Diwali Getaways: Top Cities to Visit for a Sparkling Celebration

Diwali Getaways: Top Cities to Visit for a Sparkling Celebration

By Author

Published on November 8, 2023

The festival of lights is upon us, and this year's Diwali is set to sparkle with more than just firecrackers. With a calendar that blesses us with a long weekend, why not swap the usual festivities at home for a burst of new experiences? Let's jet set to some of India's most iconic cities, where Diwali isn't just a festival, it's a lifetime memory waiting to happen.

 Varanasi: A Divine Spectacle on the Ganges

First up, Varanasi – the spiritual heart of India, where the Ganges isn’t just a river but the canvas for the grandest aarti you'll ever witness. Diwali here is a celestial event, an endless cascade of lights and colors that makes the city feel like a galaxy on earth. As the ghats light up with thousands of diyas, the echoes of chants and bells create a soundtrack that's more soul-stirring than any orchestra.

 Jaipur: Royal Splendor Amidst Pink Walls

Next, let's take our Diwali celebration royal at Jaipur, the Pink City that turns into a golden mirage during the festivities. Here, palaces aren’t just historic landmarks; they’re timeless sentinels watching over a city draped in vibrant hues and twinkling lights. The markets bustle with activity, as locals and visitors alike seek treasures in the form of traditional wear and artisanal crafts.

 Ayodhya: An Epic Homecoming Celebration

In Ayodhya, the essence of Diwali goes back to its mythological roots – a homecoming and a victory of good over evil. The city isn’t just lit; it reenacts history, inviting everyone to be a part of a celebration that has been ongoing for millennia. Here, the warmth of the people matches the warmth of the lights that adorn the city.

Goa: A Beachside Festivity with a Twist

Then there's Goa, which offers a Diwali with a twist. It's not just about the sandy shores; it's about cultural fusion where traditional lamps meet the serenity of the sea. Goa's version of the festival includes vibrant fairs, effigies of Narakasura being paraded through the streets, and, as night falls, a panorama of fireworks that reflect over the ocean.

 Kolkata: The City of Joy and the Goddess of the Night

Our festive trail ends in Kolkata, the cultural capital that turns into a panorama of devotion and celebration during Diwali. Known for its grand Kali Puja, the city takes on an ethereal aura, offering a stark contrast to the usual Lakshmi Puja observed elsewhere. The city is alive with thematic pandals, sweets that are culinary masterpieces, and a collective spirit that could light up the darkest of nights.

Each city on this list offers a slice of Diwali that's unique, immersive, and utterly unforgettable. This isn't just about escaping the routine; it's about enriching it with stories you'll tell for years to come. So, light up your inner traveler and let this Diwali be a journey that celebrates not just the victory of light over darkness, but also the joy of exploration and the spirit of India in all its festive glory.


Nimbus Partners with Architect Zafar Masud Chaudhary for Exclusive Clubhouse at The Arista Luxe

Nimbus Partners with Architect Zafar Masud Chaudhary for Exclusive Clubhouse at The Arista Luxe

By Hariharan U

Published on January 22, 2026

Nimbus Realty has joined forces with acclaimed architect Zafar Masud Chaudhary, Founder and Principal Architect of Habitat Architects, to design an exclusive, members-only clubhouse at Tower 5 of Nimbus The Arista Luxe, its premium residential address in Noida.

The clubhouse, envisioned as a tactile and light-filled retreat, reflects Chaudhary’s globally attuned, human-centric design philosophy, prioritising experience, proportion, and understated elegance over ornamentation. Combining texture, light, and spatial layering, the design aims to create an intimate yet expansive environment that resonates with residents on both functional and emotional levels.

Nestled within a 10-acre development comprising 342 finely crafted residences across Towers 5, 7, 8, and 9, Nimbus The Arista Luxe offers expansive landscaped greens, curated water features, and open spaces. The clubhouse will serve as a social sanctuary for residents, fostering community while offering a quiet, contemplative atmosphere.

Sahil Agrawal, CEO of Nimbus Group, commented, “At Nimbus, we approach luxury through intention and longevity. This clubhouse is not ornamental, but instinctive and elegant. Zafar brings a rare sensitivity to scale, materiality, and human behaviour, creating a space that evolves with our residents and becomes part of their daily rituals.”

Zafar Masud Chaudhary added, “Luxury is about atmosphere and the way a space makes you feel. The clubhouse at Nimbus The Arista Luxe is an experiential pause, shaped by light, texture, and continuity. Every detail serves a purpose, creating a subtle yet memorable environment.”

With this collaboration, Nimbus The Arista Luxe reinforces its position at the intersection of architecture, landscape, and lifestyle, offering a refined and emotionally resonant living experience for its residents.


