Author name: vibrant colours

Shillong Literary Festival 2026 at Ward’s Lake Shillong
Destinations, Latest News

6th Shillong Literary Festival Set to Open Amid Cherry Blossoms at Ward’s Lake

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Edition VI introduces ‘First Bloom’ initiative to discover and award emerging writers across the Northeast Exclusive literature career workshops at State Convention Centre Shillong Literary Festival 2026 the 6th Shillong Literary Festival is set to return from November 12 to 14, 2026, bringing together writers, thinkers, artists and readers for three days of books, ideas, dialogue, storytelling and performances at Ward’s Lake, Shillong. Supported by the Department of Tourism, Government of Meghalaya, the festival has grown into a significant cultural platform, bringing national and international literary voices to the State while showcasing Meghalaya’s rich storytelling traditions and creative ecosystem. Set against the Shillong’s cherry blossoms, the three-day festival will once again transform the city into what has often been described as the ‘Kyoto of the West’, offering visitors a distinctive combination of literature, culture and the natural beauty of Meghalaya. Shillong Literary Festival 2026 first Bloom Initiative to Discover Northeast Writers Ahead of Edition VI, the festival has introduced “FIRST BLOOM: Discovering New Writing from the Northeast,” an initiative aimed at identifying and encouraging emerging fiction and narrative non-fiction writers from across the region. The initiative will offer a total prize pool of ₹75,000, with ₹50,000 for the winner and ₹25,000 for the runner-up, creating a platform for new literary voices from the Northeast to reach wider audiences. As part of its pre-festival programming, the Shillong Literary Festival will also host two exclusive workshops on career prospects in literature on October 26, 2026, at the State Convention Centre, Shillong. The morning session, from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM, will feature Kanishka Gupta, while the afternoon session, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, will feature writers Mitra Phukan and Lalnunsanga Ralte. With 100 seats available for each workshop, registration will be on a first-come, first-served basis. The 2026 edition follows a successful prelude held earlier this year at Bikaner House in New Delhi, which featured prominent voices including veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah, 2026 Pulitzer Prize winner Suparna Sharma and veteran journalist Shekhar Gupta. The prelude expanded the festival’s cultural footprint beyond Meghalaya and strengthened its engagement with the wider literary, media and creative community. Literature, Culture and Storytelling at Edition VI This year’s festival will once again serve as a confluence of intercultural exchange, bringing together the rich traditions, folklore and storytelling of the Khasi, Jaintia and Garo communities with contemporary Indian and global narratives. The programme will create spaces for conversations between regional thinkers, writers and international literary figures, while exploring the evolving relationship between literature, culture and society. Over the years, the Shillong Literary Festival has hosted several eminent authors, including Banu Mushtaq, Vikram Seth, Shobhaa De, Shehan Karunatilaka and Francesc Miralles, among many others. Author Shobhaa De has described the festival as the “prettiest lit fest ever,” reflecting its distinctive setting and intimate connection with Shillong’s cultural and natural landscape. Building on the more than 13,000 visitors recorded at last year’s edition, the upcoming festival will also feature cultural and culinary experience alongside its literary programming. Live music performances by artists from the Chief Minister’s Meghalaya Grassroots Music Program will be held every evening, while food stalls showcasing local culinary talent will offer visitors an opportunity to experience Meghalaya’s diverse food culture. The festival also contributes to Meghalaya’s wider efforts to strengthen its creative economy and cultural tourism, creating opportunities for writers, artists, performers, local entrepreneurs and audiences to engage through a shared platform.

Oktoberfest at Grappa Shangri-La Eros New Delhi 2026
Hotels

When Oktoberfest Delights Delhi: Grappa at Shangri-La Eros New Delhi Brings the Spirit of Munich to the Capital

