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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 12, 2026
Raymond Lifestyle has launched the 10th edition of its annual Garment Exchange Program (GEP), reinforcing its commitment to circular fashion and community development. Running from July 2 to July 23, 2026, the nationwide initiative encourages customers to donate pre-loved garments in exchange for free stitching vouchers on freshly purchased Raymond fabrics.
The campaign will be available across 1,000+ Raymond Shops and select multi-brand outlets across India. This year's edition also introduces a new digital campaign, "FIT FOR YOU. FEELS LIKE YOU.", conceptualised by BBDO India, part of Omnicom Advertising India.
The campaign highlights the value of customised clothing while encouraging consumers to move beyond the one-size-fits-all approach of fast fashion. Through the initiative, customers can donate garments across categories, including shirts, trousers, jackets, women's wear, and children's clothing, while experiencing Raymond's bespoke tailoring services.
All donated garments will be collected by Goonj, a non-profit organisation that uses clothing as a resource for rural development, disaster relief, and livelihood generation. After undergoing a detailed sorting and processing process at Goonj's Circularity Centres, the garments become part of material kits that are distributed as dignified rewards to rural communities participating in local development initiatives such as water body restoration, bamboo bridge construction, and other community projects.
Speaking about the milestone edition, Satyaki Ghosh, Director and CEO of Raymond Lifestyle Limited, said:
"Reaching the 10th-year milestone of 'Look Good Feel Good' is a proud moment that reflects the strong brand ethos. At Raymond, our relationship with our consumers has always been interwoven with threads of trust and timeless elegance and the intent to give back through circularity in fashion. As we continue our journey with Goonj, we stay committed to elevating the dignity of labour in our own ecosystem. As customisation and premiumisation continue to define the Indian luxury landscape, this initiative also serves as a bridge, allowing our customers to experience the unparalleled precision of Raymond tailoring."
Anshu Gupta, Founder of Goonj, added:
"The long-standing partnership between Goonj and Raymond has evolved into a meaningful coming together of people, purpose and possibilities. Year after year, this campaign has shown that when citizens are offered a meaningful platform to contribute, they respond with ownership and commitment. Twenty-seven years ago, we recognised that despite being one of humanity's three basic needs, cloth remained one of the most neglected. Since then, Goonj has worked to change the lens, language and narrative around not only clothing but about material poverty, from an ignored necessity to a powerful resource for development and climate action. Millions of kilograms of discarded cloth and other underutilised material continue to burden the landfill and such relationships stop the same at a scale. We look forward to deepening our partnership with Raymond and continuing to demonstrate how collective action can transform an overlooked resource into opportunities for dignity and sustainable development."
Commenting on the campaign, Josy Paul, Chairperson and CCO, BBDO India, said:
"This campaign celebrates individuality and craftsmanship, reminding us that the best fit is the one that’s uniquely yours. Every garment is crafted to honour the person wearing it - because true style is personal. The catchy song in this beautifully styled film invites people to exchange pre-loved garments at The Raymond Shop for free custom tailoring for a fit that truly ‘feels like you”."
Customers participating in the program can redeem their free stitching vouchers on newly purchased Raymond fabrics at participating Raymond Shops and selected multi-brand outlets. The vouchers issued during the campaign will remain valid until July 31, 2026.
Published on July 11, 2026
Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) has announced the opening of Vivanta Gurugram Sector 95A, strengthening its presence in the National Capital Region (NCR). The launch marks IHCL's 18th hotel in the NCR and further expands the Vivanta brand in one of India's fastest-growing business hubs.
Commenting on the opening, Deepika Rao, Executive Vice President – New Businesses and Hotel Openings, IHCL, said, "Gurugram continues to be one of India's most dynamic commercial centres, supported by strong corporate demand and infrastructure growth. The opening of Vivanta Gurugram strengthens IHCL's presence in NCR and expands Vivanta's footprint in a high-growth market. Designed for today's discerning traveller, the hotel combines contemporary design and intuitive service."
The 154-key hotel is strategically located in Sector 95A, offering easy access to Gurugram's key business districts and commercial centres, making it an ideal choice for both business and leisure travellers.
