Bangalore’s music lovers have a new reason to mark their calendars — Barnhouse has launched Jazz Fridays, a fresh weekly series of live performances starring the sensational Rubina Robinson Trio. Held every Friday evening from 7 PM to 9 PM, this new musical ritual brings soulful melodies, classic jazz grooves, and a cozy, artistic vibe to the heart of the city.

The concept is simple: every week, Rubina Robinson and her talented trio — sometimes switching to solo sets — will take over the stage to deliver a live jazz experience that blends tradition with contemporary flair. Whether you’re a lifelong jazz enthusiast or someone simply looking for a relaxed night out with good music, Jazz Fridays hits the right note.

Rubina Robinson isn’t just a singer — she’s a storyteller with a voice that moves. Known for her velvety tone and expressive style, she draws influences from greats like Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Chet Baker, and Aretha Franklin, while adding her own distinct twist that mixes jazz, R&B, pop, and even touches of opera.

Her background in choral music shines through in the lush harmonies and intricate phrasing she brings to every set. Paired with her self-taught piano skills, Rubina offers a musical experience that’s as emotionally rich as it is technically polished. Her songs explore everything from love and longing to personal growth — all through dreamy arrangements and deeply relatable lyrics.

But this isn’t your average lounge music. Jazz Fridays is immersive, heartfelt, and meant to be felt as much as heard. Whether you catch her performing solo or with the trio, every note turns into a shared connection between artist and audience.

With Jazz Fridays, Barnhouse isn’t just adding live music to the calendar — they’re creating a new space for artistic expression and community connection. For anyone in Bangalore looking to unwind with meaningful music and warm vibes, this one’s for the books.

Yoga found a new home this International Yoga Day — not in studios or parks, but in shopping malls. Across Delhi NCR, malls rolled out yoga mats and wellness activities, turning their atriums and public spaces into zones of peace, purpose, and participation.

From mindful stretches to bhangra-fused yoga, the day brought together people of all ages in a celebration of balance, health, and community spirit. It also marked a growing trend — malls shifting from pure retail to wellness-driven community spaces.

At DLF Mall of India, Noida, the day kicked off with the Active Noida initiative. Over 400 participants joined a session led by actress and yoga trainer Vidya Malvade, blending traditional yoga with deep breathing practices. The event also featured health talks, Decathlon’s fitness challenges, a Starbucks coffee tasting, and even a themed kids’ art contest.

“Our goal is to create deeper engagement — where visitors don’t just shop, but also find space to rejuvenate,” shared Shibli Khan, Vice President & Cluster Head, DLF Mall of India.

In Gurugram, Ambience Mall offered calming start-and-end yoga sessions in collaboration with Fitness First. The format was simple yet meaningful, drawing in families and professionals for a moment of stillness amid the city’s rush.

Vegas Mall in Dwarka brought out its vibrant side with a Wellness Morning that drew over 500 participants. Led by personalities like Ashley Kaur (Bhangra), and Yog Guru Manmohan Gupta (breathing workshops), the event reflected the mall’s larger theme — One Earth, One Health. Medicinal sapling giveaways and spirited dance sessions made it a lively community gathering.

“This wasn’t just about flexibility — it was about resilience and responsibility,” said Ravinder Choudhary, VP, Vegas Mall.

At Gaur City Mall, yoga met performance. Gold medalist Praveen Kumar led the main session, joined by over 100 community members. The morning came alive with Dance Yoga and demonstrations by the Uttar Pradesh Yogasana Sports Association.

“Our Yoga Day celebration is a tribute to India’s yogic legacy — combining discipline and joy. We aim to make yoga a shared societal movement, echoing PM Modi’s global vision,” stated Sarthak Gaur, Director, Gaurs Group.

Extending the spirit further, Gulshan One29 Mall in Noida hosted a week-long wellness festival. Led by instructors like Shweta Mishra and Rochan, the sessions ranged from Zumba to traditional yoga. The finale included Kathak and freestyle performances by children — making wellness an intergenerational celebration.

“Seeing active participation across all age groups was truly motivating. Yoga is India’s timeless gift, and we’re proud to support its growth and message,” said Yukti Nagpal, Director, Gulshan Group.

The events signal more than festive celebrations — they highlight a clear transformation. Malls are evolving into experience-driven spaces, where wellness is not an add-on but a central anchor. From Ayurveda corners to atrium yoga, the future of retail seems firmly rooted in balance, community, and mindful living.

Sterling Holiday Resorts has added a fresh gem to its portfolio with the opening of Sterling Vanvasa, a premium hideaway nestled in the hills beyond Lansdowne. Surrounded by pine and sal forests and perched over 3,200 feet above sea level, this tranquil retreat is a destination where peace and panoramic beauty meet.

Spanning across 30 acres of forested land near Juee village, this is Sterling’s 8th resort in Uttarakhand, further solidifying the brand’s niche for introducing travellers to India's most peaceful, lesser-known escapes.

The setting is designed to let guests truly disconnect — far from busy town centres and untouched by commercial tourism. With stunning views of the Garhwal Himalayas and the Ramganga river, Sterling Vanvasa invites travellers to slow down, listen to nature, and breathe in the mountain air.

Accommodation includes 33 charming cottages and family suites, styled in a colonial-inspired design. Warm wooden interiors, private sit-outs, and a deliberate absence of televisions in rooms encourage visitors to enjoy nature’s screen instead.

The on-site restaurant, Aranya, serves not just multicuisine fare but also traditional Garhwali dishes made using herbs and vegetables grown in the resort’s own gardens. Other highlights include a hill-facing swimming pool, peaceful meditation zones, and cozy event spaces suitable for family celebrations or team retreats.

“Sterling Vanvasa is another example of how we specialise in crafting offbeat destinations for discerning travellers,” shared Vikram Lalvani, MD & CEO, Sterling Holiday Resorts. “From Munnar to Karwar, Yercaud to Razole, we’ve created sanctuaries for guests to reconnect with themselves and nature. Vanvasa is a continuation of that vision — deeply peaceful and refreshingly raw.”

Mr. Satendra Rawat, Proprietor of Vanvasa Hotels & Resorts, added, “Sterling’s expertise in running upscale resorts in unexplored locations made them an ideal partner. We believe this property will redefine what it truly means to escape — with a balance of comfort and nature’s beauty.”

Experiences here are curated to foster connection and calm — think sunrise yoga, stargazing, forest dining, birdwatching, and guided nature walks. Guests are encouraged to embrace slow travel: linger over meals, explore the outdoors, and fall asleep to the sounds of the forest.

With this opening, Sterling continues its journey of offering curated calm over crowded getaways — giving travellers more than just a place to stay, but a space to truly pause.