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.


Ghazal & Sufi Evening at Eternal Oasis: A Soulful Musical Soirée to Close the Year

Ghazal & Sufi Evening at Eternal Oasis: A Soulful Musical Soirée to Close the Year

By Author

Published on December 27, 2025

End the year on a serene and reflective note with a Ghazal & Sufi Musical Soirée at Eternal Oasis, Gurugram. Curated as an intimate cultural gathering, the evening invites audiences to immerse themselves in evocative melodies, poetic expressions, and the timeless calm of Ghazal and Sufi music—creating a space to pause, reflect, and reconnect with the essence of the year gone by.

Set within the tranquil surroundings of Eternal Oasis, a centre dedicated to arts, culture, inner well-being, and spiritual growth, the soirée promises a deeply enriching experience. Known for fostering mindful engagement through cultural expression, Eternal Oasis offers the perfect backdrop for an evening of soulful music and introspection.

The performance will be presented by Sound and Music Academy (SAMA), a professional music institution offering training in piano, guitar, drums, vocals, tabla, and more. With an in-house recording studio and a fully equipped performance stage, SAMA provides its students and performers with real-world musical exposure, making each showcase both authentic and immersive.

This Ghazal & Sufi evening is designed for music lovers, seekers, and anyone looking to conclude the year with grace, stillness, and soulful resonance.

Event Details:
Date & Time: Saturday, 27th December | 6:00 PM
Venue: Eternal Oasis, Sector 42, Gurugram
Ticket Price: ₹499
Bookings: BookMyShow


Chumbak Unveils ‘Lost in Paradise’ Hosting Range to Celebrate the Holiday Season

Chumbak Unveils ‘Lost in Paradise’ Hosting Range to Celebrate the Holiday Season

By Author

Published on December 26, 2025

Marking the festive sparkle of Christmas and the holiday season leading into the New Year 2026, India’s leading contemporary lifestyle brand Chumbak has launched its thoughtfully curated ‘Lost in Paradise’ Hosting Range.

Designed in rich hues of deep reds and greens, the Lost in Paradise ceramic collection evokes the charm of a winter wonderland. Featuring blooming hibiscus and fig motifs crafted in premium ceramic, the range is ideal for festive hosting and gifting during the year-end celebrations.

The collection also introduces a mini baking assortment, including a distinctive ceramic Egg Basket shaped like a hen, a Tea Kettle and tumbler set perfect for cozy winter mornings, and a versatile Casserole designed for comfort bakes such as mac and cheese and homemade lasagna. Bakers will appreciate the set of four measuring cups, while snack bowl sets and flat platters are perfect for serving fig salads, chips, and dips at festive gatherings.

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Each piece in the range reflects Chumbak’s signature illustrative style, drawing inspiration from nature and the wilderness. The standout Egg Basket, uniquely designed in the shape of a hen, seamlessly blends functionality with design, making it equally suited for kitchen cabinets or elegant table presentations of boiled eggs.

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Speaking about the launch, Shubhra Chadda, Founder of Chumbak, said, “The Lost in Paradise collection is inspired by nature and the joy of everyday living, which beautifully resonates with the holiday season. With our one-of-a-kind winter hosting range, we aim to add warmth and joy to festive get-togethers this year-end.”

The ‘Lost in Paradise’ Hosting Range, including the signature Egg Basket, is now available across Chumbak stores and online.


Czech Consulate Reopens in Mumbai After 15 Years, Easing Visa Access for Indian Travellers

Czech Consulate Reopens in Mumbai After 15 Years, Easing Visa Access for Indian Travellers

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on December 26, 2025

CzechTourism, the Consulate General of the Czech Republic, and Prague Airport have jointly announced the reopening of the Czech Consulate in Mumbai, marking the return of consular operations to India’s western region after nearly fifteen years. The renewed presence is expected to significantly ease visa access for leisure, business, and MICE travellers from western and southern India while strengthening collaboration across tourism, trade, and education.

The reopening was formally marked with a press conference and networking evening held in Mumbai on 9 December 2025, bringing together key Czech public and tourism institutions, including the Consulate General, CzechTourism, Prague Airport, and Czech Trade. The gathering presented a unified vision of “One Czechia,” positioning the country as a year-round European destination for travellers, students, business delegations, film productions, and international events.

The restored consular presence is set to improve accessibility for Indian travellers applying for Czech (Schengen) visas, particularly from regions that previously had limited local access to consular services. This development is expected to support growing interest in Czechia beyond Prague, encouraging longer stays and multi-city itineraries across regions such as South Moravia, Karlovy Vary, and Český Krumlov.

Speaking at the event, Barbara Andelova, International Marketing ManagerNew Markets, CzechTourism, said that Mumbai has long been an important market for Czechia. She noted that the return of the Consulate brings Czechia closer to travellers and partners who have been actively promoting destinations beyond the capital city. She added that combined efforts by the Consulate, Prague Airport, and Czech Trade will further strengthen awareness of Czechia’s diverse travel experiences.

Katerina Vovkova, Consul General of the Czech Republic in Mumbai, highlighted that reinstating the Mumbai office is a meaningful step toward restoring essential services for students, professionals, tourists, and businesses. She stated that the Consulate aims to implement processes gradually, with quarterly evaluations to ensure efficiency and continuous improvement in service delivery.

The reopening also aligns with rising outbound travel demand from India, particularly from western and southern regions. GB Srithar, Head – Tourism Services, VFS Global, which represents CzechTourism in India, the Middle East, and Israel, noted that improved visa access will enhance Czechia’s visibility across heritage, culture, gastronomy, and immersive travel experiences.

Looking ahead, VisitCzechia is preparing to launch a comprehensive 2026 integrated marketing campaign, focusing on gastronomy, wellness, culture, and heritage. The campaign aims to deepen engagement with Indian travellers and further position Czechia as a versatile and enriching European destination.

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