Tamil Nadu Tourism Showcases its Heritage and Culture at IFTM Top Resa in Paris

Tamil Nadu Tourism Showcases its Heritage and Culture at IFTM Top Resa in Paris

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on September 28, 2025

Tamil Nadu, the southernmost state of India and a vibrant blend of heritage and landscapes, marked its presence at the International French Travel Market (IFTM) Top Resa 2025 in Paris from September 23 to 25. Renowned for its ancient temples, rich history, literature, architecture, and diverse ecology, the state extended an open invitation to global travellers seeking authentic cultural experiences.

The Tamil Nadu Tourism pavilion was inaugurated by Dr. K. Manivasan, I.A.S., Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Tourism, Culture & Religious Endowments, along with Mr. Naveen Kumar, Counsellor (Head of Chancery), Embassy of India, Paris, and Thiru T. Christuraj, I.A.S., Director of Tourism & Managing Director, TTDC. Accompanied by tour operators, DMCs, and hoteliers, the delegation engaged in B2B discussions with key stakeholders to explore new collaborations and strengthen global tourism ties.

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The pavilion served as a hub to showcase Tamil Nadu’s diverse tourism offerings, from heritage and eco-tourism to adventure and cultural travel experiences. Efforts were also made to attract investments in tourism infrastructure while promoting sustainable and culturally enriching practices that resonate with modern travellers.

Tamil Nadu’s deep-rooted heritage is reflected not only in its monuments but also in its literary legacy. Ancient Sangam literature identifies five ecological landscapes, Kurinji (hills), Mullai (forests), Marutham (agricultural plains), Neithal (coastal), and Palai (arid lands), each offering travellers distinct cultural and natural encounters. Visitors can explore serene coasts, trek across lush mountains, and immerse themselves in vibrant rural life while experiencing Tamil Nadu’s timeless traditions.

With seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the state is also home to a spectrum of festivals and cultural celebrations. Events such as the Indian Dance Festival, Tamil Nadu International Balloon Festival, and the Tamil Nadu International Kite Festival attract thousands of visitors. The Pongal harvest festival, with the traditional sport of Jallikattu, highlights the region’s living traditions, underscored by the development of a modern 16-acre Jallikattu arena in Madurai.

Adventure seekers can explore Tamil Nadu’s 1,076 km coastline, water sports, trekking trails, and hill stations like Kolli Hills, Jawadhu Hills, and Yercaud. Niche segments such as medical and wellness tourism, eco-tourism, and rural tourism are also being developed, providing visitors with a wide spectrum of experiences.

The natural environment is equally compelling, featuring Nilgiris, Agasthiyarmalai, and Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserves, along with national parks, mangroves, and wildlife sanctuaries. Kanniyakumari, where the Bay of Bengal, Arabian Sea, and Indian Ocean converge, offers visitors the majestic 133-feet Thiruvalluvar Statue, India’s only sea glass bridge, and a spectacular laser and sound show.

Adding to its cultural fabric are traditional dances, folk arts, cuisine, and handicrafts. With 69 Geographical Indication (GI) tags, Tamil Nadu is recognised for its brassware, bronze artefacts, sarees, embroidery, jewellery, and pottery. Homestays in villages surrounded by tea and spice plantations offer immersive cultural stays with local communities.

Tamil Nadu is more than a destination, it is a land of timeless stories. From sacred temples and highlands to ancient towns and aristocratic homes, every corner resonates with centuries of living narratives. As the state steps onto the global stage at IFTM Top Resa, it reaffirms its identity as a destination where stories never end.


Tea Post Unveils ‘Apne Jaha, Utsav Waha’ Campaign to Celebrate Diwali Togetherness

Tea Post Unveils ‘Apne Jaha, Utsav Waha’ Campaign to Celebrate Diwali Togetherness

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 19, 2025

Tea Post, a popular homegrown tea café chain, has launched a thoughtfully curated Diwali campaign titled ‘Apne Jaha, Utsav Waha’. Through this initiative, the brand aims to highlight that Diwali is not just about grandeur but about cherishing simple, heartfelt moments with loved ones over a comforting cup of chai at one’s favourite baithak spot.

The campaign transforms Tea Post outlets into festive spaces filled with colour, creativity, and celebration. A variety of on-ground experiences bring together everyone associated with the brand, customers, franchisees, employees, vendors, and landlords in a shared festive spirit.

