhood memories of the Ramayana. For some visitors, the film or a social media post may have introduced them to a destination for the first time. Others may be interested in seeing a temple, sculpture or landscape connected with a story they have watched on screen.

There is already an example of promotional interest from the government. Kerala's Chief Minister publicly invited audiences to visit Jatayu Earth Centre after watching the film. Such initiatives can help convert attention into travel plans, but destinations also need to be prepared for the interest they generate.

Tourism bodies can support this through multilingual destination information, verified booking details, transparent prices, better transport access and manageable two- or three-day regional itineraries. Local guides can help visitors understand the religious, architectural and cultural significance of each place, including the different regional traditions associated with Jatayu. Better visitor facilities, including drinking water, toilets, shade, queue management and emergency arrangements, will also be important.

The benefits should extend to local communities through opportunities for guides, homestays, food businesses, craftspeople and cultural performers. At the same time, tourism campaigns must clearly explain when a destination's connection comes from religious belief or local tradition rather than presenting disputed associations as historically established facts.

Whether the current interest becomes a short-term visitor spike or sustained tourism growth remains to be seen. To understand the actual impact, destinations need to compare daily visitor numbers before and after the release, hotel occupancy, visitor spending and the places from which tourists are travelling. Asking visitors whether the film influenced their decision will also help separate movie-related travel from regular holidays, pilgrimage visits and other promotional activities.

The release of Ramayana: Part 1 has created an opportunity to bring greater attention to India's epic-linked destinations. The reported increase at Jatayu Earth Centre offers an encouraging starting point, while other locations present possibilities for future regional travel experiences. The real opportunity lies not simply in attracting visitors through a film, but in creating meaningful journeys that preserve local traditions, support communities and encourage travellers to explore India's cultural heritage beyond the screen.

France has accused a cyber unit linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of carrying out a large-scale cyberattack on supermarket refrigeration systems, an incident that reportedly affected more than 1,000 stores and resulted in fires, equipment damage and substantial food waste.

French authorities have opened an investigation into the attacks, which took place on October 11 and 12, 2026. Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot confirmed that the Iranian ambassador had been summoned over the incident, while France said it would seek sanctions against those responsible at the European level.

Barrot described the incident as an unprecedented act of cyber sabotage on French soil, adding that the country would consider proportionate measures in response.

According to investigators, the attackers gained remote internet access to supermarket refrigeration systems and manipulated their temperature settings, raising them to as high as 50 degrees Celsius overnight. The resulting temperature spikes caused large quantities of food to spoil. In some locations, the overheating reportedly triggered fires and damaged refrigeration equipment.

The attack affected several major French supermarket groups, including E.Leclerc, Intermarché, Carrefour, Monoprix and Coopérative U. At least 300 Intermarché and Netto stores were reportedly affected. Coopérative U said more than 100 supermarkets had been targeted, while Carrefour reported incidents at 80 stores. Monoprix also reported that approximately five per cent of its nearly 490 outlets were affected.

French investigators have attributed the activity to Shahid Kaveh, described as an offensive cyber unit affiliated with the IRGC. The Paris prosecutor’s office has reportedly requested international arrest warrants for the unit's leader and two deputies.

Investigators cited the use of Farsi and IP addresses associated with devices in Iran as part of the evidence behind the attribution. However, tracing the operators of cyberattacks remains difficult, particularly when attackers route communications through multiple locations and jurisdictions.

The incident has also raised concerns beyond France. Supermarkets in Belgium, Estonia, Ireland, Luxembourg and Sweden reported similar refrigeration problems on November 2, with dozens of stores and a food distribution hub affected. Whether these incidents were directly connected to the French attacks remains a matter for investigation.

The episode highlights the vulnerability of essential retail infrastructure to cyber threats. Supermarket refrigeration systems are critical to preserving perishable food, maintaining food safety and preventing supply-chain losses. Their connection to internet-based monitoring and control systems can also create additional points of exposure if cybersecurity safeguards are inadequate.

For retailers, the consequences of such incidents extend beyond disrupted equipment. A compromised refrigeration network can lead to spoiled inventory, operational interruptions, financial losses and potential risks to food safety. The attacks underline the importance of securing connected operational technology, monitoring unusual temperature changes and maintaining contingency systems that can limit damage when digital controls are compromised.