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An elevated celebration of German flavours, exceptional beers and spirited evenings From 26th September to 4th October 2026, Grappa at Shangri-La Eros New Delhi invites the capital to experience Oktoberfest, bringing together an enticing selection of beers, German culinary favourites and live entertainment. Drawing on Munich’s long-standing beer culture, the occasion pairs German brews and regional specialities with music for an evening of food, drinks and convivial company. Rooted in the tradition of hearty German fare, generous pours and shared tables, Oktoberfest has evolved into a celebration enjoyed far beyond its Bavarian origins. At Grappa, this spirit comes alive through an experience that brings together the warmth of German dining and the considered hospitality of Shangri-La Eros New Delhi, creating an occasion designed for both leisurely gatherings and spirited evenings. Oktoberfest at Grappa Features Draught Beers and Curated Packages Complementing the celebration is a selection of draught beers, beer buckets and specially curated beer packages, allowing guests to settle into the evening at their own pace. Oktoberfest at Grappa Offers German Culinary Favourites The culinary repertoire also moves between vegetarian and non-vegetarian favourites. Guests can discover baked spätzle with garlic and parsley bread, crunchy asparagus with fermented red cabbage and yuzu lemon hollandaise, mushroom strudel with goat cheese and balsamic reduction, and the classic pretzel with honey mustard sauce and mixed green salad. The non-vegetarian selection combines Nuremberg BBQ sausage with sauerkraut and chicken schnitzel with caper mayonnaise and rosemary jus, while an indulgent platter presents assorted sausages, sauerkraut, grilled asparagus, zucchini, Pommery mustard and baby potatoes. Each dish adds a different dimension to the celebration, inviting guests to discover the depth and versatility of German flavours. Oktoberfest at Grappa Brings German Beats and Live Entertainment The experience extends beyond the table, with Grappa taking on an Oktoberfest-inspired ambience accompanied by German beats and DJ-led music, bringing an animated rhythm to the bar while retaining its upscale character. Oktoberfest at Grappa: Date, Venue and Booking Details Date: 26th September – 4th October 2026 Venue: Grappa, Shangri-La Eros New Delhi Booking link : https://www.sevenrooms.com/explore/grappa/reservations/create/search/ For reservations or inquiries, please contact +91 11 4119 1030 or email grappa.slnd@shangri-la.com

Food

Third Wave Coffee marks 250th café milestone, accelerates national expansion across emerging and established markets

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The milestone comes amid a series of market entries across India, with expansions underway in Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Manipal and Kochi this month, and Dehradun and Amritsar planned for this financial year Third Wave Coffee, India's beloved coffee and food QSR brand, has marked a significant milestone in its national growth journey with the opening of its 250th café in Hazratganj, Lucknow. The milestone reflects the brand’s continued expansion across metros, Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities, as it builds a wider national footprint and brings its specialty coffee and contemporary café experience to more consumers. The 250th café comes at a time of accelerated national expansion for Third Wave Coffee, following recent entries into Agra, Kolkata, Visakhapatnam, and Jalandhar, which have strengthened the brand’s presence across North, East, and South India. Building on this momentum, the brand plans to enter Ludhiana, Manipal, Kochi, and Amritsar this financial year, further expanding its footprint across established and emerging markets. With a target of approximately 320 cafés by FY27, Third Wave Coffee remains focused on new market entries, deeper penetration across existing markets, product innovation, and operational excellence. Speaking on the milestone, Rajat Luthra, CEO, Third Wave Coffee, said, “Reaching 250 cafés is a remarkable milestone in our 10-year journey and a moment to reflect on how far Third Wave Coffee has come. What started as a vision to make specialty coffee more accessible has evolved into a brand that is a part of everyday life for consumers across India. As we look to the next decade, our ambition is to build a distinctive and enduring national brand. We will continue to explore new markets, exciting offerings and segments, while evolving the experience through our baristas, food and beverage innovations, and technology. At the heart of this journey is our commitment to creating spaces and experiences that foster community and give people a reason to return.” Third Wave Coffee’s cafés are designed as community-centric spaces, with comfortable, work-friendly environments and thoughtful infrastructure that support a range of everyday needs, from focused work and informal meetings to social interactions and leisure. At the same time, the brand’s expansion strategy is focused on building a strong presence across diverse consumer markets, supported by an evolving food and beverage portfolio, accessible specialty coffee, and technology-enabled convenience. This approach is supported by the brand’s dedicated Food Innovation Lab and state-of-the-art roastery, which enable continuous product development while strengthening its coffee, food, and operational capabilities as Third Wave Coffee scales.

