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.


Celebrate Mother's Day with Timeless Gifting from Candere

Celebrate Mother's Day with Timeless Gifting from Candere

By Hariharan U

Published on April 30, 2026

As Mother's Day approaches, the focus shifts to celebrating the quiet strength, care, and everyday moments that define motherhood. This year, Candere, a lifestyle jewellery brand from Kalyan Jewellers, offers a curated selection designed to feel personal, wearable, and meaningful.

Moving beyond occasion-based gifting, the collection highlights jewellery that seamlessly fits into everyday life, pieces that reflect her individuality while adding understated elegance to daily moments. Each design balances simplicity with thoughtful detailing, making it both timeless and versatile.

The edit includes the Rylie Diamond and Fancy Gemstone Ring, a floral-inspired design that combines vibrant pink stones with delicate diamond accents, bringing a playful yet refined touch. For those who prefer minimalism, the Plain Glimmer Diamond V Ring offers clean lines and subtle sparkle, perfect for stacking or wearing solo.

Adding to the collection is the Classic Treand Diamond Cuff Bracelet, featuring twin motifs with blue stones and diamond detailing, designed to elevate both everyday and occasion wear. The Enchanting Floral Diamond and Fancy Gemstone Oval Bracelet introduces a softer, more playful aesthetic with multicoloured gemstones set against a sleek band.

For statement pieces, the Armida Diamond Earrings stand out with their layered, cascading form that catches light with movement, while the Giselle Diamond Dangle Earrings bring effortless elegance through a graceful drop design and refined brilliance.

With this Mother’s Day edit, Candere focuses on jewellery that feels natural rather than extravagant, pieces that become part of her daily story while holding emotional value. The collection reflects a shift towards gifting that is thoughtful, personal, and enduring, making each piece more than just an accessory.


JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar Hosts Immersive Fashion Showcase by Sounia Gohil

JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar Hosts Immersive Fashion Showcase by Sounia Gohil

By Hariharan U

Published on April 30, 2026

On April 25, EL at JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar hosted an exclusive and intimate fashion showcase by designer Sounia Gohil, unveiling her latest collection in association with Volvo, presented by Cedamint by Vinay Singh.

Breaking away from the conventions of a traditional runway, the showcase embraced a more immersive and interactive format. Set against Mumbai’s skyline, EL offered a fluid, open environment where guests could experience the collection at their own pace. Models moved seamlessly through the space, allowing attendees to engage with the garments up close, creating a sense of intimacy rarely seen in conventional showcases.

The evening brought together a diverse mix of guests, from fashion insiders and tastemakers to patrons of luxury mobility and hospitality, reflecting a dynamic convergence of industries. The experience was complemented by a refined food and beverage selection, thoughtfully curated to enhance the evening without overshadowing the showcase.

More than a fashion presentation, the event highlighted a broader shift in how hospitality spaces are being reimagined. EL, known for its elevated dining and panoramic views, is steadily evolving into a multi-dimensional cultural venue that embraces fashion, design, music, and curated social experiences.

With this showcase, JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar strengthens its positioning as not just a hospitality destination but a platform for creative expression and community-led experiences in the city.

Commenting on the initiative, Sachin Mylavarapu, General Manager at JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar, said, “At JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar, we’re increasingly looking at how our spaces can go beyond traditional hospitality to become platforms for culture and creativity. Hosting this showcase at EL was a natural extension of that vision. We’re delighted to curate experiences that are refined, progressive, and engaging for our guests.”

Located close to Mumbai’s international and domestic airports, JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar offers 588 well-appointed rooms, multiple dining destinations, and expansive event spaces. Its venues, including Romano’s, JW Café, BarQat, and AUTM – JW Lounge & EL, reflect the city’s diverse culinary landscape. The property also features Spa by JW, offering holistic wellness experiences.

Part of Marriott International, the hotel aligns with a global portfolio of over 9,500 properties across 144 countries, continuing to bring world-class hospitality experiences to India


Niraamaya Retreats Kumarakom Wins ‘Most Luxurious Spa Resort’ Title

Niraamaya Retreats Kumarakom Wins ‘Most Luxurious Spa Resort’ Title

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 29, 2026

Niraamaya Retreats Backwaters & Beyond, Kumarakom has been awarded the title of ‘Most Luxurious Spa Resort’ at the Global Spa Awards 2025. The recognition highlights Niraamaya Life’s continued focus on offering wellness experiences built around authenticity, sustainability, and refined hospitality.

The award was presented on 22 April 2026 at JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu, in the presence of key figures from the wellness and hospitality sectors, along with members of the film fraternity. Allen Machado, Chief Executive Officer, accepted the award on behalf of the organisation.

This marks the fourth time Niraamaya Life has been recognised at the Global Spa Awards, reflecting its consistent approach towards holistic wellbeing and guest-focused experiences. The brand’s philosophy centres on preventive wellness, with therapies and programmes designed to support long-term health and balance. The recognition also highlights the property’s curated spa journeys, inspired by nature-led treatments and the principles of Ayurveda.

Commenting on the recognition, Allen Machado stated:

“We are honoured to receive this recognition at the Global Spa Awards. It reflects the collective commitment of our teams to deliver preventive wellness experiences that support holistic wellbeing. We remain focused on advancing wellness hospitality through authenticity, personalisation, and consistency in delivery.”

Niraamaya Life continues to expand its presence in the wellness hospitality space, with plans to grow across both domestic and international markets over the next two years. This growth is supported by a clear focus on thoughtful programme design, calm environments, and intuitive service.

With this recognition, Niraamaya Life further strengthens its position as a leading wellness-focused hospitality brand, staying aligned with its vision of offering meaningful and immersive guest experiences.

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