Diwali is here, and the air is electric! It’s the season of dazzling lights, high-spirited card parties, and the comforting hum of laughter that fills every home. This year, make every celebratory clink count with a curated gifting guide that brings together distinguished whiskies, refined wines, and sophisticated non-alcoholic options. Whether you’re elevating your home bar or searching for the perfect gift for a client or loved one, the right beverage can set the tone for the perfect festive mood.

1. The Glenwalk

A dependable star for your festive bar, The Glenwalk by Sanjay Dutt and Cartel Bros is a premium Blended Scotch Whisky that embodies elegance and warmth. Perfect for card parties or as a refined corporate gift, this whisky offers hints of warming spice, treacle, and a lingering buttery finish. Smooth, balanced, and classic, it’s everything a good Diwali pour should be.

2. The GlenJourneys

For a truly unforgettable impression, The GlenJourneys by actor and entrepreneur Ajay Devgn and Cartel Bros stands apart. This ultra-premium 21-year-old Single Malt Scotch, available in the rare Pioneer’s Edition and diverse Cask Series, makes for an extraordinary collector’s piece. Expect velvety vanilla and ripe fruit layered into a mellow, elegant finish. A fitting choice for those who celebrate milestones with distinction.

3. Aquatein

This festive season, think beyond sweets and snacks with Aquatein, India’s first protein water brand. Packed with 10g of high-quality protein and zero sugar, it’s a refreshing and guilt-free way to celebrate health and togetherness. Perfect for fitness enthusiasts and mindful eaters, Aquatein combines taste, wellness, and innovation, a thoughtful gift for the modern festive spirit.

4. Bubz

Add some fizz to your gifting with Bubz, India’s next-generation soda for those who love indulgence without compromise. Each 250 ml can is enriched with 6g of prebiotic fiber, contains no added sugar, and has just 18 kcal, naturally sweetened with monk fruit. With four playful flavours, Cola, Lemon Lime, Citrus, and Strawberry, Bubz is perfect for clean cocktails or festive refreshment.

Vibrant, fun, and functional, it’s an ideal choice for health-conscious friends who still love their fizzy indulgence. This Diwali, gift Bubz, because health and celebration can fizz together.

5. Morgan Beverages (Paladin Wines)

Bring a touch of European sophistication to your celebrations with Morgan Beverages, the official distributor of Italy’s acclaimed Paladin Wines. The Paladin Pinot Grigio Rosé makes an exceptional gift, offering delicate floral aromas of violet and dried flowers. Its palate reveals a crisp, dry texture with a gentle complexity and an elegant, lingering finish, a sip of pure la dolce vita that adds sparkle to every Diwali gathering.

As the Festival of Lights shines bright, choosing the perfect drink is that final touch that completes the celebration. Whether it’s a premium whisky for the connoisseur, a fine European wine for the host, or a modern zero-proof beverage for the mindful celebrant, your thoughtful choice ensures every toast becomes a cherished moment.

Here’s to Diwali, a celebration of taste, togetherness, and timeless joy. Cheers!

Novotel Vijayawada Varun invites guests to embark on a culinary journey through the vibrant streets of Thailand. Always at the forefront of celebrating global cuisines, the hotel is hosting a 10-day Thai Food Festival that promises a medley of bold flavours, fragrant spices and authentic culinary craftsmanship.

Commenting on the festival, Hotel Manager Manish Pathak said, “At Novotel Vijayawada Varun, we are committed to delivering curated dining experiences that combine international flavours with local sensibilities. Our goal is to offer guests a premium culinary journey that elevates the dining experience and reinforces our position as a destination for global gastronomy. This Thai Food Festival is designed to showcase and further that approach.”

Timed to coincide with the festive season, the event is ideal for gourmands seeking a sophisticated dining experience that excites the palate. Guests can expect an exquisite spread featuring spicy curries, stir-fried noodles, fragrant jasmine rice, tangy soups and an array of dishes crafted with fresh herbs, tofu, chicken and seafood.