Blog

World Tourism Day: From Experience-First Holidays to Tap-and-Pay Travel, Behaviours Shaping the New Indian Traveller

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The Indian traveller is changing how they discover, plan and experience holidays, with experiences, events, digital content and convenience increasingly influencing travel choices. This shift comes as digitalization and Artificial Intelligence reshape tourism, enabling more personalized discovery, planning, booking and payments. As the world marks World Tourism Day 2026 under the theme “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism,” these behaviours reflect how technology is becoming an integral part of the modern travel journey. Thomas Cook (India) Limited, India’s leading omnichannel travel services company, and its Group Company, SOTC Travel, share insights into key traveller behaviours shaping the Indian travel landscape today. These include a stronger focus on experiences, greater use of digital platforms and payments, more frequent short breaks, and growing international travel from beyond the metros. Choosing the experience, not just the destination Holiday searches increasingly start with what travellers want to experience, rather than simply where they want to go. Wildlife safaris in Kenya, Tanzania and South Africa, culinary trails in Italy and Japan, cultural immersion in Rajasthan and Vietnam, adventure in New Zealand and Switzerland, and stargazing in Ladakh and Norway are becoming reasons to choose a destination. For premium travellers, this is extending to experiences such as expedition cruises, premium rail journeys, Grand Slam tennis, premium golf and Formula 1, where access and curation are becoming an important part of the experience. This is also visible in spiritual travel, where destinations such as Ayodhya, Varanasi, Ujjain and Rishikesh are being explored beyond the pilgrimage itself, with travellers adding heritage, cuisine, architecture, wellness and local experiences to their itineraries. Similarly, destinations such as Bhutan, Japan, Sri Lanka and Vietnam are being explored for their distinctive mix of culture, nature, wellness and food. Digital platforms and personalised recommendations are further helping travellers discover destinations and experiences aligned with their individual interests. Planning holidays around moments and short breaks Travel is increasingly being planned around moments rather than only around calendars. Festivals, concerts, sporting events and major cultural occasions are becoming reasons to travel, with travellers building holidays around experiences they do not want to miss. At the same time, the traditional long annual holiday is being complemented by more frequent, shorter breaks. Long weekends, festive holidays and gaps between work commitments are being converted into domestic getaways, road trips and short-haul international holidays, creating a more distributed pattern of travel through the year. Discovering travel through social media, OTT and AI-powered digital journeys The journey is increasingly beginning before a traveller actively starts planning a holiday. A destination seen in an OTT series, movie, social media reel or creator recommendation can spark interest and quickly translate into a travel plan. AI is adding another layer to this discovery journey, helping travellers move from broad inspiration to more relevant destinations, experiences and itineraries based on their individual interests. The result is a travel journey that is becoming increasingly personalized from the point of discovery itself. Going digital with forex and payments Digitization is now extending across the entire travel journey, including how travellers manage and spend their money overseas. Thomas Cook India’s 2026 Forex Report found that 25% of customers transact through digital purchase channels, while 57% of forex-card spends is through contactless and online transactions. The shift reflects a clear preference for greater convenience, flexibility and control, with travellers increasingly comfortable managing forex digitally and using contactless and online payments rather than relying on cash. Payments are therefore becoming an integral part of the seamless travel experience, rather than a separate pre-trip consideration. Taking international travel beyond the metros International travel is no longer a metro-led story. Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities are emerging as important growth engines for outbound travel, supported by rising disposable incomes, better connectivity and growing global aspirations. Markets such as Lucknow, Indore, Surat, Kochi, Bhubaneswar and Vijayawada are increasingly contributing to the outbound travel landscape. Importantly, travellers from these markets are moving beyond simply taking their first international holiday. They are increasingly seeking distinctive experiences from Northern Lights and Arctic cruises to wildlife safaris and multigenerational holidays while valuing the reassurance of trusted guidance and end-to-end planning. Digital access is further helping bring international travel within easier reach, while stronger air connectivity is reducing the dependence on metros as gateways. Choosing the journey as part of the experience The holiday is increasingly being judged by the quality of the journey as much as the destination itself. Cruises, premium rail journeys, distinctive stays, glamping and wildlife experiences are attracting travellers who want the mode of travel and the stay to be part of the holiday story, rather than simply a means to get somewhere. At the same time, practical factors such as connectivity, visa convenience and ease of access are becoming more influential in destination selection. For the new Indian traveller, the expectation is increasingly for a holiday that is distinctive at the destination and seamless across the journey. Mr. Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India) Limited, said, “Indian travellers are becoming more intentional about what they want from a holiday. The focus is moving beyond simply visiting a destination towards experiences that offer discovery, immersion and personal relevance — whether that is exploring a spiritual destination through its heritage and culture, experiencing wildlife and adventure, or choosing a premium cruise or rail journey. At the same time, technology is making it easier to discover and personalize these experiences. The opportunity for the travel industry is to bring together the right experiences with greater simplicity and relevance for each traveller.” Mr. S.D. Nandakumar, President & Country Head – Holidays & Corporate Tours, SOTC Travel, said, “Technology is becoming an increasingly integral part of how Indians discover and experience travel. From social media and OTT-led inspiration to digital payments and AI-enabled recommendations, the travel journey is becoming more connected and personalized. The next phase is about using technology meaningfully — to simplify planning, provide more relevant choices and create a smoother experience across the journey. As

