The Leela Gandhinagar is celebrating its fifth anniversary, marking five years of bringing together Indian heritage, contemporary luxury and gracious service in Gujarat.

Since opening its doors, the property has grown beyond being a luxury hotel. It has become a destination for global leaders, business gatherings, cultural connections, celebrations and leisure experiences, growing alongside Gandhinagar's rise as a centre for business, governance, culture and international engagement.

The Leela Gandhinagar has hosted several major gatherings, including the G20, U20, BRICS, B20 India Inception Meeting, Vibrant Gujarat, and the 69th Hyundai Filmfare Awards 2024. The property has also welcomed international cricket teams such as Australia, England, and South Africa during the ICC Cricket World Cup, adding to its standing among distinguished guests visiting the city.

Its association with the Mahatma Mandir Convention and Exhibition Centre, managed by The Leela and spread across 34 acres, has also supported Gandhinagar's growth as a destination for conventions, exhibitions and international events.

Beyond these high-profile occasions, the hotel's journey has been shaped by destination weddings, family celebrations, business gatherings, leisure stays and everyday moments shared by guests. These experiences have helped build a hospitality destination where luxury is also about creating lasting memories.

The property draws strongly from Gujarat's cultural identity. Its design includes elements inspired by the Adalaj Stepwell, the Tree of Life at the Sidi Saiyyed Mosque, Patola, Bandhej, Ajrakh, Batik, and traditional beadwork. These details bring the state's craftsmanship into the hotel while giving it a contemporary setting.

The Leela Gandhinagar has also expanded its approach to luxury with Aujasya by The Leela, offering wellness experiences focused on balance, rejuvenation and mindful living.

"Five years is not just a milestone; it is a celebration of the people, partnerships, and moments that have shaped our journey. We are deeply grateful to our guests, associates, partners, and the community for their trust and support. As we step into our sixth year, we remain committed to creating exceptional experiences, showcasing the richness of Gujarat, and setting new benchmarks in luxury hospitality while welcoming the world to Gandhinagar," said Team Leela Gandhinagar.

As The Leela Gandhinagar enters its sixth year, it aims to continue bringing together heritage and innovation while creating memorable experiences for guests and welcoming visitors from across the world to Gandhinagar. With five years completed, the property now looks ahead to its next chapter with a focus on new experiences, stronger connections and continued growth in Gujarat's luxury hospitality landscape.

Tamara Leisure Experiences (TLE) has introduced Yazhi – The Grand Koodal in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, marking the hospitality group's first-ever Kalyana Mandapam and expanding its presence into India's growing wedding and celebrations market.

Designed as a premium destination for weddings, receptions, engagement ceremonies and social celebrations, Yazhi brings together large-format event spaces, dining facilities, accommodation and operational infrastructure under one roof.

The launch comes as India's wedding industry continues to expand and become increasingly organised, with families exploring a wider range of celebration formats ranging from intimate gatherings and heritage venues to luxury hotels, destination weddings and purpose-built wedding spaces.

Tamil Nadu remains an important wedding market, where the traditional Kalyana Mandapam continues to play a central role in celebrations. For TLE, the state provides an opportunity to bring its approach to design, service and guest experience into a category deeply rooted in local traditions.

Commenting on the launch, Samir MC, CEO, Tamara Leisure Experiences, said, "Shaped by plurality of taste and diversity in preferences, India's wedding economy is among the country's most resilient consumption stories. As the category becomes increasingly organised and families seek more seamless, professionally managed celebration experiences, we see a meaningful opportunity to bring our understanding of design, service and guest experience to this space."

He added that Tamil Nadu's traditions around temple weddings and Kalyana Mandapams made it a natural market for the concept, while Madurai's connection with celebration and devotion provided the setting for Yazhi.

The choice of Madurai also draws from the city's historical and cultural identity. Known in antiquity as Koodal, Madurai is home to the Meenakshi Amman Temple and its annual Chithirai festival, which features the traditional celebration of the divine wedding of Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar.

The city's longstanding association with weddings, festivals and religious traditions provides a strong cultural context for a dedicated wedding destination.

Spread across 1.44 acres, Yazhi – The Grand Koodal has been designed to allow weddings and celebrations to take place within an integrated setting.

The centrepiece is a 10,500 sq. ft. main function hall, capable of seating more than 850 guests and accommodating upwards of 1,500 guests in a floating arrangement. The space is designed to accommodate large Tamil weddings and associated ceremonies.

A dedicated 6,300 sq. ft. dining facility can seat approximately 350 guests at a time, supported by a fully equipped commercial kitchen designed to manage large-scale food preparation and service during celebrations.

The venue also features five guest rooms, providing families with accommodation and preparation space during wedding events. Ample parking and an accessible location further support the practical requirements of large gatherings.

Together, these facilities position Yazhi as more than a conventional function venue, offering families an integrated setting where ceremonies, dining, accommodation and celebrations can take place with fewer logistical requirements.

The launch also represents another step in TLE's broader expansion strategy as the group explores new hospitality formats and markets while maintaining its philosophy of responsible and memorable hospitality.

About Tamara Leisure Experiences:

Founded by entrepreneur Shruti Shibulal, Tamara Leisure Experiences (TLE) operates with a philosophy centred on responsible and memorable hospitality, balancing people, planet and business objectives.

The group's portfolio includes Tamara Resorts, O by Tamara, Lilac Hotels, Raé by Tamara and Amal Tamara, spanning luxury nature retreats, business and leisure hotels, urban stays, faith-intelligent hospitality and Ayurvedic wellness.

TLE has grown to a portfolio exceeding 1,000 keys and is among the hospitality groups in India holding Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) certification. The group continues to expand across Indian and international markets while focusing on responsible tourism, environmental stewardship, community engagement and cultural storytelling.

This Raksha Bandhan, Le Méridien Ahmedabad is inviting families to come together for a festive dinner centred around good food, warm hospitality and the special bond between siblings.

The celebration is designed as a relaxed evening where families can take a break from their daily routines, share conversations and enjoy time with each other. The festive spread will bring together a selection of Indian and global favourites, offering something for different generations and tastes.

Adding to the evening will be live music, creating a warm and easy-going atmosphere while allowing families to enjoy their conversations and dining experience at their own pace.

The celebration goes beyond a festive meal, giving families a chance to reconnect, revisit familiar stories and celebrate relationships that remain an important part of their lives. With the warmth of Raksha Bandhan, a selection of favourites and contemporary hospitality, Le Méridien Ahmedabad brings families together around the table for an evening dedicated to togetherness and the enduring bond of siblinghood.