Each preparation celebrates the delicate balance of sweet, sour, salty and spicy flavours that define authentic Thai cuisine.  The meal begins with the fragrant and spicy Tom Yum soup, a perfect balance of lemongrass and chili. The bold Pad Krapow Kai, tossed with chili and basil, brings authentic street-style flavour, while Gai Phad Prik Grapao adds depth with hot basil and garlic. For curry lovers, the rich and aromatic Gaeng Massaman delivers comforting warmth and spice. End the meal on a refreshing, tropical note with Top Tim Grob, a classic Thai dessert of water chestnut rubies in coconut milk.

Hosted at Red Bowl, the hotel’s Pan-Asian speciality restaurant, the festival will be led by Chef Vikram from Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach. Renowned for his expertise in authentic Thai cuisine, Chef Vikram has meticulously designed a menu that captures the essence of Thailand’s culinary landscape.

With its lively ambience, aromatic dishes and festive energy, the Thai Food Festival at Novotel Vijayawada Varun promises an experience that delights every sense.

Venue: Red Bowl, Novotel Vijayawada Varun

Dates: 10 to 19 October 2025

Time: 12:30pm to 3:30 pm, 7:30 pm to 11:00 pm

This Diwali, Marriott Executive Apartments Hyderabad joined hands with Dakni Sweet Treats and Sangat to host a royal-themed sweet-making masterclass at Altair, its elegant banquet space, celebrating the rich confectionery heritage of the Deccan.

The event offered guests an immersive journey into the art of traditional Hyderabadi sweets — delicacies once prepared in royal kitchens during the Nizami era. The masterclass highlighted recipes and craftsmanship that Dakni Sweet Treats has carefully preserved since its founding in 1994.

Participants discovered the intricate process behind Dakni’s iconic creations, the Badam Ki Jali, made from almond dough layered with silver foil and shaped into ornate designs; the Hyderabadi Ashrafi, inspired by Nizam-era coins and made with saffron, almonds, and cashew; and the Badam Kund, rich with ghee, almonds, and saffron, finished with a touch of silver waraq.

The demonstration featured vintage tools such as brass cutters and engraved coin moulds, giving attendees a glimpse into authentic techniques passed down through generations.

“Influenced by Persian and Turkish traditions, the Badam ki Jali draws from marzipan techniques, while Ashrafi uses Persian coins to imprint sweets with Nizami inscriptions,” shared Naina, Director, Dakni Sweet Treats. “Gil-e-firdaus, maske ke lauz, and jauzi halwa are part of a significant legacy that must be preserved before they vanish from living memory.”

Adding to the cultural spirit of the evening, Ashwin Vaidya, General Manager at Marriott Executive Apartments Hyderabad, remarked, “Curating living Deccan traditions is central to our cultural programming. Altair was designed as a stage for craft, cuisine, and community—this masterclass brings that vision to life for Diwali, connecting guests with artisans and time-honored techniques.”

This festive collaboration between Marriott Executive Apartments Hyderabad, Dakni Sweet Treats, and Sangat reflects a shared commitment to celebrating Hyderabad’s royal culinary heritage through modern, meaningful experiences.

About Dakni Sweet Treats and Sangat

Founded in 1994, Dakni Sweet Treats Pvt. Ltd. is dedicated to keeping alive the royal dessert traditions of Hyderabad. Known for preserving time-honoured recipes, it has helped elevate Hyderabadi sweets as a defining part of the city’s rich culinary identity.

Sangat is a Hyderabad-based cultural initiative that explores the art, language, and living traditions of the Deccan. Through storytelling and collaboration, it brings together people and ideas that honour the region’s plural heritage while shaping an inclusive cultural future.

Located in Gachibowli beside the Botanical Gardens, Marriott Executive Apartments Hyderabad offers luxurious stays and contemporary event venues, including Altair, its signature banquet space. The property also houses Mazzo, a rooftop restaurant known for its global cuisine and refined dining experiences.