As part of the celebrations, the ‘Chai Sang Rishte’ contest invites customers to share their chai memories, while franchisees participate under the theme ‘Rishton Se Roshan’. Employees join in through the ‘Hamara Tea Post Tyohaar’ video contest, and the brand extends gratitude to its vendors and landlords for their continued support over the years.

Adding a cultural touch, Tea Post has introduced Diwali Baithak, a series of open-to-all gatherings that feature soulful music, shayari sessions, and festive décor across cities like Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Surat, Jamnagar, and Jaipur. These events include interactive workshops such as lantern-making and diya-painting, fostering community engagement and creativity.

Speaking about the campaign, Darshan Dashani, Founder of Tea Post, said, ‘Apne Jaha, Utsav Waha’ is dear to each one of us who has made Tea Post their comforting hangout place over the years. Tea Post has been celebrated for more than just chai, which includes people, conversations, and memories. This Diwali, we aimed to dedicate the celebrations to the timeless bonds of our customers, teams, and partners. Because wherever there are our own, there’s always a reason to celebrate.”

Guests can also savour a variety of 15 signature chai blends paired with traditional snacks like samosas, theplas, and maska buns, enjoyed amid marigold décor and festive lights. Select Tea Post cafés in cities including Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Pune, Surat, Gandhinagar, Rajkot, and Vadodara have turned into Diwali hubs, offering creative DIY sessions such as candle-making, bookmark designing, and ceramic art.

With over 250 outlets across 60+ cities in India and Dubai, Tea Post continues to grow as more than just a tea café, it is a space that celebrates culture, connection, and community, one cup at a time.


Mumbai's Best Restaurants to Celebrate Diwali 2024 with Friends and Family

Mumbai's Best Restaurants to Celebrate Diwali 2024 with Friends and Family

By Hariharan U

Published on October 17, 2025

This Diwali season, Mumbai's restaurant scene is ready to welcome you with open arms, twinkling lights, and plates full of delicious memories waiting to happen. If you're wondering where to take your celebrations this year, we've rounded up some of the city's finest spots that promise good food, great vibes, and that special festive glow.

Elegant Evenings at Amelia, BKC

Tucked away in the heart of BKC, Amelia brings European elegance to your Diwali table. This isn't just dinner, it's an experience wrapped in candlelight and sophistication. Their menu features beautifully plated dishes that look almost too good to eat. Think truffle-infused small plates, perfectly hand-rolled pastas, and desserts that define indulgence. The craft cocktails here are something special too. Whether you're planning a romantic evening or a small gathering with your closest people, Amelia delivers refined luxury without being over the top. It's the kind of place where friendship and fine food come together naturally.

The restaurant is located in BKC, and you can expect to spend around ₹2500 for two. Reservations can be made at 9619221133.

Vibrant Flavours at Torii, Bandra

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If you like your festivities colourful and full of energy, Torii in Bandra is calling your name. This spot brings together Pan-Asian and Latin influences in a way that just works. The menu is packed with exciting dishes, fresh sushi rolls, crispy gyoza that crunch just right, and wok-tossed mains loaded with umami flavours. The interiors are chic, the lighting sets the perfect mood, and the bar programme adds that extra sparkle to your evening. It's ideal for those who want their Diwali dinner to feel as lively as it does delicious.

You'll find Torii in Bandra, with an approximate cost of ₹3800 for two. Call 098333 73888 to book your table.

Comfort Food at Cream Centre

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Sometimes, the best celebrations are the ones that feel like home. Cream Centre has been a Mumbai favourite for years, and for good reason. This all-vegetarian spot is where nostalgia meets comfort on every plate. Their Chole Bhature, sizzlers, pastas, and that famous sizzling brownie have been bringing families together for generations. It's the kind of meal where everyone's laughing, sharing, and probably fighting over the last bite of dessert. Perfect for a family outing or a cosy night with friends who feel like family.

Fiery Fun at Nando's, Lower Parelimage

Want to add some heat to your Diwali? Nando's famous PERi-PERi flavours bring the fire to your festive table. Their flame-grilled chicken, loaded platters, spicy paneer wraps, and zesty sides pack bold flavours that make you smile with every bite. The vibe here is casual, playful, and full of good energy, making it perfect for celebrations with your crew. Picture this: loud laughter, clinking glasses of lemonade, and a table full of people having the best time. Some Diwali nights are meant to be exactly this, easy, fiery, and fun.