Palaniappa’s Hepi TV Turns Guest Room TVs into Smart Revenue Platforms for Hotels

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 21, 2026

In today’s hospitality landscape, guest experience goes far beyond comfort, it directly impacts reviews, repeat stays, and overall revenue. Addressing this shift, Palaniappa Electronics has introduced Hepi TV, a smart in-room hospitality solution that transforms the traditional guest room television into a powerful, revenue-generating platform designed exclusively for hotels.

Powered by the Palaniappa’s Hepi TV Box, the system replaces passive television viewing with an intuitive home screen built around four smart components that focus on convenience, upselling, and operational efficiency.

One of the standout features is interactive restaurant ordering directly from the TV. Hotels can upload their restaurant menus with visually rich video backdrops for each dish, along with pricing. Guests can browse, select items, choose quantities, and confirm orders using the remote. Once placed, the order is instantly shared via WhatsApp with the kitchen team, room service staff, and management, allowing faster processing and billing without any phone calls. This seamless experience encourages impulse ordering and helps increase F&B revenue.

Hepi TV also simplifies room service requests through one-click options available on the screen. Services such as requesting towels, toiletries, laundry pickup, or spa bookings can be placed instantly. Each request is sent via WhatsApp to the relevant department with the room number, enabling quicker response times. The system also generates service usage reports, helping hotel teams understand guest demand patterns and improve planning.

Another key feature is cab and tour booking through the TV interface. Guests can request transport or tours directly from their rooms, triggering alerts to both the hotel and partnered operators. This adds convenience for guests while opening up commission-based revenue opportunities for hotels.

On the entertainment front, the Hepi TV Premium Package offers access to all paid HD channels across languages, removing the limitation of single regional DTH packs. Popular OTT platforms are available on the same interface, with complete privacy protection as guest login details are automatically erased at checkout. Adding a personal touch, the guest’s name is displayed on the TV screen from check-in to checkout, creating a warm and premium welcome.

Hotels can further use the platform as a marketing tool by uploading up to six branded 4K videos to promote services, offers, or facilities, turning every TV into an in-room communication channel.

All these features are available at ₹400 plus GST per TV per month, with no capital investment required, as the Hepi TV box is provided free of cost. For hotel owners and general managers, Hepi TV positions itself not as an expense, but as a smart investment that enhances guest experience, improves operational control, and generates additional revenue.

Palaniappa Electronics continues to strengthen its standing as a trusted partner for hospitality electronics, known for reliable quality, timely delivery, and dedicated support. Trusted by multiple hotel brands, the company remains a preferred name in the hospitality industry for innovative products and dependable service.

For more details, contact Palaniappa Electronics | Mr. Muthu at 9003045685 or muthu@palaniappagroup.com.


The Piano Man Unveils January 2026 Jazz, Fusion & Symphonic Line-up

The Piano Man Unveils January 2026 Jazz, Fusion & Symphonic Line-up

By Hariharan U

Published on January 21, 2026

The Piano Man is setting the tone for 2026 with a thoughtfully curated January calendar that celebrates musical diversity, collaboration and live performance at its finest. From orchestral pop reinterpretations to genre-blending jazz and high-octane fusion rock, the line-up reflects the venue’s continued focus on quality-driven, immersive music experiences for Indian audiences.

The month opens on January 24 with The Copycats Philharmonic Orchestra, a special symphonic edition of the band’s popular pop-rock repertoire. Known for their energetic sets, The Copycats will perform alongside a full philharmonic orchestra, reworking classics from Motown, disco, pop and rock with sweeping string and horn arrangements. The evening promises a powerful blend of orchestral depth and familiar melodies, reimagined for a grand concert setting.

On January 25, the spotlight shifts to cross-cultural experimentation with the Vishnu • Davis • Haleigh Trio. As part of GOM 26, the project brings together Bengaluru-based Carnatic innovator Vishnu R with American duo Davis & Haleigh. Blending Indian ragas, folk, jazz and blues, the trio offers a soundscape that bridges Eastern traditions and Western harmonies, marking their India and Southeast Asia debut after successful US tours.

January 30 features A Soulful Evening with Lucia, marking the vocalist’s return after a two-year break. The performance unfolds across two contrasting sets, beginning with an intimate jazz-focused collaboration with pianist Aman Mahajan, followed by a fuller R&B-driven sound with backing vocalists, horns and a complete band. The evening builds toward a moving tribute to D’Angelo, celebrating the roots of neo-soul and funk.

Closing the month on January 31 is Freak Audio Lab, led by Swedish guitarist Mattias Eklundh and featuring legendary Indian percussionist B.C. Manjunath. Joined by an international rhythm section, the performance fuses progressive rock with Indian classical rhythms, delivering a technically rich and high-energy finale to the month.

With this January programme, The Piano Man reinforces its position as a key platform for global and Indian artists alike, offering audiences carefully curated performances that balance experimentation, nostalgia and musical excellence.

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