Hospitality

RAKEZ recognises companies for excellence in health, safety and sustainability

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Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) recognised companies within its business community for their achievements and commitment to high standards of health, safety and environmental practices through its HS&E Excellence Awards and Nujoom Al Salama Programme. The recognition highlighted businesses that have demonstrated strong performance in workplace safety, environmental responsibility, compliance and the continued improvement of HS&E practices across their operations. As part of the HS&E Excellence Awards, Vesuvius Ras Al Khaimah was recognised for completing one million safe working hours by World Refractories Association, while Ni Met Recycling was honoured for receiving a Gold Medal in the EcoVadis Sustainability Rating based on its environmental, social, and ethical performance across its operations and supply chain. RAKEZ also recognised four companies under its Nujoom Al Salama Programme, which evaluates and rewards businesses for excellence in HS&E practices. Elegant Industries and Peikko Gulf each received a four-star rating, while Sobha Modular Industries and AG Metal Industries achieved the programme’s highest five-star rating. Under Nujoom Al Salama, businesses are rated from three to five stars based on their adherence to safety regulations, proactive measures and incident records. The programme is designed to encourage continuous improvements in safety and compliance across industrial, land and warehouse facilities. Congratulating the awardees, RAKEZ Group CEO Ramy Jallad said: “Strong businesses are built on environments where people can work safely and where responsible practices are embedded into everyday operations. The achievements of these companies demonstrate what can be accomplished when health, safety and environmental responsibility become an integral part of how a business operates. Through initiatives such as these, we want to recognise good practices while encouraging our wider business community to continuously raise standards across their facilities.” Through its HS&E recognition initiatives, RAKEZ continues to promote a culture of safety, sustainability and responsible business practices across its growing business community.

Hotels

IHG Hotels & Resorts and United Hospitality Management Signs Garner Hotel Jim Corbett, Strengthening IHG’s Growing Presence in India

