Loya continues its culinary journey through North India with a special dessert chapter titled ‘Mittha’ at Taj Mahal Palace. Inspired by halwai traditions, old family recipes, and the warmth of festive gatherings, the new menu brings back familiar flavours in a refined and modern style.

At the heart of ‘Mittha’ is nostalgia. Each dessert tells a story of childhood memories and shared celebrations, while presenting the sweets in a way that fits today’s fine dining experience.

Among the highlights is Badana Pearls, a delicate mix of rabri and saffron foam, finished with pistachios and almonds. It balances richness with a light texture.

Doodh Jalebi brings together crisp jalebis with pista, chuara and warm kesar milk, offering both crunch and comfort in every bite.

Kulfi Pop features a four-flavour kulfi board with rose petal, saffron-cardamom, royal paan leaf and malai. It is designed as a playful yet elegant tasting experience.

Falooda layers almond kulfi with rose rabri, creating a fragrant and textured dessert.

Gud–Ke–Maan, inspired by the chef's grandmother's recipe, is a slow-cooked badam kheer that carries deep nostalgia.

Loya Khel adds a modern twist with chikoo mousse and biscuit cake paired with coconut grass, blending tradition with creativity.

The experience does not end with dessert. ‘Baad Mein’ offers a curated selection of digestifs and Himalayan teas, encouraging guests to slow down and enjoy the final moments of the meal.

With ‘Mittha’, Loya at Taj Mahal Palace turns dessert into more than just a final course. It becomes a celebration of memory, craft, and comfort, served with elegance.

Saudi Arabia has introduced a mandatory 90-day health insurance policy for overseas pilgrims travelling to the Kingdom for Hajj and Umrah. According to a report by The Times of India, the new rule applies to all international visitors entering the country on pilgrimage visas and is aimed at ensuring timely access to emergency medical care during their stay.

The health cover comes into effect from the date of entry into Saudi Arabia and remains valid for up to 90 days. It includes emergency medical treatment, hospitalisation, accident-related care, and urgent healthcare needs that may arise during the pilgrimage period. The insurance is designed specifically to handle unforeseen medical situations and does not focus on routine check-ups or non-urgent treatments.

Under the new system, the insurance coverage is directly linked to the issuance of Hajj and Umrah visas. Pilgrims will automatically receive the health cover as part of the visa process, helping reduce the financial burden on individuals and families in the event of illness or injury while travelling.

Saudi authorities have rolled out this measure to strengthen healthcare preparedness during large religious gatherings, especially during peak pilgrimage seasons when millions of worshippers from across the world visit the country. Managing public health and emergency response remains a key priority during these periods.

The report notes that the move is part of broader efforts to improve services for pilgrims and streamline processes related to religious travel. By making health insurance mandatory, officials aim to ensure quicker access to medical care, improve safety standards, and minimise complications during emergencies.

The introduction of the 90-day health cover marks another important administrative update for international pilgrims, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s continued focus on safety, planning, and structured healthcare support during Hajj and Umrah.

Holi has never been about colours alone. From gujiyas passed between colour-stained hands to glasses of thandai shared mid-celebration, food has always played a central role in the festival. With the launch of its Holi Special Edition range, Origins brings these familiar traditions back into focus, celebrating flavours that feel festive, nostalgic, and deeply rooted in Indian homes.

Staying true to the brand’s commitment to clean and honest food, the limited-edition range features festive favourites such as Namak Pare Diamond, Namak Pare Sticks, Methi Mathri, Plain Mathri, Methi Mathri Sticks, Shakkarpara, Sugar-Coated Shakkarpara, Mawa Gujiya, Thandai Mix, and ready-to-drink Thandai. Each product is crafted without any artificial additives, preservatives, colours, or seasonings, reflecting Origins’ focus on ingredient integrity, consistency, and uncompromising quality.

“For us, Holi was always defined by the food as much as the colour. The gujiyas everyone reached for, and the thandai shared between celebrations. With the Origins Holi range, we wanted to bring back those familiar flavours and recreate the sense of nostalgia and togetherness that makes the festival so special,” says Avinit Bagri, Co-founder of The Filter Coffee.

Alongside the festive food range, Origins has also introduced Holi Gifting Hampers designed to make festive gifting simple yet thoughtful. Each hamper includes a curated mix of sweets, savouries, and pre-mix, paired with Holi colours by Pankhudiyan, all packed in gift-worthy packaging that feels festive and modern. The hampers are available at three price points, making them suitable for friends, family, or even a little self-indulgence.

While the Holi Special Edition is a seasonal offering, it reflects Origins’ larger vision of helping modern India rediscover everyday food, reimagined for a fast-moving, design-aware, and quality-conscious audience. This philosophy runs through every step of the process, from sourcing ingredients and refining recipes to designing packaging that feels intentional and contemporary. By prioritising quality over convenience and maintaining transparency in how products are made, Origins ensures every offering feels honest and thoughtfully crafted.

The Holi Special Edition range is available across all outlets of The Filter Coffee and on the First Club app.