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.


Summit Hotels & Resorts Appoints Arun Daga as General Manager of Kaziranga Property

Summit Hotels & Resorts Appoints Arun Daga as General Manager of Kaziranga Property

By Hariharan U

Published on June 27, 2026

Summit Hotels & Resorts has announced the appointment of Arun Daga as the General Manager of Summit Green Village Resort & Spa, Kaziranga, strengthening its leadership presence in one of Northeast India’s key wildlife tourism destinations.

In his new role, Arun Daga will be responsible for overseeing the overall operations of the resort, with a focus on enhancing guest experiences, improving operational efficiency, and strengthening the property’s positioning within the growing tourism ecosystem of Kaziranga.

Arun Daga brings nearly three decades of experience in the hospitality industry. A graduate of the University of Calcutta with a qualification in Hotel Management from BILAMS, he has built extensive expertise across hotel operations, guest services, team leadership, and property management over the course of his career.

Prior to this appointment, he held several leadership roles across hospitality establishments, where he contributed to operational improvements and service delivery enhancements across diverse markets.

Speaking on the appointment, Sumit Mitruka, CEO of Summit Hotels & Resorts, said Arun Daga brings valuable operational experience and a strong understanding of hospitality, and expressed confidence that his leadership will further strengthen both guest experience and operational performance at the Kaziranga property.

The appointment comes as Summit Hotels & Resorts continues to expand and strengthen its footprint across Northeast India, focusing on destination-driven hospitality experiences in emerging tourism markets.

About Summit Hotels & Resorts

Summit Hotels & Resorts is a hospitality group with a growing portfolio across India, with a strong presence in the Eastern Himalayas and Northeast region. The brand focuses on destination-led hospitality experiences across leisure, nature, and wildlife-driven locations.


McDonald’s India Brings FIFA World Cup Fever with Limited-Edition Meals and Coca-Cola Partnership

McDonald’s India Brings FIFA World Cup Fever with Limited-Edition Meals and Coca-Cola Partnership

By Hariharan U

Published on June 27, 2026

McDonald’s India – North & East has introduced a limited-edition FIFA World Cup Meal range in collaboration with Coca-Cola, bringing football-themed excitement to fans across the region.

The initiative builds on the long-standing partnership between McDonald’s and Coca-Cola, designed to create shared cultural moments that go beyond food and beverage. The new campaign aims to extend the spirit of football beyond stadiums and screens by combining signature menu items with exclusive collectibles inspired by the FIFA World Cup.

Each FIFA World Cup Meal includes a McDonald’s favourite, a Coca-Cola beverage, and a limited-edition football collectible designed as a keepsake for fans. The offering is positioned as a way to enhance the fan experience and create lasting memorabilia tied to the global sporting event.

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The limited-time meal range includes McVeggie Dragon FIFA World Cup Meals and McChicken Dragon FIFA World Cup Meals, paired with Coca-Cola beverages and collectible football merchandise. Pricing for the range starts from INR 209 and goes up to INR 289 depending on the variant and collectible included.

Speaking on the launch, Rajeev Ranjan, Managing Director, McDonald’s India – North & East, said the initiative is designed to bring fans closer to the action and celebrate the shared spirit of football and togetherness that defines both the sport and the brand experience.

Abhishek Gupta, Vice President, Customer Development, Coca-Cola India and South West Asia, added that football continues to serve as a powerful connector of people and experiences, and the collaboration aims to deepen fan engagement through immersive, everyday moments.

The FIFA World Cup Meal range is now available for a limited time across McDonald’s restaurants in North and East India, offering fans both a themed dining experience and exclusive collectibles while supplies last.

About McDonald’s India – North & East

McDonald’s restaurants in North and East India are operated by Connaught Plaza Restaurants Pvt. Ltd. The brand serves millions of customers annually across more than 300 restaurants and McCafé outlets, offering locally sourced ingredients and a variety of menu options tailored to Indian tastes. The company operates across multiple formats, including standalone restaurants, drive-thrus, and 24/7 outlets, with a strong focus on convenience, consistency, and customer experience.


See Redefines Hyderabad’s Nightlife with a 22-Seater Referral-Only Bar Hidden Inside TheySee

See Redefines Hyderabad’s Nightlife with a 22-Seater Referral-Only Bar Hidden Inside TheySee

By Hariharan U

Published on June 27, 2026

Hyderabad’s nightlife scene has introduced one of its most exclusive new concepts with “See,” a 22-seater referral-only bar tucked inside the larger TheySee space in Jubilee Hills.

Positioned as a hidden world within a world, See operates entirely on word-of-mouth access, where entry is granted only through personal referrals. There are no public listings, reservation platforms, or direct contact channels. Instead, the experience is built on trust, exclusivity, and a tightly curated community of guests.

Conceived by founders Niharika Gollapalli, Chef Suryansh Singh, and Darshan Ramchandani, the team behind TheySee, the bar has been designed as a deliberately intimate space that prioritises connection and familiarity. The cocktail programme is curated by Pradyumna Shanker, bringing together inventive mixology and Indian-inspired flavour profiles.

A striking red door marks the entrance to the venue, leading guests into a compact 22-seater room where the atmosphere shifts into a high-energy yet personal setting. With curated Afro-Indian music, personalised LED name badges, and recurring guest recognition, the experience is designed to feel both exclusive and familiar, especially for returning visitors.

The interiors of See are shaped by a collaboration with Lyzure, an art incubation space founded by Niharika Gollapalli. The space features immersive installations and handcrafted design elements by multiple artists, including mechanical flipbooks by Rayalu Harshith, ceramic pieces by Sanjana Reddy, and a retro television installation by student designer Afshaan from Mumbai. A life-size red Nazar Battu sculpture at the entrance, created by artist Vinay, serves as both a visual anchor and symbolic statement.

Rather than functioning as a traditional bar, See positions itself as an experiential space where design, art, and hospitality merge into a single narrative.

The cocktail programme continues this philosophy with inventive, technique-driven drinks rooted in Indian flavour sensibilities. Highlights include Laura’s Lassan, a tequila and mezcal-based cocktail with cacao bitters and black garlic pickle; The Fake Birthday, a celebratory drink experience complete with music, cake, and nostalgic elements; See-Kante, a guava and yuzu Picante-style cocktail; Whisky Saar; Michelle’s Adda; and Tagu Both Tiramisu, a dessert-style drink layered with vodka, coffee liqueur, and cream elements.

The culinary programme, led by Chef Suryansh Singh, complements the bar experience with elevated bar bites and playful reinterpretations of familiar dishes. The menu includes items such as Cheej Keema Pao, Maggie Nudele, Bluu Lays served inside a chips packet, Bheja Fry with gongura, and Seekh Paratha. The experience continues with dishes like NRI Rice Bowl, Jhalapeno Bhajji, and Chocolate Crime Scene, alongside a rotating house-made ice cream offering titled Aaaais Cream.

Access to See is strictly controlled through a closed referral system. Guests can only enter if invited by an existing member who holds a login code, which must be verified through a dedicated portal. A waitlist is also available for those seeking entry through curated selection. The brand maintains a private digital presence, with no public booking channels or open Instagram feed, reinforcing its exclusivity-led positioning.

At See, access is not marketed, it is earned. The result is a space where secrecy, design, and community come together to redefine what a bar experience can be in modern Hyderabad.

Timings:
Mon–Thu & Sun: 7:00 PM – 11:30 PM
Fri & Sat: 7:00 PM – 12:30 AM

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