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 IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has announced the signing of Garner Hotel Jim Corbett, in partnership with United Hospitality Management (UHM) India, continuing the rapid expansion of its newest midscale brand in India. The signing builds on Garner’s strong global trajectory as the fastest-scaling brand in IHG’s history, having reached 100 open hotels worldwide since its launch in 2023. Scheduled to open in Q2 2027, the 50-key hotel will be owned by Victorian Corporation and managed by United Hospitality Management (UHM) India. Located in Ramnagar, Uttarakhand, the gateway to the renowned Jim Corbett National Park, the hotel will offer travellers a dependable, quality stay option in one of India’s most established wildlife and leisure destinations. Benefitting from strong road connectivity to key cities across North India, Jim Corbett continues to attract visitors throughout the year, making it an attractive market for quality accommodation. Spread across approximately three acres, signing of Garner Hotel Jim Corbett reflects IHG’s strategy of expanding in high-potential markets beyond the major metros, where rising domestic travel demand is creating new opportunities for branded stays. IHG’s newest midscale conversion brand, Garner™, builds on the company’s leadership in the essentials segment, offering quality stays at an accessible price point. Designed to deliver easy-going stays that get guests on their way, the brand focuses on the all-important things travellers value most, including a convenient location, a sound night’s sleep and a great breakfast, while benefiting from the quality standards, enterprise systems and rewards ecosystem of IHG Hotels & Resorts. As the fastest-scaling global brand in IHG’s history, Garner is gaining traction with owners around the world through its conversion-friendly model, operational flexibility and strong relevance in markets where demand for branded midscale stays continues to rise. Garner Hotel Jim Corbett will feature 50 thoughtfully designed rooms along with facilities and amenities tailored to the needs of modern travellers. Staying true to the brand’s ethos, Garner Hotel Jim Corbett will focus on delivering dependable quality, comfort and convenience in a setting full of character, offering guests a stay experience that is both accessible and locally relevant. Commenting on the signing, Sudeep Jain, Managing Director, South West Asia, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “Garner’s rapid momentum in India reflects the strong fit between the brand’s proposition and the needs of both owners and travellers in the market. Globally, Garner has become the fastest-scaling brand in IHG’s history and in India we are seeing that momentum translate into growing owner confidence and a strong development pipeline.” Deepika Arora, Managing Director, United Hospitality Management-India said: “At United Hospitality Management, we are focused on building a strong and differentiated hospitality platform in India through strategic partnerships, disciplined growth and a deep understanding of the markets we operate in. Our collaboration with IHG Hotels & Resorts reflects this approach, bringing together UHM’s local operating expertise and market insight with IHG’s global brands, systems and distribution strength. As we continue to expand our presence across India, including high-potential leisure and emerging markets, our priority is to create consistently high-quality guest experiences while delivering sustainable, long-term value for our ownership partners. Garner Hotel Jim Corbett is an important addition to this growth journey and demonstrates our confidence in the potential of well-positioned destinations beyond the traditional metros.” Parveen Saraswat, Director, Victorian Corporation, said: “Jim Corbett continues to grow as a year-round wildlife and leisure destination, with increasing demand for reliable, quality accommodation. As traveller expectations evolve, we saw a clear opportunity to bring a trusted international brand to the market. Garner’s distinctive proposition of delivering quality stays at an accessible price point, combined with IHG’s global brand strength and distribution platform, made it the right choice for this project. We are confident the hotel will be well positioned to serve the growing demand for branded hospitality in the region.” The signing of Garner Hotel Jim Corbett reflects IHG’s continued focus on accelerating growth in India, one of the company’s priority markets globally. As Garner builds momentum in the country, the brand is playing an important role in broadening IHG’s reach across high-potential leisure destinations, emerging commercial centres and fast-growing secondary markets. Backed by its conversion-friendly model and strong owner appeal, Garner is well positioned to support IHG’s strategy of expanding with market-relevant brands that strengthen choice for guests and create long-term growth opportunities across India.

Resorts

Pints, pizza and Prost! A poolside Oktoberfest celebration at Mulberry Shades Bengaluru Nandi Hills

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This Oktoberfest, Mulberry Shades Bengaluru Nandi Hills, a Tribute Portfolio Resort, invites guests to raise a pint, grab a slice and settle into an afternoon of easy-going celebrations with Pints & Pizza, an Oktoberfest special at Asri, the pool bar. Running from 25th September to 4th October 2026, the experience brings together two crowd-pleasing favourites — chilled domestic beers and freshly baked pizzas — in a relaxed poolside setting overlooking the resort’s lush surroundings. Designed for unhurried afternoons and casual gatherings, the offering captures the convivial spirit of Oktoberfest with a simple pairing made for sharing. Guests can enjoy three domestic beers paired with a pizza of their choice at INR 1,800++, making Pints & Pizza an easy addition to a weekend at the resort or a laid-back afternoon escape from the city. With freshly baked pizzas served alongside refreshing brews, the experience is all about good food, cold pours and the pleasure of lingering a little longer. At Asri, the pool bar at Mulberry Shades, the Oktoberfest celebration takes on a relaxed resort character, giving guests an opportunity to enjoy the festive season at their own pace. Whether gathering with friends, unwinding after a day at the resort or simply looking for a leisurely afternoon by the pool, Pints & Pizza brings together the flavours and easy camaraderie of Oktoberfest in a setting surrounded by the Nandi Hills landscape.

