Lanterns, Legends, and Laughter: China's Mid-Autumn Fest Lights up the world

Lanterns, Legends, and Laughter: China's Mid-Autumn Fest Lights up the world

By Author

Published on October 4, 2023

The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, is a mesmerizing celebration that sweeps across China, painting the skies with lanterns and filling hearts with joy. In this article, we'll take you on a journey through the enchanting traditions and festivities that make this festival so special.

Gazing at the Radiant Moon

At the heart of the Mid-Autumn Festival is the moon itself. Families gather under the starry night to admire the full moon, believing it symbolizes unity and togetherness. The moon's radiant glow casts a spell of enchantment, creating a perfect backdrop for heartfelt reunions.

Mooncakes: Delicious Delights of Unity

No Mid-Autumn Festival is complete without mooncakes, delectable pastries that come in various flavors and fillings. From classic lotus seed paste to innovative creations, these treats are shared among loved ones as a symbol of unity and good fortune.

Lanterns Aglow in the Night

One of the most captivating sights during the festival is the sea of lanterns that light up the streets. Children carry colorful lanterns, each with its own unique design, turning the night into a whimsical wonderland.

Family Reunions and Festive Feasts

Similar to Thanksgiving in the West, the Mid-Autumn Festival is a time for family gatherings. Generations come together to share stories, indulge in mooncakes, and enjoy a sumptuous feast that includes traditional dishes like duck and taro.

Folklore and Legends: The Tale of Chang'e

Every culture has its legends, and the Mid-Autumn Festival is no exception. The story of Chang'e, the Moon Goddess, is a beloved tale that adds a touch of magic to the celebration. Discover the legend and its significance in the festival's traditions.

The Cultural Tapestry of China's Regions

While the Mid-Autumn Festival is celebrated throughout China, each region adds its unique flavor to the festivities. From vibrant lantern carnivals in Hong Kong to solemn incense-burning ceremonies in Beijing, explore the diverse cultural expressions of this beloved festival.

Moonlit Activities: Dragon Dances and Riddles

Beyond mooncakes and lanterns, the festival features lively dragon and lion dances, showcasing the vibrant spirit of China. Additionally, riddle contests entertain and challenge the mind, adding an extra layer of fun to the celebrations.

Modern Twists: Technology Meets Tradition

In today's digital age, even ancient traditions get a modern twist. Discover how technology has influenced the way people celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival, from sending digital greetings to enjoying augmented reality moon-gazing experiences.

Beyond China: The Global Reach of the Moon Festival

While the festival is deeply rooted in China, its popularity has spread globally. Chinese and Vietnamese communities around the world host vibrant celebrations, making it a multicultural event that bridges continents.


Bharti Real Estate Launches World St. at Aerocity, New Delhi

Bharti Real Estate Launches World St. at Aerocity, New Delhi

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 5, 2026

Bharti Real Estate, the real estate arm of Bharti Enterprises, has unveiled World St. at Worldmark in Aerocity, New Delhi. Positioned as “The Social Spine of Worldmark,” the new development brings together dining, leisure and lifestyle experiences in a vibrant, walkable setting.

Spread across nearly half a kilometre and connecting Worldmark 4, 5 and 6, World St. covers around 2,60,000 sq. ft. of gross leasable area. The pedestrian-friendly promenade is designed to offer a mix of global cuisines, alfresco dining spaces, green courtyards, art installations and thoughtfully designed street elements. It aims to create a lively environment where work, culture and social life come together in one place.

The destination is set to become a key attraction in Aerocity, offering everything from cafés and patisseries to fine dining restaurants and bars. With its design and curated experiences, World St. is envisioned as one of India’s most engaging dining and lifestyle hubs.

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Adding to its appeal, the project will host the India debut of well-known global brands. Olive Garden, the popular American-Italian casual dining chain owned by Darden Restaurants, is set to open soon at World St. Time Out Market, known globally for its food and cultural experiences, will also launch its first India outlet here. The space will span 24,500 sq. ft. and include 11 kitchens, two full-service bars, a private event area, a live performance stage and seating for over 500 guests.

Speaking about the launch, SK Sayal, MD & CEO, Bharti Real Estate, said, “Worldmark, Aerocity is already home to some of India's finest F&B names. With World St. at Worldmark, we are raising the bar creating a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly spine that brings together a thoughtfully curated mix of global and premium offerings. World St. is not just for our office community, but for every traveller, food lover, and city dweller. It is the social heartbeat of India's Global Business District.”

Bharti Real Estate continues to play a major role in shaping Aerocity as a leading business and lifestyle destination through its Worldmark portfolio. Spread across approximately 17 million sq. ft., the development is being delivered in phases. Worldmark 1.0 is fully operational and houses Fortune 500 companies and global financial institutions. Worldmark 2.0, covering around 7 million sq. ft., is under advanced development with premium office spaces already delivered and more in progress, along with a large retail component planned for the future. Worldmark 3.0 is also under development, while Worldmark 4.0 is planned as a future expansion over the next few years.

