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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.
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By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Published on July 3, 2025
Alivaa Hotels & Resorts has officially entered the world of heritage hospitality with the addition of Heritage Lotwara Fort in Dausa, Rajasthan to its growing portfolio. This marks Alivaa’s 15th property and its first-ever heritage destination, signifying a meaningful leap in its hospitality journey.
Nestled along the banks of the sacred Banganga River, the 17th-century Lotwara Fort was built by Thakur Ganga Singh and is deeply rooted in the history of the Royal Amber and Jaipur States, representing the legacy of the Kilanot clan of the Kacchawa Dynasty. The surrounding village, fondly referred to as "Peacock Town" for its thriving peafowl population, offers visitors a tranquil blend of history, nature, and Rajasthani charm.
Meticulously restored by Thakur Giriraj Singh Ji, the fort today welcomes architecture and history lovers with regal accommodations such as the King’s Room and Queen’s Room, traditional courtyards, historic Kachehri, and ornate Chhatries, all set within 52,300 sq. ft. of royal elegance.
This expansion reflects Alivaa Hotels & Resorts' strategic intent to offer unique, culturally immersive experiences. By preserving and enhancing heritage destinations like Lotwara, Alivaa strengthens its footprint in tourism-rich regions like Rajasthan, while contributing meaningfully to heritage conservation.
“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Heritage Lotwara Fort into The Alivaa Hotels & Resorts collection,” said Akash Bhatia, CEO – Alivaa Hotels & Resorts. “Venturing into the heritage segment comes with immense responsibility, and it's a responsibility we embrace with dedication.”
Vikramjit Singh, Founder of Alivaa Hotels & Resorts, added,
“The addition of Lotwara Fort is a testament to our vision of creating a diverse and captivating portfolio that caters to the evolving preferences of travellers.”
Mrs. Aventika Rathore, Proprietor of Shaurya Hospitality, expressed,
“Their expertise in hospitality management and commitment to excellence make Alivaa the ideal partner to ensure the fort retains its legacy while offering authentic experiences.”
Thakur Lokendra Giriraj Singh Lotwara, Owner of Heritage Lotwara Palace, shared,
“We are confident that Alivaa’s deep understanding of the hospitality sector will help preserve and elevate the legacy of Lotwara Fort for generations to come.”
With this historic addition, Alivaa Hotels & Resorts opens the gates to timeless Rajasthani hospitality, inviting guests to step into the pages of history—where culture, comfort, and heritage come alive.
Pune Gas, a leading provider of commercial and industrial gas systems in India, has launched its first Smart Gas Experience Centre in North India at Okhla, New Delhi. The new centre is part of the company’s expansion strategy and is its first owned facility and seventh overall.
Inaugurated by Mr. Jaisinh Sampat, Founder & Managing Director of Pune Gas, along with company executives Mr. Jesal Sampat, Mr. Bhaven Udeshi, and Mrs. Radhika Oza, the centre marks a significant step toward serving over 7.12 lakh commercial and industrial LPG users in North India. The hub will cater to markets across Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, offering live demos, consultations, and end-to-end solutions for LPG and natural gas systems.
India's commercial and industrial LPG sector remains underutilized, accounting for only 16% of the nation’s 30,916 TMT LPG consumption in FY 2022–23. Many businesses still rely on polluting fuels such as diesel, kerosene, and wood. Pune Gas aims to change that with smart innovations like LPGenius, FuelFusion, and LeakCheck, all of which are showcased at the new centre.
LPGenius, India’s first smart LPG system, addresses key issues like cylinder freezing, reducing wastage by up to 4 kg per cylinder daily and improving productivity by 20–30%. Meanwhile, FuelFusion allows diesel generators to run on a dual-fuel mix without retrofitting, and LeakCheck offers modern gas leak detection for enhanced safety.
Speaking at the launch, Mr. Jaisinh Sampat said, “Delhi’s industrial relevance made it a natural choice for our expansion. With smart, clean energy systems, we aim to help businesses operate more safely, efficiently, and sustainably.”
Echoing this, Executive Director Mr. Jesal Sampat added, “Through our Experience Centres, we’re bridging the awareness gap and making future-ready gas systems more accessible than ever.”
The Delhi Experience Centre stands as a hub of innovation, empowering businesses across industries to embrace cleaner, smarter energy choices.
Experience Centre Address:
C-84, Okhla Industrial Area, Phase 1, New Delhi – 110020
The Indian Influencer Governing Council (IIGC) successfully hosted its 3rd Chapter at Taj Bangalore, bringing together over 100 top voices from India’s creator economy including leading influencers, digital heads, and marketing professionals. In a significant announcement, IIGC declared December 2nd as “World Influencer Day”—a global recognition to celebrate content creators across platforms and categories.
As part of its efforts to empower and protect influencers, IIGC introduced 'IIGC Protect', an initiative launched in collaboration with Trilegal and United We Care x Adayu (Fortis). This program aims to provide legal education and mental wellness support to influencers, addressing key challenges in the fast-paced digital content space. The launch event featured insights from Nikhil Sachdeva (Partner, Trilegal), Rana Atheya (VP – Business, United We Care), Sachin Baliga (Advisor – Neuromodulation Program, Fortis), and creator Aneri Thakkar.
Another highlight of the event was the introduction of the IIGC Taskforce and a new Code of Standards for Brands and Influencers. This segment was led by key industry leaders such as Varun Oberoi (Nissin), Jaikishin Chhaproo (ITC), Gaurang Thosani (Royal Sundaram), and Aparajita Mukherjee (DIAGEO). The discussion focused on promoting ethical content creation and responsible brand-influencer collaborations.
“Influencers have the power to spark change, ignite conversations that matter, and build something bigger than a brand: a movement,” said Tej Prakash Yadav, BBC Media Action.
Content creator Gunjan Taneja (@Gunjanshouts) added, “Being an influencer isn’t about numbers—it’s about the real impact we make. Every word or recommendation could influence someone’s decision to spend their hard-earned money, and that’s a responsibility we must honour.”
The event also featured the Indian Influencer Ratings Weekly Picks, honouring creators across two categories—Trendsetters and Underdoggs. Gunjan Taneja and Thaj were recognised as trendsetters, while Ad.Sum.Twist, Vadiraj Babaladi, Aashika Gowda, Deesha Umesh, Simran Anand, Sneha Shenoy, and Nayanaa Pillai were spotlighted as underdog creators making promising waves.
“India’s influencer ecosystem is shifting from raw creativity to structured professionalism. With initiatives like IIGC Protect, a formal Code of Standards, and the announcement of World Influencer Day, we’re setting the stage for a future where creators shape culture, commerce, and community with purpose,” said Sahil Chopra, Chairman & Founding Member of IIGC.
With three impactful chapters behind them, IIGC reaffirmed its mission to uplift, professionalise, and celebrate India’s dynamic influencer community, laying down a solid framework for growth, responsibility, and recognition in the creator economy.
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