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.


IHCL Signs 350-Room Gateway Hotel in Hennur, Bengaluru

IHCL Signs 350-Room Gateway Hotel in Hennur, Bengaluru

By Hariharan U

Published on January 8, 2026

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company, has announced the signing of a new Gateway hotel in Hennur, Bengaluru. This greenfield project will introduce a 350-room property designed to cater to both business and leisure travellers while enhancing IHCL’s footprint in the city.

The Gateway Hennur, Bengaluru will offer a host of culinary experiences, including an all-day dining restaurant, a specialty restaurant, a stylish bar, and a lounge. For business and social events, the hotel will feature banqueting facilities spanning over 16,000 sq. ft., complemented by modern meeting rooms equipped with state-of-the-art technology.

Wellness and recreation will be central to the guest experience, with a fully equipped gym, health club, swimming pool, and dedicated treatment rooms for rejuvenating therapies. The hotel’s strategic location in Hennur provides excellent connectivity to major IT hubs, the airport, and key city attractions, making it a convenient destination for both domestic and international travellers.

With this addition, IHCL will operate 20 hotels in Bengaluru, including 11 properties currently under development, reinforcing its position as a leader in the city’s hospitality landscape.

About IHCL
Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) is India’s largest hospitality company, operating iconic brands including Taj, SeleQtions, Vivanta, and Gateway Hotels. With a diverse portfolio of hotels, resorts, and palaces across India and internationally, IHCL combines world-class hospitality with local culture and heritage. For more details, visit www.ihcltata.com.


Romanos at JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar Launches Formaggi d’Italia: A Cheese-Centric Culinary Experience

Romanos at JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar Launches Formaggi d’Italia: A Cheese-Centric Culinary Experience

By Hariharan U

Published on January 8, 2026

Romanos, the city’s premier destination for authentic Italian cuisine at JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar, is set to unveil Formaggi d’Italia, a refined, cheese-led culinary experience. Launching on 7th January 2026, the showcase celebrates Italian cheese through craftsmanship, storytelling, and interactive dining.

Inspired by Italy’s regional cheese culture, Formaggi d’Italia begins with an artisanal cheese board featuring Bocconcini, Mozzarella, Gorgonzola, pine nut-crusted goat cheese, Pecorino, and Provolone, paired with pecan nuts, JW herb crackers, and mostarda.

Guests can then indulge in a range of cheese-forward pastas including Four Root Cheese Gnocchi with Brie, Fettuccine Quattro Formaggi, and Tortellini alla Fonduta. The experience continues with comforting mains such as Chicken Parmigiana and Spinach Ricotta Lasagna with Brie, and concludes with classic Italian desserts like Tiramisu and Sicilian Cannoli filled with Ricotta.

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“Formaggi d’Italia brings together craftsmanship, indulgence, and storytelling,” said a spokesperson for Romanos. “It reaffirms Romanos as a destination where authentic Italian flavours are elevated through immersive, experience-led dining.”

About JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar
JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar combines elegance and sophistication, conveniently located near Mumbai’s international and domestic airports. The hotel features 588 spacious rooms, world-class dining including Romanos, JW Café, BarQat, and AUTM – JW Lounge, as well as 95,781 sq.ft. of convention spaces, and Spa by JW, Asia Pacific’s first, offering holistic wellness therapies.

For more details, visit www.jwmumbai.com.

About Marriott International
Marriott International operates nearly 9,500 properties in 144 countries under 30+ brands. Marriott Bonvoy® offers a highly awarded travel platform. For the latest news, visit Marriott News Center or follow @MarriottIntl on social media.


Gokul Jaykrishna Takes Charge as FICCI Gujarat Chairman, Focus on MSMEs and AI-Led Growth

Gokul Jaykrishna Takes Charge as FICCI Gujarat Chairman, Focus on MSMEs and AI-Led Growth

By Hariharan U

Published on January 8, 2026

Noted industrialist Gokul Jaykrishna has taken over as the new Chairman of FICCI Gujarat, with a strong focus on making the council a more action-oriented platform for industry, especially to support the growth and competitiveness of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

Jaykrishna, 57, is the CEO and Joint Managing Director of Asahi Songwon Colors Limited, a leading player in the chemicals and pigments sector. Under his leadership, FICCI Gujarat will prioritise productivity enhancement through artificial intelligence, while working closely with the government to deliver measurable outcomes for businesses across sectors.

“The council will work towards building on Gujarat’s manufacturing strengths and positioning the state as a global manufacturing hub, aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Make in India initiative and the broader national economic agenda,” Jaykrishna said. “By leveraging AI and technology-led solutions, we can significantly improve productivity, competitiveness, and ease of doing business.”

During his tenure, FICCI Gujarat will also place strong emphasis on sustainability, encouraging both MSMEs and large corporates to adopt productivity-enhancing and technology-driven solutions. The council plans to host a series of sector-specific manufacturing events over the year to promote knowledge sharing, attract investments, and showcase opportunities across key industries.

Jaykrishna highlighted that focused industry–government engagement will be central to the council’s approach. “We will facilitate structured, closed-door roundtables to enable constructive dialogue, address policy challenges, and strengthen collaboration between industry and government,” he added.

Jaykrishna holds a degree in Business and Economics from Lehigh University and also serves on the boards of Asahi Tennants Colors, Atlas Life Sciences, The Anup Engineering, and Arvind Limited.

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