LOYA at Taj West End, Bengaluru marked World Storytelling Day with a calm and thoughtfully curated afternoon that brought people together over stories and shared experiences.

The gathering was designed as a space for open conversations around storytelling, seen as a way to preserve meaning and capture the beauty and emotion of everyday life. Much like food, which often brings people closer, storytelling became the centre of the afternoon’s experience.

The session featured a diverse group of voices, including writer and journalist Ruth D’Souza Prabhu, wine expert and writer Ruma Singh, hospitality connoisseur Aslam Gafoor, and sensory artist Indu Antony, known for capturing the unique scents of Karnataka.

As the conversation unfolded, it became clear that despite their different backgrounds, storytelling connected them all. Rooted in Indian culture and heritage, food emerged as a shared theme, bringing together memories, perspectives, and personal journeys, reflecting what LOYA aims to celebrate.

The menu added another layer to the experience, featuring dishes with strong cultural roots and stories of their own. Guests were served selections such as Dal ki Chaat, Dahi Kraal, Gola Paratha, Tudkiya Bhaat, and Kala Moti Gucchi Pulao, each offering a glimpse into traditional flavours.

Set against the serene backdrop of Taj West End, Bengaluru, the afternoon carried a sense of quiet elegance. Conversations flowed naturally, supported by a thoughtfully planned culinary experience.

Through such initiatives, LOYA continues to create a space where food, culture, and storytelling come together in a meaningful way, offering guests an experience that goes beyond dining.

LOYA, operated by IHCL, is the brand’s flagship North Indian concept that celebrates the culinary traditions of the region. With a focus on time-honoured recipes, slow cooking methods, and heirloom ingredients, the restaurant presents flavours that are both authentic and refined. With a seating capacity of 117, LOYA at Taj West End, Bengaluru offers an experience where every detail, from the interiors to the music, is designed to reflect India’s rich food heritage while blending it with a modern touch.

Courtyard by Marriott Pune Chakan has introduced a property-wide upgrade aimed at improving guest comfort and overall well-being, with a clear focus on enhancing the stay experience.

As part of this initiative, the hotel has installed new mattresses across all rooms, addressing the growing importance of quality sleep for travellers. The move reflects a shift in hospitality priorities, where rest and relaxation are becoming key parts of the guest journey.

The upgrade has been designed keeping both business and leisure travellers in mind, offering a space that supports better sleep, reduces travel fatigue, and creates a more relaxed environment throughout the stay.

Commenting on the development, Amol More said, “At Courtyard By Marriott Pune Chakan, we believe that true hospitality goes beyond service, it’s about how our guests feel during and after their stay. This upgrade is part of our ongoing commitment to ensuring every guest experiences superior comfort, relaxation, and peace of mind.”

The refreshed room experience is part of the hotel’s continued effort to align its offerings with wellness-focused travel trends, where guests increasingly look for stays that help them unwind and recharge.

With this update, the property continues to strengthen its approach to guest-centric hospitality, focusing on simple yet impactful changes that make a noticeable difference to the overall stay.

RECHARGE 2026 at Rajalakshmi Engineering College, Chennai, turned into a landmark cultural moment with a massive turnout of over 18,000 students on its opening day. The event brought together music, art, and student energy on an unprecedented scale, setting a new benchmark for college culturals in India.

In a historic first, globally celebrated music composer A. R. Rahman performed live on a college campus, making the evening truly unforgettable. His performance became the highlight of the fest, elevating it into a large-scale cultural spectacle.

The night also featured performances by well-known artists including Shweta Mohan, Rakshita Suresh, Amrutha Suresh, Nakul Abhyankar, Blaaze, Haricharan, Aditya R K, Nitesh Aher, and A. R. Ameen, creating a high-energy lineup that kept the audience engaged throughout.

RECHARGE 2026 was designed as an immersive platform celebrating creativity and talent, bringing together established artists and emerging voices in a single space.

Speaking about the event, Abhay Meganathan, Vice Chairman of Rajalakshmi Engineering College, said, "We are immensely proud to have hosted a historic moment not just for our institution, but for college culturals across India. Bringing A. R. Rahman to perform at our campus reflects our commitment to creating unparalleled opportunities and experiences for our students. RECHARGE 2026 embodies the spirit of innovation, passion, and excellence that defines our institution."

Following the strong response to Day 1, the fest continues with an equally exciting lineup featuring Prabhu Deva, along with performances by Saanvee Meghana, Nikki Galrani, Sayyeshaa, Shriya Saran, Anukeerthi Vyas, Samyuktha Shan, and Yashika Anand. A special highlight includes a dance performance featuring faculty members alongside the college dance team “Rugged,” mentored by Prabhu Deva.

Tejshree Abhay Meganathan, Executive Director of the college, added, "RECHARGE 2026 is not just a cultural event, but a celebration of the vibrant spirit and talent of our students. At our institution, we believe such initiatives play a vital role in nurturing creativity, confidence, and holistic development."

With RECHARGE 2026, Rajalakshmi Engineering College has redefined the scale of campus events, creating a new benchmark for experiential college festivals in India