With the launch of World St., Bharti Real Estate is set to further strengthen Aerocity’s position as a modern hub that blends business, hospitality and lifestyle experiences.


Dollar Industries Founder Shri Dindayal Gupta Passes Away, Marking End of an Era

Dollar Industries Founder Shri Dindayal Gupta Passes Away, Marking End of an Era

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 4, 2026

Renowned industrialist and Founder & Chairman Emeritus of Dollar Industries Limited, Shri Dindayal Gupta, passed away today in Kolkata due to age-related ailments. His passing marks the end of a significant chapter not only for the company but also for India’s hosiery and apparel industry.

A visionary who shaped the company’s growth for more than five decades, Shri Gupta led Dollar Industries Limited with strong commitment and clarity. What began as a modest venture eventually grew into one of India’s leading hosiery and apparel brands, with the company expanding into a Rs 1700+ crore conglomerate under his leadership.

Born on 13th September, 1937, in Manheru village in Haryana’s Bhiwani district, Shri Gupta came from a humble background. Despite limited resources, he built his journey with determination and a clear vision. In 1962, he moved to Kolkata (then known as Calcutta), where he began manufacturing and selling hosiery products designed to suit customers’ budgets and needs. He focused on building manufacturing and finishing facilities while also creating a strong retail and distribution network, including markets that were often overlooked by others.

Driven by a desire to build something meaningful, he laid the foundation of Dollar Industries Limited in 1972. Over time, the brand became a trusted household name known for quality and innovation. Dollar was also among the early companies to expand into underserved regions such as Madhya Pradesh (now MP & Chhattisgarh), the Seven Sisters of North East India, and hill regions like Darjeeling in the eastern Himalayas.

Beyond his business achievements, Shri Gupta remained deeply involved in social and community initiatives. He was actively associated with the Arya Pratinidhi Sabha and held key roles within the Bengal Pratinidhi Sabha. He also served as the former Vice-President of Sarvadeshik Arya Pratinidhi Sabha and contributed to Paropakarini Sabha of Ajmer, known for preserving the legacy of Swami Dayanand Saraswati. In Kolkata, he also initiated the Burns unit and related infrastructure at the Marwari Relief Society.

His contributions to education were equally notable. Shri Gupta was the Founding Father of Haryana Vidya Mandir, a CBSE school in Bidhannagar, North 24-Parganas, West Bengal. He supported Gurukuls as a co-founder and sponsor, and also played a key role in reviving the school in his native village, Manheru. His efforts reflected a strong belief that access to education is essential for social progress and national development.

He also supported organisations working in elderly care, including Maharshi Dayanand Yogashram Tripura and Sukhanand Foundation, leaving a lasting impact beyond the business world.

Over the years, Shri Gupta received several recognitions for his contributions, including the Lifetime Achievement Award from the West Bengal Hosiery Association and the Sanmarg Business Award.

Shri Dindayal Gupta is survived by his wife, four sons, and grandchildren, who continue to lead and grow the Dollar Industries business legacy.


IHCL Signs Amã Stays & Trails Bungalows in Port Blair

IHCL Signs Amã Stays & Trails Bungalows in Port Blair

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 4, 2026

amã Stays & Trails, the premium homestay offering from Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), has announced the signing of a new cluster of bungalows in Port Blair, marking its entry into the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Mr. Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director and CEO, IHCL, said, “As travel preferences continue to evolve towards experience-led stays, the homestay segment has emerged as a strong driver of growth. With a portfolio of over 370 bungalows across India, the expansion of amã Stays & Trails to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, marks the brand’s foray into the island destination reflecting our focus on building a diversified presence across leisure destinations. We are delighted to partner with Mr. Abhishek Singh for this project.”

The upcoming amã Stays & Trails, Port Blair will feature ten bungalows set in lush green surroundings, located within walking distance from Manjery beach. The property will include a restaurant along with a range of amenities such as a fully equipped gym, spa, meditation and yoga decks, and a swimming pool. Guests will also have the opportunity to explore activities like snorkelling in clear waters and experiencing the region’s unique colonial and tribal heritage.

Known for offering stays that reflect local culture and heritage, amã Stays & Trails continues to expand its presence across scenic destinations in India. The portfolio already includes over 370 bungalows across locations such as Goa, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Pondicherry, and Sikkim, among others.

Mr. Abhishek Singh, Founder & Chairman, Terra Rex Realty and Terra Rex Energy, said, “Port Blair, a historic town and the gateway to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, offers travelers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. We are delighted to collaborate with IHCL’s amã Stays & Trails on this project to bring these experiences to life for our guests.”

Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, is known for its scenic beaches such as Chidiya Tapu and landmarks like the Cellular Jail, offering visitors a mix of natural beauty and historical significance.

With this signing, IHCL continues to strengthen its presence in leisure destinations, while expanding its homestay portfolio to meet the rising demand for experience-driven travel.

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