France's investigation is ongoing, and the allegations against Iran have not been independently established through a judicial finding. The incident nevertheless places the cybersecurity of supermarket infrastructure and food distribution networks firmly in the spotlight.

The White Rann of Kutch is once again set to welcome travellers for Rann Utsav 2026–27, which began on November 1, 2026, and will continue until March 7, 2027. Held at Dhordo in Gujarat, the festival brings together the region's landscapes, traditional crafts, folk performances, local cuisine and tented accommodation, creating a temporary festival destination in the middle of the vast white salt desert.

One of the main attractions of Rann Utsav is the White Rann, which looks especially striking under the moonlight. During full-moon nights, the white salt landscape reflects the light, offering visitors a distinctive desert experience. The setting also gives travellers an opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the Great Rann of Kutch while experiencing the region's cultural traditions.

A Celebration of Kutchi Culture

The Tent City at Dhordo brings several aspects of Kutch's cultural heritage together in one place. Visitors can enjoy Kutchi folk music and dance, regional food, handicrafts and shopping zones. The festival also offers different desert activities, making it an experience for families, groups and travellers interested in local culture.

Accommodation at the Tent City ranges from non-AC Swiss cottages to premium and super-premium tents. The facilities include en-suite bathrooms, housekeeping, dining arrangements, parking and power backup, allowing visitors to experience a temporary desert stay with essential comforts. For those looking for outdoor activities, options include ATV rides, paramotoring and paintball. Travellers can also explore nearby attractions across Kutch, including Dholavira, through guided excursions.

Full-moon dates are among the most popular periods to experience the festival. The suggested windows for the 2026–27 season are November 22–25, December 22–24, January 20–23 and February 18–21.

Booking Safely and Avoiding Scams

While Rann Utsav attracts visitors from across India and overseas, travellers should be careful when booking accommodation and travel packages. Lookalike websites, fake booking agents and misleading package offers can create problems for visitors planning their trip.

Gujarat Tourism directs visitors to the official Rann Utsav website, rannutsav.net, and its booking portal, booking.rannutsav.net. Travellers should use these channels to check availability, accommodation categories and package details before making payments.

It is also important to verify the operator and the exact package being offered. Unauthorised sellers may advertise packages without clearly mentioning the Tent City property, tent category, travel dates, inclusions, taxes or cancellation conditions. Visitors should ask for a proper invoice with the company's details and payment information.

Travellers are advised to avoid transferring money to personal UPI IDs or individual bank accounts shared by unknown agents. Payments should be made through traceable business channels or reputable payment gateways. Offers that create urgency, such as claims that only one tent is left, should also be checked carefully before proceeding.

Transport arrangements require similar attention. Visitors arriving at Bhuj airport or railway station should confirm their transfer details, pickup point, vehicle information and fare in advance. Official packages may include scheduled transfers, helping travellers avoid unverified local transport offers.

Government Support and Visitor Facilities

Rann Utsav is organised under Gujarat Tourism, with the Tent City serving as the official accommodation and experience hub. For the 2026–27 season, Evoke Experiences is managing the site, while Lallooji & Sons operates the Tent City.

This season includes around 70 new premium semi-permanent tents at Dhordo, along with upgraded accommodation and an expanded cultural programme. Visitor facilities include food courts, shopping areas, parking, clean toilets, drinking water and housekeeping services.

The Tent City also provides 24-hour security and surveillance, first-aid and medical assistance, standby ambulance support and wheelchair assistance on request. These facilities aim to support visitors throughout their stay.

The festival's tourism offering has also expanded beyond Dhordo, with additional stays and experiences at Dholavira. Official package transfers from Bhuj airport and railway station are another part of the arrangements for visitors.

With its combination of moonlit desert views, Kutchi traditions, local food, adventure activities and curated stays, Rann Utsav offers travellers a chance to experience a distinctive side of Gujarat. For a smoother visit, travellers should plan their dates in advance, check package details carefully and rely on verified booking channels rather than unknown agents.

Official Booking Websites:

• Rann Utsav: rannutsav.net 

• Booking Portal: booking.rannutsav.net