Maati Nature Resort, a tranquil retreat located in the village of Janavali near Kankavli, welcomed the New Year with a serene and culturally rooted celebration inspired by the living traditions of the Konkan region. Moving away from loud parties and large-scale festivities, the resort curated an intimate evening focused on heritage, reflection, and community connection.

The highlight of the celebration was the presentation of Dashavatar, an 800-year-old folk theatre tradition traditionally performed by local farmers and artists. The performance narrates the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu and is deeply embedded in Konkan cultural life. At Maati, the ritual served both as a cultural offering for guests and a blessing for the year ahead, while also helping preserve and spotlight a fading regional art form.

As the night progressed toward midnight, a Malvani-style Garana prayer was performed for the wellbeing of everyone present. The moment stood out for its quiet intensity and sense of togetherness, reinforcing the celebration’s focus on mindfulness and collective harmony rather than spectacle.

The evening naturally evolved into a shared community experience. Guests participated by singing, reciting poetry, and sharing personal talents, creating a warm and inclusive atmosphere. The celebration was complemented by authentic Konkan dishes prepared on a traditional wooden chulha, adding depth to the cultural immersion.

The experience fostered a strong sense of connection among guests, with nature, and with the local culture that defines the region. One guest captured the spirit of the evening by saying, “First time in life experienced a different environment, feeling, away from loud music, in the lap of nature.”

Through its thoughtful approach, Maati Nature Resort demonstrated how hospitality experiences can honour tradition, encourage reflection, and create meaningful memories rooted in local culture.

India’s quick-service restaurant (QSR) sector is heating up, with dealmaking activity reaching new highs as brands race to scale and investors chase long-term growth. The headline transaction is the merger of Devyani International and Sapphire Foods India, operators of KFC and Pizza Hut, which will create the country’s largest single QSR platform with a combined network of over 3,000 outlets.

Beyond marquee mergers, capital continues to pour into fast-growing brands. Wow! Momo Foods recently raised fresh funding led by veteran investor Madhusudan Kela. Dessert-focused chains are also drawing strong interest, with Vixar acquiring a significant minority stake in The Belgian Waffle Co, while ChrysCapital earlier took a controlling stake in bakery brand Theobroma.

Global interest in Indian food brands is equally strong. International private equity firm L Catterton acquired a minority stake in Haldiram Snacks Food, following a major investment by global investors including Temasek, IHC and Alpha Wave Global. Haldiram Group is also reportedly exploring the introduction of American sandwich brand Jimmy John’s in India, underlining the growing appetite for Western-style QSR formats among young, urban consumers.

Industry executives point to rising disposable incomes, urbanisation, digital ordering, and food delivery platforms as key drivers behind the sector’s momentum. “A lot of these deals are in the works because QSR chains are trying to bulk up their physical presence,” a banker involved in one of the transactions had told ET. “There are long-term tailwinds for the sector, given that the overall food services market has a lot of headroom for growth.”

While investor interest remains strong, valuations continue to be closely scrutinised. “Over the past few months, a number of such negotiations hit a roadblock over valuations,” the banker noted, highlighting the cautious approach adopted by private equity firms even amid high growth expectations.

Explaining why investors remain bullish, Rajiv Batra of ChrysCapital said, “India's food space is a large industry with an attractive growth profile based on the shift from unorganised to organised. With an increase in disposable income and convenience-led multiple food options via food aggregators, Indians are eating out and ordering food more than before. This has given opportunity to many homegrown brands to scale.”

Operational discipline remains central to long-term success. Dheeraj Gupta, founder of Jumboking, observed, “The secret sauce lies in disciplined capital allocation, how to provide maximum customer satisfaction at minimum cost.” He added that well-managed QSR businesses are increasingly setting benchmarks for the wider industry.

Experts also underline the importance of localisation and brand loyalty. “QSR success requires balancing standardisation with localisation, maintaining consistent quality while adapting to regional preferences,” said Pakhi Saxena of Wazir Advisors. Meanwhile, Amit Mehendale of RoboCapital noted, “In the long run, brands that earn customer loyalty will always win.”

India’s food services market continues to expand rapidly, supported by quick commerce, delivery platforms, and changing consumption habits. Industry estimates suggest the market is on track for sustained double-digit growth, with organised QSR chains expected to outpace the unorganised segment and play a leading role in shaping the future of India’s dining economy.

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company, has announced the signing of a Taj hotel in Mohali, Punjab. The upcoming property will be developed as a greenfield project, marking a significant addition to the company’s growing portfolio in the state.

Commenting on the development, Ms. Suma Venkatesh, Executive Vice President – Real Estate & Development, IHCL, said that Mohali’s rise as a major IT and commercial hub makes it a strong growth market for the company. She added that Punjab’s increasing popularity as a destination for weddings and social events aligns well with IHCL’s strategy of expanding into high-potential markets.

The 225-key Taj Mohali will offer uninterrupted views of the surrounding greenery. The hotel is planned to feature an all-day dining restaurant, a bar, and a specialty restaurant, providing guests with a diverse range of culinary experiences.

Leisure and wellness facilities at the property will include a swimming pool, a gym, a health club, and the brand’s signature J Wellness Circle. Designed to cater to large-scale events, the hotel will house over 26,000 square feet of banqueting space, making it the largest event venue in the region. This positions the hotel as a preferred choice for weddings, corporate events, and social gatherings.

Mohali, a planned city in Punjab, is known for its modern infrastructure and hosts several IT companies, educational institutions, and sports facilities, contributing to its steady growth as an urban and commercial centre.

With this signing, IHCL’s portfolio in Punjab will expand to 14 hotels, including seven properties currently under development, reinforcing the company’s commitment to strengthening its presence in the state.