The Marriott India Business Council proudly celebrated the 11th edition of its flagship philanthropic initiative, “Road to Give”, bringing together associates, partners, and communities across India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka. Hosted at JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru, with participation from Renaissance Bengaluru Race Course Hotel, this year’s event united thousands in movement, compassion, and social impact.

What started over a decade ago as a small associate-led effort has grown into a regional celebration of purpose. This year, over 10,000 associates ran, walked, cycled, and moved for a cause, reflecting Marriott’s values of empathy, inclusion, and service.

The campaign successfully raised over INR 1 crore, which will support Rising Star Outreach of India, a Chennai-based NGO that aids individuals and families affected by leprosy through education, healthcare, and vocational training.

Reinforcing the “Putting People First” philosophy, Marriott associates organized wellness events, charity runs, and volunteer activities, combining physical well-being with the joy of giving back.

“Each year, Road to Give reminds us of the extraordinary power of collective purpose,” said Sanjay Gupta, Chairman, Marriott India Business Council. “As we celebrate the 11th year, we honour not just the funds raised or miles covered, but the unity and compassion our associates bring to their communities. Their efforts strengthen Marriott’s legacy of care across the region.”

Over the years, Road to Give has become a cornerstone of Marriott’s culture of giving, encouraging associates to be agents of change and advocates for wellness, inclusion, and empathy. Each edition underscores the belief that true success lies in uplifting others and contributing to lasting social progress.

Looking ahead, Marriott India extends heartfelt thanks to all participants, partners, and supporters. Every step taken and every rupee contributed moves us closer to a more compassionate, inclusive future—one where the spirit of giving continues to inspire and unite.

Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company, continues its accelerated growth trajectory in the first half of FY2026 with 46 new hotel signings and 26 openings, including 14 additions through partnerships with Brij Hospitality and Clarks Group of Hotels.

Suma Venkatesh, Executive Vice President – Real Estate & Development, IHCL, said:

“Reflective of the growing potential of the mid-scale to upscale segment, a significant share of the 46 signings in H1 were across IHCL’s Gateway, Tree of Life, and Ginger brands. This growth was further enabled through multi-hotel framework agreements with the Ambuja Neotia group for Taj, SeleQtions, and Tree of Life brands, and with Madison for the Ginger brand in South India.”

The expansion includes Taj properties in Darjeeling, ECR Chennai, Pondicherry, Mohali, and even Kruger National Park, South Africa, reinforcing IHCL’s global presence. With this momentum, the company is well-positioned to achieve its Accelerate 2030 strategy, aiming for a portfolio of 700 hotels.

Deepika Rao, Executive Vice President – Hotel Openings & New Businesses, IHCL, added:

“Maintaining a robust pace, IHCL opened 12 hotels and on-boarded 14 more in H1 FY2026. Key highlights include a Taj in Alibaug and Raichak, two SeleQtions resorts in Lakshadweep, and a Vivanta in Thane. We strengthened our presence in Udaipur with the fourth Taj hotel – Taj Lalit Bagh, expanded Gateway in Coorg and Ahmedabad, added a second SeleQtions in Haridwar, and launched a Ginger in Dehradun.”

With these additions, IHCL crosses the milestone of 250+ operating hotels in India, offering 25,500 rooms across its diverse portfolio. This continued expansion underscores IHCL’s leadership in the Indian hospitality sector and its commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences across domestic and international destinations.

Tea Post, a popular homegrown tea café chain, has launched a thoughtfully curated Diwali campaign titled ‘Apne Jaha, Utsav Waha’. Through this initiative, the brand aims to highlight that Diwali is not just about grandeur but about cherishing simple, heartfelt moments with loved ones over a comforting cup of chai at one’s favourite baithak spot.

The campaign transforms Tea Post outlets into festive spaces filled with colour, creativity, and celebration. A variety of on-ground experiences bring together everyone associated with the brand, customers, franchisees, employees, vendors, and landlords in a shared festive spirit.

As part of the celebrations, the ‘Chai Sang Rishte’ contest invites customers to share their chai memories, while franchisees participate under the theme ‘Rishton Se Roshan’. Employees join in through the ‘Hamara Tea Post Tyohaar’ video contest, and the brand extends gratitude to its vendors and landlords for their continued support over the years.

Adding a cultural touch, Tea Post has introduced Diwali Baithak, a series of open-to-all gatherings that feature soulful music, shayari sessions, and festive décor across cities like Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Surat, Jamnagar, and Jaipur. These events include interactive workshops such as lantern-making and diya-painting, fostering community engagement and creativity.

Speaking about the campaign, Darshan Dashani, Founder of Tea Post, said, “‘Apne Jaha, Utsav Waha’ is dear to each one of us who has made Tea Post their comforting hangout place over the years. Tea Post has been celebrated for more than just chai, which includes people, conversations, and memories. This Diwali, we aimed to dedicate the celebrations to the timeless bonds of our customers, teams, and partners. Because wherever there are our own, there’s always a reason to celebrate.”

Guests can also savour a variety of 15 signature chai blends paired with traditional snacks like samosas, theplas, and maska buns, enjoyed amid marigold décor and festive lights. Select Tea Post cafés in cities including Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Pune, Surat, Gandhinagar, Rajkot, and Vadodara have turned into Diwali hubs, offering creative DIY sessions such as candle-making, bookmark designing, and ceramic art.

With over 250 outlets across 60+ cities in India and Dubai, Tea Post continues to grow as more than just a tea café, it is a space that celebrates culture, connection, and community, one cup at a time.