Food

Indian Craft Brewery brings Oktoberfest to Bengaluru with a new menu of Bavarian-inspired food and cocktails

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Indian Craft Brewery (ICB) is inviting Bengaluru to raise a glass and indulge in the Bavarian flavours  with Oktoberfest from 15 September to 30 October. Bringing together a specially curated new food and cocktail menu, the brewery is giving guests a fresh take on the season, complemented by its existing craft beer selection. The newly introduced food menu draws from the hearty, comforting flavours associated with German and Bavarian cuisine, with a selection of dishes created for the occasion. Guests can begin with Bavarian Pretzels served with beer cheese dip or opt for Pilzrahm Tarte, featuring forest mushrooms and a creamy herb sauce. The menu also features Bavarian Chicken Fingers, German Chicken Schnitzel Sandwich, Smoked Romesco Currywurst, Stout Pork Belly Slider, Bangers and Mash and the ICB Smashed Beef Burger. The Oktoberfest-inspired menu extends to desserts, with indulgent creations including Beer Caramel Chocolate Tart, Weissbier Tiramisu, Bavarian Sour Cherry Cheesecake, Malt Ice Cream and Death by Chocolate. Adding to the festivities is a new Oktoberfest-inspired cocktail menu, created to bring seasonal flavours and the spirit of the celebration into the glass. The selection includes Bavarian Berry, a berry-forward gin cocktail with a lager spritz; Ruby Keller, combining crisp apple, sparkling wine and an IPA twist; and Munich Midnight, a rich combination of vodka, vanilla and hazelnut finished with stout foam. Alpine Ember brings together Earl Grey, honey, smoky lime, whiskey and IPA, while Mango Prost offers a refreshing combination of mango, agave, coriander and lime with an IPA finish. The new food and cocktail offerings will be served alongside ICB’s craft beer lineup, headlined by Fest Bier, the brewery’s exclusive Oktoberfest seasonal release. A modern golden lager inspired by Munich’s iconic Oktoberfest beers, Fest Bier delivers a smooth malt character with notes of fresh bread, biscuit and light toast, balanced by a clean, crisp finish that makes it exceptionally drinkable. While the festival was once associated with darker Märzen-style beers, today’s Fest Bier has evolved into a lighter, golden lager that retains its rich malt depth while being easy to enjoy by the litre. Alongside this limited-edition Oktoberfest brew, guests can also enjoy ICB’s existing craft beer favorites, including Wit Maga, Happy Weizen, Rowdy Stout, El Chamraj, Ale Is Well, Nandi Nectar, Malgudi Ale, Huligun and ICB Native, available in 250 ml, 500 ml and 1000 ml pours. With an extended six-week celebration, Indian Craft Brewery is bringing the convivial spirit of Oktoberfest to its brewery experience through Bavarian-inspired food, new cocktails and craft beer, offering Bengaluru a reason to gather, eat, drink and celebrate through the season.

Mayfair Spring Valley Resort partners BURPP Festival 2026 in Guwahati
Resorts

Mayfair Spring Valley Resort Taps Assam’s Emerging Concert Economy as Lucky Ali and DIVINE Headline BURPP Festival

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As live events increasingly influence travel decisions, Guwahati is emerging as a destination where concerts can bring together entertainment, hospitality, food and local experiences. Ahead of BURPP Festival 2026 on October 10–11, Mayfair Spring Valley Resort, Guwahati, is partnering with the festival to welcome visitors travelling to the city and offer them an opportunity to experience Assam beyond the concert venue. The two-day festival will feature DIVINE on Day 1 and Lucky Ali on Day 2 at Sarusajai Stadium. The association comes as Assam strengthens its focus on concert-led tourism and the wider economic activity generated by large-scale live events. The state’s Concert Tourism Policy, notified in 2025, recognises the potential of concerts and music festivals to drive visitor movement and create demand across hotels, restaurants, transport and other tourism-linked businesses. Assam’s concert economy is estimated to generate more than ₹700 crore in cumulative economic impact over five years through a structured pipeline of events. Assam’s Concert Economy Supports Tourism and Economic Growth Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has also positioned the concert economy as part of the state’s wider tourism and economic development strategy. Speaking about the state’s concert plans, he has highlighted the potential for large-scale live events to generate economic activity across sectors including tourism, hospitality, transport and accommodation. The state’s concert-tourism blueprint similarly identifies live entertainment as a means of driving economic growth, attracting visitors, creating opportunities for young people and strengthening Assam’s visibility as a destination. As the hospitality partner for BURPP Festival, Mayfair Spring Valley Resort will cater to visitors travelling to Guwahati for the event, while its dining and hospitality experiences can serve as an introduction to the region’s food and cultural traditions. The association also reflects the expanding role of hotels in supporting event-led travel, where accommodation, meetings, dining and leisure experiences collectively contribute to the visitor economy. Mayfair Spring Valley Resort Brings Hospitality to Concert-Goers Pardeep Siwach, General Manager, Mayfair Spring Valley Resort, said, “The growth of concert tourism is creating an interesting opportunity for destinations such as Guwahati because large events bring people into the city who may otherwise not have travelled here at that time. Our experience of hosting international delegates and large-scale engagements has shown us the role hospitality can play in making Guwahati a comfortable and compelling destination for visitors. With the BURPP Festival, we are extending that experience to concert-goers by bringing together comfortable stays, regional food and the cultural character of Assam. Events such as these can create new reasons to visit the region while encouraging travellers to spend more time discovering what Guwahati and Assam have to offer.” For Mayfair Spring Valley Resort, the association builds on its experience of hosting visitors and delegates for engagements that bring people to Guwahati from across India and overseas. In July 2026, the resort hosted the two-day BRICS Heads of Anti-Drug Agencies Meeting, organised by the Narcotics Control Bureau under India’s BRICS Presidency, accommodating international delegates and facilitating the official sessions. With 260 rooms, cottages and villas and dedicated event facilities, the property has also been positioning Guwahati as a capable destination for conferences, government engagements and large-format gatherings. The development reflects Guwahati’s growing MICE and events ecosystem, with Mayfair Spring Valley Resort extending its experience of hosting international delegates and large-scale engagements to concert-led travel.  With BURPP Festival bringing audiences to Guwahati for two days of live music, Mayfair Spring Valley Resort’s association highlights how the city’s hospitality infrastructure can support the next phase of Assam’s event economy, from international delegates and business gatherings to concert-goers, while giving visitors more opportunities to experience the state’s food, culture and hospitality.

