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.


Paisabazaar Launches PB Pass with Collinson, Unlocking 1,800+ Airport Lounges Globally

Paisabazaar Launches PB Pass with Collinson, Unlocking 1,800+ Airport Lounges Globally

By Hariharan U

Published on July 2, 2026

Paisabazaar has announced the launch of PB Pass, a new complimentary airport lounge access benefit developed in partnership with Collinson International, a global leader in airport experiences and loyalty solutions.

The new program provides users access to over 1,800 airport lounges and travel experiences across more than 800 airports worldwide, powered by the LoungeKey network.

PB Pass has been designed to reward customer engagement on the Paisabazaar platform. Users who pay their credit card bills through the Paisabazaar app will get a chance to participate in a monthly “Spin the Wheel” contest, where selected winners receive a complimentary PB Pass.

In addition, the benefit is also extended to new credit card customers. Users who apply for a credit card via Paisabazaar and activate it, followed by their first bill payment through the app, will be eligible to receive a PB Pass as an assured reward.

Each PB Pass allows seamless access to airport lounges or travel experiences through a QR code-based system, eliminating the need for additional memberships or registrations. The network includes lounges such as Travel Club Lounge at Don Mueang International Airport in Thailand, Kyra Lounge at Hong Kong International Airport, and Rose Lounge at Vietnam’s Tan Son Nhat International Airport.

Speaking on the launch, Santosh Agarwal, CEO of Paisabazaar, said the initiative aims to deliver value beyond acquisition and enhance customer engagement across the lifecycle. He noted that airport lounge access remains one of the most valued credit card benefits, and PB Pass makes it more accessible and convenient.

Rom Remy, Managing Director for South and Southeast Asia at Collinson International, highlighted growing travel demand in India and the increasing importance of lounge access as a premium travel benefit. He added that the partnership with Paisabazaar will help enhance travel experiences through the LoungeKey global network.

While lounge access is typically restricted by card tiers, spending thresholds, and usage caps, PB Pass introduces an additional simplified access model through a QR-based system and broader network coverage, complementing existing credit card benefits


STAAH Helps Bizzgrow Hotels Expand B2B and B2C Business Channels

STAAH Helps Bizzgrow Hotels Expand B2B and B2C Business Channels

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 2, 2026

STAAH, a global hospi-tech solutions company, has strengthened the online distribution strategy of Bizzgrow Hotels by enabling its properties to connect with new business opportunities across both B2B and B2C segments.

The group's properties, Silvotel in Indore, Hotel Skylon and Hotel Epsilon in Ahmedabad, and The Hotel Bliss in Patna, have successfully integrated STAAH's Channel Manager, helping improve connectivity, increase visibility across booking platforms, expand market reach, and generate higher booking volumes.

The implementation has also helped the hotel group streamline operations while improving productivity and revenue across its portfolio.

Commenting on the partnership, Abhijeet Deshmukh, MD – Bizzgrow Hotels, said, “Before we integrated STAAH’s Channel Manager, we had not tapped into several potential business channels in these cities, which was affecting the revenue across these locations. Now, we’ve gained momentum in productivity for all our hotels and are exploring new opportunities in the market that we never had access to before.”

Designed for hotel groups managing multiple properties, STAAH's Channel Manager allows bookings from online travel agencies (OTAs) and hotel websites to be managed through a single platform. The solution provides real-time updates on room rates, availability, and guest information, helping hotels reduce overbookings while making dynamic pricing easier to manage.

By reducing manual processes, the platform also lowers the chances of human error and improves operational efficiency, allowing hotel teams to focus more on delivering better guest experiences while driving stronger business performance.

Speaking about the collaboration, Shoaib Ali, National Sales Head India, STAAH, said, “For many groups like Bizzgrow Hotels, broadening their customer base and creating new business opportunities in the B2C and B2B segments is one of the most challenging aspects of the business. At STAAH, we invest a lot of time and effort in training our team to offer the most professional onboarding and training services to our clients, handholding them through every aspect of the transition.”

With the successful integration of STAAH's Channel Manager, Bizzgrow Hotels is now better positioned to strengthen its digital presence, improve operational efficiency, and reach a wider customer base across multiple business segments.


FIFA World Cup 2026: Paraguay Stuns Germany as Late-Night Food Orders Rise in India

FIFA World Cup 2026: Paraguay Stuns Germany as Late-Night Food Orders Rise in India

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 1, 2026

Paraguay produced one of the biggest upsets in FIFA World Cup 2026 history by defeating four-time champions Germany 4-3 in a penalty shootout after the Round of 32 clash ended 1-1 following 120 minutes of play.

The victory marks Paraguay's biggest-ever World Cup triumph. The South American side, which last reached the quarter-finals in 2010 and had not qualified for the tournament since, booked its place in the Round of 16 with a memorable performance.

Paraguay took the lead late in the first half through a header from Julio Enciso, before Kai Havertz equalised for Germany in the 52nd minute. The match remained level through extra time, forcing a penalty shootout. Jose Canale converted the first sudden-death penalty, while goalkeeper Orlando Gill made two crucial saves to seal Paraguay's historic victory.

In another Round of 32 fixture, Brazil edged past Japan with a 2-1 victory to progress to the next stage. Morocco also booked its place in the Round of 16 after defeating the Netherlands 3-2 in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw.

While football fans continue to enjoy thrilling knockout action, the tournament is also influencing late-night food habits in India. With FIFA World Cup matches being played at 12.30 am, 3.30 am and 6.30 am IST, food delivery platforms and restaurant chains have witnessed a rise in overnight orders.

According to data shared by Swiggy Food Marketplace, nearly half of all late-night food orders placed between 11 pm and 3 am during June 11 to June 24 were made between 11 pm and midnight, making it the busiest hour for deliveries on match nights.

Football fans largely preferred comfort food, with pizzas, burgers, fries and beverages topping the order list. The most popular items included Pepper Barbecue Chicken Pizza Mania, Crispy Chicken Burger Peri Peri Meal, Crispy Veg Burger Peri Peri Meal and Garlic Breadsticks.

Among metro cities, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Mumbai recorded the highest number of late-night football-related orders, while Surat, Thiruvananthapuram and Patna emerged as the leading cities among India's growing markets.

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