The festive spirit of Navratri is set to shine brighter this year as Ponneri Gymkhana Club presents its much-awaited Dandiya & Garba Night on 23rd September 2025. Promising an evening filled with beats, colors, and cultural vibrance, the event will bring together the joy of dance, tradition, and community celebration.

The night will be graced by Mr. Chetan Shah, Mrs. Brinda Prashanth Shah, and Mr. C. R. Jangid as Chief Guests. Adding to the grandeur, members from Duchess Club, Bob Cycling Group, and Greenies will join as special invitees, making it a truly inclusive and spirited gathering.

Celebrating two of India’s most loved art forms, Dandiya and Garba, the event will showcase the essence of rhythmic beats, colorful attire, and lively performances that capture the heart of Navratri. Starting from 3 PM to 7 PM, the evening will culminate with a festive dinner, ensuring guests leave with cherished memories.

As the proud media partner, Hospitalitynews is delighted to support this vibrant celebration where tradition meets festivity.

Venue: V.No 76, Perucheri, Ponneri Taluk, Thiruvallur District, Chennai – 601204
For Registrations: +91 9363632829

Mark your calendars and get ready to dance the night away in Ponneri, an evening where every step and every beat celebrates the spirit of Navratri.

Baskin Robbins India has officially rolled out a GST reduction on its products, with effect from September 22, 2025. The tax rate has dropped from 18% to 5%, and the brand has ensured that the entire benefit is passed directly to customers across its parlours and packaged product range.

Under the revised billing structure, all invoices from distributors to parlour outlets now reflect the lower 5% GST. Consumers will find the updated rate clearly mentioned on both printed and digital receipts. In addition, digital screens at parlours are carrying a live ticker announcing the change, while laminated price lists near billing counters show the reduced prices for tubs, cakes, sticks, and other offerings.

Base prices on parlour display panels remain unchanged since they are exclusive of GST, ensuring transparency for walk-in customers. While some packaged products may still show older GST-inclusive MRPs, customers are charged at the revised lower rates in line with the laminated lists. The company clarified that re-stickering has not been done to avoid risks to product quality caused by thermal shock.

To make the transition seamless, Baskin Robbins has also launched a full “before and after” price list on its official website, while using both digital and traditional platforms to spread awareness.

Commenting on the move, Mohit Khattar, CEO of Graviss Foods, said, “We welcome the government’s GST rationalisation as a timely step that will strengthen consumption across categories. At Baskin Robbins, we are delighted to pass on the full benefit of this reduction to our consumers with immediate effect. We are adopting a multi-channel approach to communicate this change from social media announcements to in-store displays and transparent invoicing  ensuring that both our consumers and trade partners are fully informed. This not only makes the transition seamless but also reflects our commitment to value and trust. As India’s largest ice cream parlour network, we believe this move makes indulgence more accessible and contributes to the larger growth story of India’s consumer economy.”

With this change, Baskin Robbins not only makes indulgence more affordable but also reaffirms its position as a consumer-first brand in India’s growing retail landscape.

Sterling Holiday Resorts has announced the grand opening of Sterling Hibis Vellore, its first resort in Vellore and the ninth property in Tamil Nadu. The 40-key resort, set on a lush 5.3-acre estate just off Tiruvannamalai Road, introduces a unique resort-style escape within city limits, catering to both leisure and business travellers.

Strategically located at the crossroads of pilgrimage, healthcare, education, and commerce, Sterling Hibis Vellore is designed to serve a diverse mix of visitors from devotees at the Golden Temple in Sripuram, families exploring the historic Vellore Fort, medical and academic visitors at CMC and VIT, to corporates seeking retreat-style venues. Guests can also extend their circuits with nearby Sterling Yelagiri and Sterling Arunai Anantha Tiruvannamalai, offering a seamless blend of spiritual, cultural, and leisure experiences.

The property features 36 Classic Rooms and 4 Suites, laid out in a villa-style design that balances modern comfort with open green surroundings. Dining highlights include the Orchid Restaurant, where Arcot Nawabi heritage flavours meet global cuisines, and the Iris Bar, a vibrant lounge offering cocktails and light bites. For wellness and leisure, guests can enjoy a full-service spa, fitness centre, and a 2,500 sq. ft. swimming pool with a kids’ section.

For events and celebrations, Sterling Hibis Vellore offers a Grand Banquet Hall for 150 guests and an expansive party lawn for up to 600 people, making it an attractive choice for weddings, social gatherings, and corporate offsites.

Speaking about the launch, Vikram Lalvani, MD & CEO, Sterling Holiday Resorts, said:

“Sterling Hibis Vellore embodies our vision of offering urban travellers the best of both worlds, a tranquil resort setting within city limits, tailored equally for leisure and business. From pilgrims and medical visitors to families and corporates, this property is designed to meet every need with warmth and authenticity.”

Mr. Prabu Ramalingam, Managing Director, Dolphin Ecco Resort Hotels, added:

“Partnering with Sterling for Hibis Vellore allows us to bring an international standard of resort hospitality to the city. With its villa-style rooms, expansive lawns, and wellness amenities, this property sets a new benchmark in Vellore, appealing to both local gatherings and visiting travellers.”

Conveniently connected, the resort is 3 hours from Chennai Airport, 20 minutes from Vellore Cantt Railway Station, and 30 minutes from Katpadi Junction. With this addition, Sterling strengthens its presence across Tamil Nadu, complementing its portfolio in Ooty, Kodaikanal, Yelagiri, Madurai, Tiruvannamalai, and Yercaud.