Resorts

JW Marriott Bengaluru Prestige Golfshire Resort & Spa brings together movement, nourishment and creativity for World Wellness Weekend

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The resort curates “The Way to Wellbeing”, an immersive day of wellness experiences set against the serene landscape of Nandi Hills Wellness takes centre stage at JW Marriott Bengaluru Prestige Golfshire Resort & Spa this World Wellness Weekend with “The Way to Wellbeing”, a day-long programme bringing together movement, nourishment, skin wellness, sound healing and mindful creativity. Set against the natural landscape of Nandi Hills, the experience reflects the resort’s approach to wellbeing as an integral part of the resort stay, rather than a singular activity. Wellness has long been woven into the experience at JW Marriott Bengaluru Prestige Golfshire, with its expansive green spaces, tranquil lakeside setting and Spa by JW offering guests spaces to slow down, restore and reconnect. The resort’s surroundings naturally lend themselves to moments of movement, reflection and relaxation, creating an environment where wellbeing extends from the spa to the wider resort experience. Building on this philosophy, “The Way to Wellbeing” brings together varied dimensions of wellness across a single day. The programme moves from an energising Sculpt Workout and Wellness Breakfast to Skin Analysis, Sound Healing, an Asian Brunch at East and Mindful Art Activities, allowing guests to experience wellbeing through movement, nourishment, personal care, restoration and creativity.  Taking place on 19 September 2026, the programme is designed to encourage a more mindful pace while making the most of the resort’s expansive outdoor spaces and serene surroundings. With wellness partners Phytomer, Ignite + Aliign and Sarveda contributing to the programme, the day brings together different approaches to wellbeing while staying rooted in the resort’s philosophy of creating meaningful experiences around mind, body and surroundings.  “Wellbeing is increasingly about creating space to pause, reconnect and be more mindful of how we care for ourselves. With ‘The Way to Wellbeing’, we wanted to bring together different dimensions of wellness from movement and nourishment to skin health, sound and creativity within the natural setting of Nandi Hills. The programme is designed to give guests the opportunity to experience wellbeing in a way that feels personal, unhurried and meaningful,” said Utami Indah Dewi, Director of Spa, JW Marriott Bengaluru Prestige Golfshire Resort & Spa. Set amidst the scenic surroundings of Nandi Hills, The Way to Wellbeing is envisioned as a holistic day away from the pace of the city, allowing guests to move, nourish, restore and create at their own pace. 

Vibrant Colours is an Indian registered publication catering to the travel, tourism, embassy and hospitality sector. The magazine is published under the global publication group  Prime Communication from New Delhi, India. Launched in 2019, the magazine was conceived with a vision to serve and celebrate the ever-growing travel trade and tourism industry across India and beyond.

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