Hong Kong's Mid-Autumn Radiance: Lanterns and Mooncakes

Hong Kong's Mid-Autumn Radiance: Lanterns and Mooncakes

By Author

Published on October 6, 2023

Hong Kong lights up with excitement every year during the Mid-Autumn Festival. This cherished celebration, also known as the Mooncake Festival, brings families together to enjoy age-old traditions and create new memories under the full moon.

A Festival of Gratitude and Unity

The Mid-Autumn Festival is celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, which usually falls in September or October. Hong Kongers use this time to express gratitude for the harvest and pray for luck. Families eagerly reunite after time spent apart, making it a special occasion.

Mooncakes: A Symbol of Unity

Mooncakes are the festival's stars. These round pastries symbolize unity and are typically filled with lotus seed paste and salted egg yolk. Over time, innovative flavors like ice-cream mooncakes and snow skin mooncakes have emerged.

Lanterns That Illuminate the Night

Traditional paper lanterns add to the festival's charm. They come in various shapes and sizes and can be found in parks, streets, and along the waterfront. Some lanterns even feature modern LED lights, creating mesmerizing displays.

The Fire Dragon Dance: A Dazzling Tradition

Hong Kong boasts a unique tradition—the Fire Dragon Dance. This captivating dance, over a century old, features a 200-foot-long dragon adorned with thousands of burning sticks of incense. It's a vivid display of culture and heritage.

Moon Gazing and Lantern Riddles

The full moon serves as a backdrop for moon gazing, a time for reflection and inspiration. Families and friends often gather at parks like Victoria Park to enjoy this serene moment. Lantern riddles, attached to colorful lanterns, challenge participants with their wisdom and good fortune messages.

Delightful Mid-Autumn Delicacies

The festival is incomplete without indulging in mooncakes, but it's also a time for enjoying fruits with auspicious meanings. Star fruit and pomelo are popular choices. Families often end their reunion meals with glutinous rice balls, symbolizing togetherness.

Celebrating Resilience and Unity

In recent years, the festival has taken on new significance, symbolizing resilience and unity, particularly after the challenges posed by the pandemic. It's a testament to Hong Kong's unwavering spirit.

As the lanterns light up the city and families come together, the Mid-Autumn Festival in Hong Kong continues to be a cherished tradition—a time to express gratitude, celebrate unity, and look to the bright future under the moon's gentle glow.

Image Source - Hong Kong Tourism Board


‘My City My Heritage’ Walk Highlights Puducherry’s French and Tamil Charm

‘My City My Heritage’ Walk Highlights Puducherry’s French and Tamil Charm

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 18, 2025

IndiGoReach, the CSR arm of IndiGo, and InterGlobe Foundation, the philanthropic arm of InterGlobe Enterprises, jointly hosted an engaging ‘My City My Heritage’ walk in Puducherry. The theme, “Through the French and Tamil Quarters, A Tale of Two Towns,” gave participants a chance to explore the city’s unique blend of French elegance and Tamil vibrancy.

The walk began at the well-known Notre-Dame-des-Anges Church and took participants through historic churches, temples, and lively marketplaces. The experience offered a close look at Puducherry’s cultural depth, architectural mix, and everyday life that reflects the spirit of both communities.

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The session was led by Ashok Panda, Heritage Coordinator and Project Manager at INTACH Pondicherry, who has over 15 years of experience in heritage conservation and urban restoration. He was joined by Puviarasan, Founder of Outdoor Being, a conservationist and experiential educator, and recipient of the Jane Goodall Templeton Prize for India, 2024. Together, they shared stories that brought Puducherry’s past and present to life.

‘My City My Heritage’ is an ongoing initiative by InterGlobe Foundation in collaboration with Sahapedia, focused on spreading awareness about India’s cultural and historical richness. Through meaningful partnerships, the campaign encourages people to reconnect with the traditions, architecture, and stories that define their regions. Under this initiative, IndiGoReach and InterGlobe Foundation have already conducted heritage walks in nine cities, Prayagraj, Bhubaneswar, Shillong, Nashik, Hyderabad, Kozhikode, Lucknow, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Ahmedabad, each offering an immersive cultural experience.

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Sharing her thoughts on the Puducherry walk, Rohini Bhatia, Chairperson, InterGlobe Foundation, said, "Our 'My City My Heritage' walk in Puducherry offered a unique opportunity for participants to immerse themselves in the city's distinct blend of French and Tamil cultures. By exploring its historic quarters, we aimed to foster a deeper appreciation for Puducherry's rich, layered heritage and promote responsible tourism that celebrates its architectural diversity and vibrant local life."

Both organisations have been actively supporting heritage conservation across India. InterGlobe Foundation has contributed to major projects, including the conservation and cultural revival of Abdur Rahim Khan-I-Khanan’s mausoleum in Delhi, cultural mapping of ten cities, restoration of the ‘Indra Kund’ stepwell in Delwara, the tile restoration of Qutb Shah’s Mausoleum, and Heritage Fellowships. IndiGoReach has also supported initiatives such as the conservation of Qutb Shah’s Mausoleum at the Qutb Shahi Heritage Park in Hyderabad and the restoration of interiors at the Lal Bagh Palace in Indore.