Guests can choose from a range of dining experiences, including Mynt, the all-day dining restaurant serving global and local favourites; Wink, the rooftop bar offering panoramic city views alongside signature cocktails; and Tease, a poolside lounge designed for relaxed evenings.
The hotel also features a rooftop infinity pool overlooking the Gurugram skyline, a fully equipped fitness centre, spacious banquet halls, and meeting rooms suitable for corporate events, conferences, weddings, and social celebrations.
Sharing her thoughts on the opening, Ashadeep Sidhu, General Manager, Vivanta Gurugram Sector 95A, said, "We are delighted to welcome guests to Vivanta Gurugram. Located in India's Millennium City, the hotel offers a contemporary urban oasis that reflects the city's energy while creating memorable experiences for both business and leisure travellers."
With the addition of Vivanta Gurugram Sector 95A, IHCL continues to strengthen its footprint across key business destinations while catering to the evolving needs of modern travellers.
After a gap of seven years, Zydus Pinkathon is set to return to Chennai, bringing thousands of women together for a celebration of health, fitness, and community. The city's edition was officially unveiled at a press conference held at Hyatt Regency Chennai and is scheduled to take place on August 1 and 2, 2026, at Island Grounds.
Designed to encourage women of all ages and fitness levels to embrace an active lifestyle, the event will feature race categories including 3 km, Lifelong 5 km, 10 km, as well as ultra-distance races of 50 km, 75 km, 100 km, and the 100 km relay.
Over the years, Zydus Pinkathon has inspired nearly a million women across India to take up running as a way to improve their health, build confidence, and become part of a supportive community. The Chennai edition continues this mission by promoting fitness while creating greater awareness about preventive healthcare.
The event also introduced this year's Chennai mascots, each representing determination and resilience. They include Zoha Sanofer, a babywearing mother representing the 3 km category; Nandita Muralidhar, a cancer survivor leading the Lifelong 5 km run; Gaytheri M., a visually impaired runner representing the 10 km category; Geetha Manichandar, a 65-year-old participant leading the 50 km race; Deborah Sushma Lall, representing the 75 km category; and Latha Ravichander, who will lead the 100 km event.
Speaking at the launch, Milind Soman, Founder, Pinkathon, said:
"Every city adds a new chapter to the Zydus Pinkathon journey, and returning to Chennai after 7 years is particularly special. We've always believed that when women come together through fitness, they inspire change not just in themselves but within their families and communities as well. We look forward to seeing Chennai once again embrace this movement and celebrate the many stories of strength that will unfold on race day."
The Chennai edition will also continue The Easiest Exam campaign, encouraging women to perform regular self-breast examinations to help detect breast cancer at an early stage.
Dr. Sharvil Patel, Managing Director, Zydus Lifesciences, said:
"With the Easiest Exam campaign, we seek to empower women with the knowledge that a simple 3-minute self-examination each month can make a life-saving difference. Zydus Pinkathon aims to reach many more women, raise awareness, and inspire collective action in the fight against breast cancer. We believe that raising awareness on women's health and breast cancer remains equally vital, as early detection has the power to save countless lives."
Along with the main race categories, the event will feature young mothers running with their babies, cancer survivors, visually impaired runners, and participants running in sarees, reflecting Zydus Pinkathon's inclusive approach and its connection with local communities.
Ankita Konwar, Founder, Invincible Women, added:
"Every Zydus Pinkathon reminds us that there is no single definition of strength. Whether someone is preparing for her first run or taking on an ultra-distance challenge, every woman is writing her own story. We hope Chennai inspires many more women to begin their fitness journey, knowing that every step forward counts."
The event is supported by Zydus as the Title Partner, along with Lifelong (Fitness Partner), Sirona (Hygiene Partner), and Hyatt Regency Chennai (Hospitality Partner). Other partners include Fujifilm, MILLD, 3TENX, Bisleri, Zivame, Tasty Nibbles, Sports Authority of India (SAI), Fit India, Inc.5, Big FM, with execution by Smiling Tiger Experiences LLP.
Founded in 2012, Pinkathon has grown into a nationwide movement that uses running to promote women's health, confidence, and well-being. Returning to Chennai marks another important milestone in its 2025–26 calendar, reinforcing the message that fitness is for every woman, regardless of age, ability, or background.
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