Shimla Winter Carnival: A Historic Celebration Boosting Himachal's Tourism

Shimla Winter Carnival: A Historic Celebration Boosting Himachal's Tourism

By Author

Published on December 29, 2023

In a significant move to rejuvenate the tourism sector, the Himachal Pradesh government kicked off the inaugural Shimla Winter Carnival, a 12-day celebration aimed at uplifting the spirits of the hill state. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu inaugurated the event at the historic Ridge, marking a historic moment for the city.

The winter carnival holds special significance as it comes on the heels of a challenging period for Himachal Pradesh's tourism industry, severely impacted by the recent monsoon disruptions. Chief Minister Sukhu, during the inauguration, acknowledged the adverse effects of the monsoon fury but expressed optimism about the state's recovery. He highlighted the influx of 30,000 tourist vehicles in the past days as a promising sign of the tourism industry's revival.

Emphasizing the government's commitment to promoting tourism, Chief Minister Sukhu announced a substantial increase in the budget for the tourism sector, reaching Rs. 3,000 crores from the previous Rs. 50 crores. This financial boost aims to support the recovery efforts and further elevate Himachal Pradesh as a preferred tourist destination.

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To facilitate a seamless experience for visitors, the state government has permitted all restaurants, dhabas, and food shops to remain open 24 hours from December 20, 2023, to January 5, 2024. This move is aligned with the government's focus on providing a warm welcome to tourists and enhancing their overall experience in the state.

The Winter Carnival promises an array of attractions, including cultural parades, folk dance performances like Mahanati, and exhibitions featuring local dishes and cultural programs. The carnival, set to conclude on January 5, 2024, is strategically timed during the Christmas and New Year celebrations, adding to the festive atmosphere in Shimla.

Apart from being a delightful experience for tourists, the carnival aims to celebrate Himachal Pradesh's rich cultural heritage. Cultural programs such as Kullavi Nati and Singtu of Sirmaur district were presented, contributing to the vibrant celebration. The event, graced by dignitaries, including Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh and Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh, is expected to have a positive economic impact on the state.

The Shimla Winter Carnival signifies a turning point for Himachal Pradesh's tourism, ushering in hope, festive cheer, and a promising outlook for the future.


Athulya Senior Care Inaugurates Third Senior Care Facility in Bengaluru

Athulya Senior Care Inaugurates Third Senior Care Facility in Bengaluru

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 14, 2026

Athulya Senior Care has inaugurated its third senior care facility in Bengaluru at Mathikere, further strengthening its presence and commitment to building a comprehensive senior care ecosystem in the city.

U.T. Khader, Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Government of Karnataka, inaugurated the new facility in the presence of healthcare professionals, senior citizens, partners and members of the Athulya family. Athulya Senior Care also acknowledged the support of Raksha Ramaiah and the MSR Infrastructure team for their partnership in developing the new facility. The purpose-built centre has been designed around the specific needs of seniors, bringing care, comfort, rehabilitation and dignity together under one roof.

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Located in Mathikere, one of Bengaluru's premium residential neighbourhoods, the new geriatric care centre has been developed exclusively for senior citizens. It offers a range of services aimed at supporting seniors through different stages of care while also promoting active ageing and overall wellbeing.

The facility features 75 suite rooms, well-appointed living spaces and dedicated rehabilitation zones. It also includes technology-enabled physiotherapy services with virtual reality-based rehabilitation, specialised memory care infrastructure, emergency medical support, nutritious diet management and recreational spaces.

With the new centre, Athulya Senior Care now has 13 facilities live across India, including three centres in Bengaluru. The organisation has also crossed 300+ dedicated senior care beds in Bengaluru, expanding access to specialised geriatric care in the city. The new facility adds to Athulya's wider network of senior care services, with 1500 beds across India. Its expansion reflects the growing need for dedicated senior care spaces that combine medical support with rehabilitation, comfort and everyday wellbeing.

With 1500 beds across India and 300+ beds in Bengaluru, Athulya Senior Care continues to work towards one shared commitment, enabling seniors to age with dignity, independence and purpose.


Anardana Opens Its Biggest Outlet Yet in Noida Sector 50

Anardana Opens Its Biggest Outlet Yet in Noida Sector 50

By Author

Published on August 14, 2026

Anardana has opened its 14th and largest outlet yet in Noida's Sector 50, introducing an upgraded menu and a contemporary Indian dining environment designed to reflect the brand's next phase of growth.

The new flagship builds on Anardana's presence in Noida, following the response to its Sector 129 outlet. The brand has established a growing following across North India with its modern Indian cuisine, bold flavours and vibrant dining environments.

With the Sector 50 opening, Anardana brings together familiar favourites and new culinary creations in a significantly larger space designed to function as a destination for dining and celebratio ns.

