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.


Yes Madam Launches Instant Salon and Spa Services, Records 30,000 Bookings in First Month

Yes Madam Launches Instant Salon and Spa Services, Records 30,000 Bookings in First Month

By Hariharan U

Published on July 19, 2026

Yes Madam, India's leading at-home salon and wellness platform, has launched instant salon and spa services, bringing trained beauty and wellness professionals to customers' homes within minutes. The technology-driven initiative aims to redefine convenience in the beauty and wellness sector by offering on-demand services similar to the instant access models adopted across food delivery, mobility, grocery, and home services.

The company has recorded more than 30,000 instant service bookings within the first month of launch, highlighting strong consumer demand for faster and more accessible beauty and wellness experiences.

Currently, instant spa services are available across all cities where Yes Madam operates, while instant salon services have been introduced in select metro cities, with plans for a phased expansion across additional markets. The average fulfilment time for instant services is currently under 30 minutes, with the company continuing to enhance its operational capabilities to further reduce waiting times.

The launch builds on the growing demand for flexible and convenient personal care solutions. Yes Madam identified an opportunity to bring professional salon and wellness services to customers whenever they need them, whether for last-minute events, professional commitments, festive occasions, or personal relaxation.

The instant services model also creates new opportunities for service professionals by enabling them to fulfil more bookings efficiently. The initiative is designed to deliver value for both customers seeking convenience and service partners looking to increase their earning potential.

Yes Madam currently fulfils more than 3.5 lakh monthly bookings across its platform. Popular services including waxing, facials, massages, and grooming treatments continue to see strong demand, with instant fulfilment making these offerings more accessible for customers with busy lifestyles.

To support the new service model, Yes Madam has strengthened its technology platform to match customer requests with nearby professionals based on location, availability, and expertise. The technology-led approach enables faster service delivery while maintaining quality standards and ensuring a smooth experience for both customers and service partners.

Commenting on the launch, Aditya Arya, Co-Founder and CEO, Yes Madam, said, "Yes Madam has consistently been a disruptor in the at-home beauty and wellness industry. We introduced mono-dose kits to improve hygiene and brought greater pricing transparency by separating product and service costs at a time when no one else in the industry was doing so. We are once again redefining the industry by becoming the only at-home beauty and wellness platform offering instant salon and spa services at this scale. We believe convenience is becoming a vital expectation across different services, and beauty and wellness should be no different."

With instant services gaining early traction, Yes Madam continues to strengthen its position in India's evolving at-home beauty and wellness market. The launch reflects the company's focus on technology, operational innovation, and creating seamless customer experiences.


Starbucks Reserve Opens at World St. Worldmark Aerocity, New Delhi

Starbucks Reserve Opens at World St. Worldmark Aerocity, New Delhi

By Hariharan U

Published on July 17, 2026

World St. at Worldmark Aerocity, New Delhi has welcomed Starbucks Reserve, bringing the premium coffee brand’s elevated café experience to one of the capital’s most vibrant lifestyle and dining destinations.

The opening strengthens World St.’s vision of creating a globally inspired urban destination featuring celebrated brands, immersive experiences, and curated food and beverage offerings. Positioned as “The Social Spine of Worldmark,” World St. is designed as a walkable F&B and lifestyle hub within Delhi’s prominent business district, offering guests a blend of dining, leisure, and social experiences.

The launch marks the fourth Starbucks Reserve store in India and the third Starbucks Reserve destination in Delhi NCR, further expanding Starbucks’ premium coffee footprint in the country. Built around Starbucks’ philosophy of creating a welcoming “third place” between home and work, Starbucks Reserve offers guests an enhanced coffeehouse experience focused on connection, discovery, and community.

The café showcases the craftsmanship behind specialty coffee through a selection of rare and premium coffees, signature espresso creations, handcrafted beverages, and curated food offerings. Guests can also enjoy the brand’s bake-in menu, designed to complement the premium beverage experience.

