In a focused step towards strengthening climate awareness in the city, the Rotary Club of Madras partnered with the Institute for Climate and Environment as community collaborators for Sustainability Carnival and Primathon 2026. Held on February 14 and 15 at Primrose School, Chennai, the two-day initiative was curated by ICE, with Rotary extending its support to widen participation and deepen community engagement.

The programme opened with a symbolic tree plantation under ICE’s ROOTS (Restoring Our Original Tree Systems) initiative. President Rtn. Nikhil Raj, along with key Rotary members, planted a Manoranjitham sapling on campus, marking the beginning of a larger ecological restoration goal. Through ROOTS, ICE plans to plant one million native trees over the next three years to rebuild local ecosystems and enhance environmental resilience. The initiative received financial backing from Rtn. Fharzana Siraj, B&G Solar Pvt Ltd, and Kaleesuwari Foundations.

On February 15, the Primathon saw students, parents and educators participate in a 1.5-kilometre run symbolising the 1.5°C global warming threshold outlined in the Paris Agreement. Flagged off by Rtn. Sesha Sai, District Chairman, participants wore eco-friendly T-shirts to reinforce everyday sustainability. A yoga session inspired by Triguna Theory encouraged mindful living as a foundation for environmental responsibility. The event concluded with a Climate Action Pledge, with attendees committing to sustainable practices and receiving Certificates of Climate Action from ICE.

After establishing a strong presence in the UAE, Pincode now marks its India debut with the launch of Pincode Bungalow, the brand’s first Indian flagship by Kunal Kapur. Choosing Vagator for its layered cultural character and design-forward appeal, the chef-led concept brings its geographically inspired dining philosophy back home.

At the heart of Pincode lies a menu structured around India’s postal codes, tracing flavours from Indore’s Sarafa Bazaar and Old Delhi’s Dilli-6 to Kolkata’s cabin cafés, Champaran’s sealed-handis and coastal Tamil kitchens. Alongside crowd favourites, the kitchen spotlights dishes such as Dubki Aloo with Bedmi Poori, Nizami Handi, Nadru Kofta and Champaran Meat, using techniques like dum cooking, dhungar smoking, charcoal grilling and fermentation. Personal family recipes from Chef Kunal and Corporate Chef Sadiya Khan add a layer of memory to the mapped culinary narrative.

Set within a restored Portuguese bungalow, the space unfolds in three distinct zones. Indiroom revisits Indian breakfast traditions in collaboration with Caarabi Coffee Roasters, while Baar-Bar, developed with mixologist Mukesh Patwal, presents nostalgic cocktails paired with a dedicated chakhna menu. The design preserves the home’s original character, blending whitewashed walls and timber rafters with subtle contemporary detailing.

“With Pincode Bungalow, we wanted to create a flagship that truly belongs… Three moods, one home,” said Chef Kunal Kapur, Founder & Chef.

Marking Holi with elegance and restraint, The Den Bengaluru is presenting a celebration that reinterprets the festival through florals and flavour. Moving away from the usual splash of colours, the hotel is embracing fragrant petals and refined décor to create a setting that symbolises joy, harmony and togetherness.

Guests will be welcomed by an elaborate floral rangoli installation, setting a graceful tone for the afternoon. The décor has been thoughtfully designed to balance festive vibrancy with a calm, contemporary aesthetic, offering a celebration that feels intimate yet distinctly seasonal.

The highlight of the experience is a specially curated Holi buffet featuring beloved dishes from across India. The spread includes Chole Banarasi Style, Gatte ki Sabzi, Vegetable Kofta Curry and Ajwain Poori, alongside a selection of traditional Gujiyas that bring nostalgic festive flavours to the table. Each preparation reflects regional culinary influences while maintaining authenticity.

Adding to the celebratory spirit, The Creek will host a live Thandai and Lassi counter, serving chilled festive blends that complement the elaborate buffet.

With its floral accents, curated menu and tranquil ambience, The Den Bengaluru offers a Holi celebration that is vibrant yet composed, creating a memorable festive experience for guests seeking something refined.