Commenting on the launch, Shruti Malik, Founder, Anardana, said, "The launch of our Noida Sector 50 restaurant is a defining milestone for Anardana as we open our 14th outlet and our largest flagship destination yet. Noida has always been an important market for us, and the love we've received at our Sector 129 outlet gave us the confidence to deepen our presence in the city."

She added that the new flagship was designed to offer more than a restaurant, combining elevated design, warm service and a culinary experience that remains rooted in Indian traditions while embracing contemporary influences.

Contemporary Indian Design

The Sector 50 outlet adopts a contemporary Indian design language built around fluid geometry, layered materials and sculptural elements.

A double-height central volume forms the heart of the restaurant, with sculptural domes, suspended installations and cascading greenery creating a strong vertical visual identity. Integrated lighting adds depth to the space, while the interplay of solid and open areas creates a balance between intimate dining zones and larger social spaces.

The material palette incorporates terracotta flooring, timber battens, natural stone, textured finishes and handcrafted lattice screens, bringing warmth and tactile character to the interiors.

A dramatic double-height bar acts as the central visual anchor, while curvilinear seating, raised platforms and carefully framed sightlines create distinct dining zones within the larger space.

The design aims to celebrate Indian craftsmanship through a contemporary interpretation rather than relying heavily on traditional ornamentation.

Upgraded Culinary Offering

The new outlet also introduces an upgraded menu featuring modern interpretations of Indian flavours alongside familiar Anardana favourites.

Vegetarian highlights include In Pulled Jackfruit Cannelloni, featuring ghee-roasted pulled jackfruit rolled into cannelloni and baked in saffron cream sauce.

Among the non-vegetarian offerings are Butter Chicken Gujiya, featuring crispy gujiyas filled with smoky tandoori chicken and served with Parmesan and makhani sauce, and Malai Chicken Roulade, paired with mashed potatoes and smoked red bell pepper sauce.

Other new dishes include Achari Chicken Breast, mushroom-stuffed chicken finished with a pickle brush and mushroom pepper sauce; Lamb Ragout Sambusa; and Mutton Goli Kebab, served with gilafi kulcha and walnut, radish and eggplant chutneys.

For dessert, the Rasgulla Tiramisu combines rasgulla soaked in coffee and rum with mascarpone and cacao, offering an Indo-Italian interpretation of the classic dessert.

The brand said the expanded menu is intended to build on Anardana's approach to contemporary Indian cuisine while introducing guests to new combinations and presentations.

The Sector 50 outlet represents an important milestone for Anardana as the brand continues to expand its presence across North India. Founded in 2018, Anardana has grown its restaurant portfolio with a focus on modern Indian cuisine, hospitality and experiential dining.

With its largest outlet yet, the brand aims to strengthen its position in Noida's competitive dining landscape while creating a larger destination for everyday meals, celebrations and social occasions.

Outlet Details

Venue: Anardana, Sector 50, Noida
Address: Unit No. TF 04, Aditya Ancora, Plot No. 05, F Block, Sector 50, Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201301
Phone: 9667502046


W Macau, Studio City Appoints Sammy King as General Manager

W Macau, Studio City Appoints Sammy King as General Manager

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 14, 2026

W Macau – Studio City, located within Melco Resorts & Entertainment's integrated resort of Studio City in Cotai, Macau, has announced the appointment of Sammy King as General Manager.

In his new role, Sammy will lead the hotel with a focus on exceptional guest experiences, operational excellence and business performance. He will also support the continued development of the unique experiences that are part of the property's identity.

Sammy brings 38 years of hospitality experience across the Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong. He began his career in hotel operations, spending a decade in the field before moving into sales leadership and taking on roles that focused on business growth across several hotel brands.

His experience with Marriott luxury brands, including St. Regis and Mandarin Oriental, has given him experience across both hotel operations and commercial leadership. This background will support his new role as Macau's lifestyle luxury market continues to evolve.

In 2021, Sammy returned to Marriott International as Director of Sales & Marketing at W Hong Kong. During his tenure, he was promoted to Hotel Manager. His work at the property was recognised when he received the "Sales Hotelier of the Year" title from Stelliers Greater China in 2023. Under his leadership, W Hong Kong also retained its Four-Star rating in the Forbes Travel Guide 2026.

"It's an honor to step into this role at W Macau – Studio City, a hotel that captures the bold spirit at the very heart of the W Hotels brand. This property embodies the vibrant energy and cultural crossroads that make Macau such an electric destination, and I'm thrilled to lead our dynamic talents as we continue delivering the iconic Whatever/Whenever™ experience our guests have come to expect. offering a unique brand of contemporary luxury that goes above and beyond," said Sammy King, General Manager, W Macau – Studio City.

Born and raised in Hong Kong, Sammy holds a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration (Marketing Management) from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology. Outside his professional life, he enjoys traveling, snowboarding and fitness, interests that add to his dynamic personality.

With his experience across operations, sales and marketing, Sammy takes on the leadership of W Macau – Studio City at a time when Macau continues to develop as a lifestyle and luxury destination.

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