Jyran at Sofitel BKCimage

For those seeking something truly special, Jyran offers a five-star experience rooted in North-West Frontier traditions. This Diwali, the restaurant transforms into a candlelit sanctuary of elegance. Every dish here tells a story, from smoky kebabs to slow-cooked curries that carry the soul of age-old recipes with a modern touch. The interiors are plush with deep colours and handcrafted details, and there's a beautiful alfresco terrace if you prefer dining under the stars. Their signature gin bar is one of the few in the city, offering cocktails that perfectly complement the rich flavours on your plate. This is quiet luxury at its finest.

BarQat at JW Marriott Sahar

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The name means 'abundance', and that's exactly what you get at BarQat. This restaurant celebrates Indian culinary heritage with a contemporary twist. The golden interiors, mirrored walls, and warm lighting create an atmosphere that feels almost cinematic. The menu takes you on a journey across India, from saffron-rich gravies of the north to the spiced coastal flavours of the south. Each dish is thoughtfully layered and beautifully plated. The service is impeccable, and the bar programme cleverly mixes Indian ingredients with global spirits. It's traditional at heart but completely modern in execution, making it perfect for a festive dinner that honours heritage while embracing the new.

Late Checkout in Lower Parel

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If your Diwali plans involve celebrating well past midnight, Late Checkout is where you need to be. This restored warehouse space is a beautiful mix of contrasts, raw industrial walls meet velvet textures, vintage elegance flows into modern cool, and low lighting meets disco shimmer. The cocktails here are inventive, made with in-house infusions, and the Asian-inspired bar plates are designed to keep you going through the night. The music starts mellow and builds as the evening progresses. You even enter by golf cart, which sets the tone for the unique experience ahead. It's a stylish escape for those who want their Diwali glow to last long after dinner ends.

This Diwali, Mumbai's dining scene has something for everyone. Whether you're after elegant fine dining, comfort food that feels like a warm hug, or a lively night out with friends, these restaurants are ready to make your festival of lights truly memorable. So gather your people, pick your spot, and get ready for a celebration that's all about good food, great company, and the joy of being together.


Sunbay by Food Service India Launches New Boiled Pulses Range on World Food Day

Sunbay by Food Service India Launches New Boiled Pulses Range on World Food Day

By Hariharan U

Published on October 17, 2025

Food Service India Pvt. Ltd. (FSIPL), one of the country’s leading B2B food solutions companies, has launched a new line of shelf-stable boiled pulses under its premium brand, Sunbay, in celebration of World Food Day.

This innovative range, featuring Boiled Rajma, Boiled Chole, and Boiled Urad Dal is designed to make life easier for chefs, caterers, and kitchen operators across hotels, QSRs, banquets, institutional kitchens, and cloud kitchens. Fully cooked, vacuum-sealed, and hygienically packed, these pulses deliver authentic flavour and consistent quality while drastically cutting prep time.

India remains the largest producer and consumer of pulses, and as the country’s food service market grows from ₹4,980 crores in 2024 to an estimated ₹11,680 crores by 2033 (Custom Market Insights), the need for efficient, scalable kitchen solutions is higher than ever. Sunbay’s new range directly addresses this demand  helping professional kitchens reduce preparation time by up to 80%, cut manpower needs by up to 30%, and minimise wastage through portion-controlled packs.

With the launch of Sunbay’s boiled pulses range, we are enabling professional kitchens to prep less and serve more,” said Ajay Mariwala, Managing Director, Food Service India Pvt. Ltd. “We aim to help chefs save time without compromising on quality, taste, or control. This solution enhances both kitchen efficiency and profitability. On this World Food Day, we are taking our commitment towards ready-to-cook food much higher.”

By streamlining operations and ensuring standardised taste across multiple locations, Sunbay’s new range offers a smart, sustainable way for kitchens to stay efficient while serving consistently great food.

About Food Service India Pvt. Ltd

Founded in 2016 by Mr. Ajay Jayasinh Mariwala, Food Service India Pvt. Ltd. (FSIPL) has redefined B2B food solutions for the Indian hospitality sector. With a portfolio of over 550 SKUs catering to more than 40,000 customers nationwide, the company offers gravies, sauces, seasonings, beverages, canned produce, and pasta. FSIPL’s focus on research-driven innovation and quality ensures customised, consistent, and scalable culinary solutions for the HoReCa industry.
Website: https://foodserviceindia.com/

About Sunbay

Sunbay, a flagship brand by FSIPL, is known for its premium range of sauces, gravies, and pastes designed for the HoReCa segment. With the addition of its boiled pulses line, the brand continues to deliver convenience, reliability, and taste, helping chefs serve efficiently without compromising on quality.

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