Suba Hotels Delivers Strong H1 FY26 Results With Sharp EPS Growth

Suba Hotels Delivers Strong H1 FY26 Results With Sharp EPS Growth

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 18, 2025

Suba Hotels Limited has announced a strong set of numbers for H1 FY26, reflecting the company’s steady growth across its expanding hotel network. The brand, known for its fast-growing presence in India’s mid-market hospitality segment, reported a solid rise in revenue and profits for the half year ending 30 September 2025.

The company posted a 52% YoY jump in Revenue from Operations, reaching ₹43.79 crore. This growth came on the back of strong demand recovery, improved occupancy, and better overall performance across major markets. EBITDA stood at ₹8.65 crore, marking a 45% rise YoY, supported by consistent cost controls and operational efficiency.

Net Profit improved to ₹5.24 crore, showing a 58% increase YoY, while the Net Profit Margin moved up to 11.97%, highlighting stronger operational leverage. Diluted EPS grew sharply to ₹3.00, recording an impressive 249% YoY rise, driven by both expansion and performance upgrades across the portfolio.

During this period, Suba Hotels strengthened its footprint in both South and North India. In Hyderabad, the company signed a Term Sheet to lease and operate a 132-room property in Madhapur under the “Click Hotels by Suba” brand. Located near HITEC City, Mindspace, the hotel will cater mainly to corporate travellers and becomes the brand’s fourth property in the city.

In North India, the company expanded further with the launch of Quality Inn Rama in Ayodhya. This 44-room midscale hotel is positioned in one of the country’s fastest-growing pilgrimage hubs and offers SATVIK Jain cuisine, an in-house temple, banquet facilities, and accessibility features for differently-abled guests.

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Sharing his views on the performance, Mr. Mansur Mehta, Managing Director, said:

"H1 FY26 marks one of our strongest half-yearly performances, with significant growth across revenue, EBITDA, and profitability. Our asset-light, capital-efficient expansion continues to drive margins and scalability. With new signings across Hyderabad and Ayodhya, we are growing sustainably across both corporate and religious tourism hubs."

Suba Hotels Ltd continues to be one of India’s fastest-growing hospitality companies. The group now manages more than 125 properties, both operational and in the pipeline and is present across 72+ destinations with over 5,800 keys in India and the Middle East. Its portfolio includes home-grown brands such as Suba Hotels, Click Hotels, GenX, and RNB. The company also serves as the master franchisee for Choice Hotels, managing renowned brands like Clarion, Quality, and Comfort.


Forever Begins Here: Beautiful Wedding Destinations Across India

Forever Begins Here: Beautiful Wedding Destinations Across India

By Hariharan U

Published on November 17, 2025

The wedding season is here, and with it comes the excitement of finding that perfect place to start a new chapter. Across India, couples are spoiled for choice from calm lakes to sunny beaches and royal retreats, each location has its own charm. Here’s a look at some stunning resorts that can turn your “I do” into an unforgettable moment.

ZANA Lake Resort, Udaipur – A Peaceful Paradise by the Lake

For couples who love dreamy lakeside settings, ZANA Lake Resort, Udaipur brings together calm waters, green hills, and a warm, intimate atmosphere. Whether it’s a mehendi ceremony by the lake or pheras as the sun sets behind the hills, every celebration here feels straight out of a romantic film.

The Westin Goa – Beachside Bliss for the Free-SpiritedimageIf a beach wedding is what you’ve always imagined, The Westin Goa has everything you need. Think sandy feet, soft waves, relaxed décor, and stylish celebrations by the pool. The idea of taking pheras by the Arabian Sea makes this destination perfect for couples who enjoy a modern yet laid-back vibe.

ZANA In The Wild, Jim Corbett – A Celebration Blessed by NatureimageFor those who want nature to play a big role in their big day, ZANA In The Wild, Jim Corbett is a beautiful pick. Surrounded by trees and peaceful sounds of the forest, it brings a sense of calm and magic to the occasion. Vows exchanged beneath a canopy of trees create a setting that feels truly special.

Ananta Spa & Resorts, Pushkar – Tradition Wrapped in Grandeur

imageLocated against the scenic Aravalli hills, Ananta Spa & Resorts, Pushkar blends royal elegance with rustic charm. Its vast lawns, luxurious villas, and stunning amphitheater make it perfect for traditional Indian celebrations — from colourful mehendi events to grand baraat processions.

ITC Grand Chola, Chennai – Royal Touch with a Modern EdgeimageIn the heart of Chennai, ITC Grand Chola stands tall with its magnificent design, cultural influence, and luxurious spaces. Its grand ballrooms, rich architecture, and impressive culinary offerings make it an ideal venue for couples who want a regal wedding experience within the city.

Across the country, there’s a dream wedding location for every couple. Whether you’re drawn to royal settings, minimalist charm, or nature-filled escapes, India has a place that will make your celebration truly memorable.

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