A key highlight of the store is the Black Eagle espresso machine, an advanced brewing system that enables Coffee Masters to achieve greater precision in extraction and preparation. The technology further enhances the artistry and expertise behind every cup served at Starbucks Reserve.

The arrival of Starbucks Reserve adds to World St.’s expanding portfolio of globally recognised dining and lifestyle brands. Spread across approximately half a kilometre through Worldmark 4, 5, and 6, World St. covers nearly 2,60,000 sq. ft. of gross leasable area and has been developed as a pedestrian-friendly destination featuring global cuisine, alfresco dining spaces, green courtyards, art installations, and contemporary street furniture.

Connecting three iconic Worldmark developments, World St. brings together work, leisure, and culture through a diverse mix of cafés, patisseries, restaurants, and bars. The destination has established itself as one of Delhi-NCR’s prominent food and lifestyle destinations, featuring brands such as India’s first Olive Garden, P.F. Chang’s, and Magnolia Bakery.

With the addition of Starbucks Reserve, World St. continues to strengthen its positioning as a destination for premium experiences, attracting visitors seeking international brands, culinary discovery, and vibrant social spaces.

Starbucks Reserve at World St., Worldmark, Delhi will be open to customers from 15 July 2026, operating from 8:00 AM to 12:00 AM.


IHCL's Taj Named India's Strongest Brand for the Fifth Consecutive Year

IHCL's Taj Named India's Strongest Brand for the Fifth Consecutive Year

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 16, 2026

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India's largest hospitality company, has announced that its iconic brand Taj has once again been recognised as India's Strongest Brand across sectors in the Brand Finance 'India 100 2026' report. The achievement marks the fifth consecutive year that Taj has earned the distinction.

Commenting on the recognition, Mr. Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, IHCL, said:

“Being recognised as India’s Strongest Brand across sectors for the fifth consecutive year is a matter of immense pride. For over 120 years, Taj has remained an enduring symbol of Indian hospitality, staying rooted in its timeless values of warmth, authenticity and excellence. This recognition reflects the deep trust and emotional connection that generations of guests have placed in the brand, as well as the unwavering commitment of our associates who bring the spirit of Tajness to life every day through thoughtful service and genuine care.”

He further added:

“Founded by Jamsetji Tata in 1903, IHCL’s iconic brand Taj has played a pioneering role in shaping India’s tourism landscape. Today, with a portfolio of 150 hotels across 15 countries, it offers a distinctive collection of grand palaces, landmark city hotels, wildlife safaris, beach and hill resorts and service residences. Guided by Paathya, IHCL’s ESG+ framework, the brand’s growth is anchored in responsible business practices that balance environmental stewardship, social impact and cultural preservation. As a custodian of Indian hospitality, Taj remains committed to creating long-term value while enriching destinations, empowering communities and preserving the heritage and traditions that define its legacy.”

According to the Brand Finance 'India 100 2026' report, Taj recorded a 32% increase in brand value, reaching USD 878 million. The brand also retained its AAA+ brand strength rating, supported by a Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 93.5 out of 100.

The report highlights Taj's strong brand familiarity, customer preference, and deep understanding among Indian consumers. It also notes that the brand's signature hospitality experience, widely recognised as 'Tajness', continues to set it apart, with a significant number of respondents identifying Taj as their preferred hotel brand.

Commenting on the recognition, David Haigh, Chairman, Brand Finance, said:

“Taj Hotels’ position as India’s strongest brand for the fifth consecutive year reflects the strength of its reputation and consistency of its brand performance. Brand Finance’s research shows exceptionally high levels of familiarity, preference, and understanding in its home market, underscoring the value of investing in a distinctive brand experience, maintaining the highest standards of hospitality, and delivering what guests value most. As Taj continues to expand its footprint across India and internationally, preserving these strengths will be key.”

The latest recognition further reinforces Taj's position as one of India's most trusted hospitality brands, reflecting more than a century of excellence, guest trust, and continued growth across domestic and international markets.

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