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.


Narwar Lakefront Resort Launches Summer Refresh Package for Couples

Narwar Lakefront Resort Launches Summer Refresh Package for Couples

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 2, 2026

Narwar Lakefront Resort, a luxury lakeside retreat in Shivpuri on the Sindh River in Madhya Pradesh, has introduced its ‘Summer Refresh Package’, offering a short yet refreshing escape for couples during the warmer months.

Designed as a 3-hour evening experience, the package runs daily between 3:00 pm and 6:00 pm. It brings together relaxation, wellness, and scenic moments, making it an ideal choice for those looking for a quick summer break without planning an overnight stay. Set against the calm lakefront and close to the Madhav Tiger Reserve, the experience combines both leisure and nature.

Navneet Sharma, CEO and MD, Lion Group, said, "With rising temperatures, the need for mindful cooling escapes grows stronger. Therefore, we have created an experience for guests to slow down, recharge, and reconnect with nature in the most refreshing and cool way".

The package includes access to the resort’s swimming pool, giving guests a chance to unwind with a refreshing dip during the afternoon. The experience is complemented by cold mocktails, fresh salads, and a selection of light and healthy snacks, keeping the overall offering simple yet enjoyable.

A key highlight of the package is the Morning Safari to the Madhav Tiger Reserve and a sunset cruise boating session. Guests can take in the changing colours of the evening sky while gliding across the calm waters, creating a memorable and peaceful end to the experience.

The Summer Refresh Package reflects the rising demand for short, premium experiences that offer a mix of comfort, wellness, and scenic beauty in a limited time.


The Forum Hotel & Convention Opens in Ahmedabad, Elevating Gujarat’s Hospitality Scene

The Forum Hotel & Convention Opens in Ahmedabad, Elevating Gujarat’s Hospitality Scene

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 2, 2026

The Forum Hotel & Convention has officially opened its doors in Ahmedabad, bringing a new scale of hospitality to the city. Launched on 29th April 2026, the property features 195 well-designed rooms and suites, and is seamlessly connected to the adjoining Wyndham Ahmedabad Shela, which adds another 192 upscale rooms along with wellness, dining, and leisure facilities. Together, the combined 387 rooms and suites strengthen Gujarat’s growing capacity to host large weddings, exhibitions, and corporate gatherings.

Spread across approximately 12,00,000 sq ft, the property is built to accommodate up to 5,000 guests, making it one of the state’s larger event-focused hospitality developments. Supporting this scale is a parking facility for around 1,500 vehicles, offering ease for high-footfall events in a fast-growing city like Ahmedabad.

The property brings together strong infrastructure and service to create a complete hospitality destination. Its event spaces include over 32 modern banquet venues, highlighted by a grand pillarless ballroom spanning 40,000 sq. ft. Along with this, conference rooms, meeting spaces, and a well-equipped auditorium with advanced acoustics make it suitable for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) activities. The ability to host multiple events at the same time adds to its operational strength.

Adding to the overall experience, The Forum Hotel & Convention introduces a range of dining and entertainment concepts. These include Aurii – a premium all-day dining restaurant serving global cuisines, +33 – The French Experience offering a unique culinary concept, and Risqué – a nightclub designed for vibrant nightlife. A fourth culinary concept is also set to open soon.

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Speaking on the launch, Managing Director Mr. Kalpesh Prajapati said: “At The Forum Hotel & Convention, our vision was to build a destination that reflects the ambition and growth of Gujarat. This is not just about infrastructure or scale, it is about creating a place where people come together to celebrate, connect, and create memories. We invite everyone to come, experience, and make memories at The Forum, where every moment is designed to become a meaningful experience.”

With its scale, integrated design, and strong event infrastructure, The Forum Hotel & Convention is set to play an important role in shaping Gujarat’s hospitality landscape.


CaratLane Celebrates Mother’s Day with a Thoughtful Gifting Twist Featuring Yami Gautam Dhar

CaratLane Celebrates Mother’s Day with a Thoughtful Gifting Twist Featuring Yami Gautam Dhar

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 1, 2026

CaratLane – A TATA Product is making a strong presence across television screens in India with its latest Mother’s Day campaign featuring brand ambassador Yami Gautam Dhar. The campaign brings a fresh and emotional take on gifting, centred around the idea of celebrating mothers with diamonds as a symbol of love and gratitude, while also adding a thoughtful twist, gifting yourself a diamond too, because you are her favourite.

The campaign’s first two films gained wide visibility during the ongoing Indian Premier League, with placements across Star Sports and JioHotstar. This was further supported by regional reach through channels like Colours Tamil, Jalsha Movies and Star Utsav Movies, helping the brand connect with audiences across both national and regional markets. Released just in time for Mother’s Day, the campaign highlights the joy of choosing something special for mothers, along with a little something for oneself.

Shaifali Gautam, CMO CaratLane, remarked, “As we return for our second season advertising on the Indian Premier League, the platform allows us to take our stories to millions of households across the country. This Mother’s Day, with Yami at the centre, we’ve focused on celebrating the emotion of gifting in a way that feels both personal and relatable. Because when it comes to a mother’s love, what you share is priceless and the pieces you choose to express it should feel just as special. At CaratLane, we believe that expressing love should feel effortless, and never out of reach.”

Built around thoughtful gifting, the campaign encourages customers to celebrate Mother’s Day with meaningful diamond jewellery. With initiatives like this, CaratLane continues to shape fine jewellery for today’s consumers, making it more personal, easy to wear, and suitable for every special moment.

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