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Marks OPO’s strategic entry into Uttar Pradesh and strengthens its expansion into India’s fast-growing spiritual tourism destinations OPO Hotels & Resorts, one of India’s rapidly expanding hospitality management companies, today announced the launch of Rahitya, its premium subsidiary brand created for the midscale and upper-midscale hospitality segment. Making its debut in the spiritual city of Ayodhya, the brand’s first property—Rahitya Premier Anant, Ayodhya—marks a significant milestone in the company’s national expansion strategy. Developed under a Management Agreement signed on 24 June 2026, Rahitya Premier Anant represents OPO Hotels & Resorts’ strategic entry into Uttar Pradesh, one of India’s fastest-growing hospitality markets driven by religious tourism, infrastructure development, and rising leisure and business travel. Located at Anant Palace, Chandpur Harbans, Prayagraj Road, Ayodhya – 224133, Uttar Pradesh, the property has been thoughtfully designed to offer an elevated hospitality experience that blends contemporary comfort with the warmth and cultural essence of one of India’s most revered destinations. Strategically located just 1 km from Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, Ayodhya, Rahitya Premier Anant is among the city’s most conveniently located premium hotels for arriving travellers, offering seamless accessibility for domestic and international visitors. The property’s prime location enables guests to conveniently explore Ayodhya’s key spiritual landmarks while enjoying excellent connectivity to the city’s expanding transport infrastructure. The hotel will commence operations in the second week of July 2026 and will feature 50 well-appointed guest rooms, with plans to expand the inventory to 150 rooms in the next phase. Guests will also have access to a 70-cover all-day dining restaurant, a 150-guest banquet hall, a 300-guest landscaped lawn, while a gymnasium, spa and kids’ zone are scheduled to open shortly. The launch of Rahitya comes at a time when Ayodhya is witnessing unprecedented growth as a global spiritual and tourism destination. Significant investments in infrastructure, enhanced air, rail and road connectivity, and a steady rise in domestic and international pilgrim arrivals have transformed the city into one of India’s most promising hospitality markets. This evolution has created strong demand for quality accommodation that combines modern amenities with authentic Indian hospitality. Rahitya Premier Anant has been positioned to meet this growing demand by offering premium experiences tailored for pilgrims, leisure travellers, destination weddings, family vacations, corporate guests and group travellers alike. The property reflects Rahitya’s core philosophy of delivering refined hospitality, personalised service and memorable guest experiences while remaining rooted in local culture. Speaking on the launch, Sandeep Basu, Chief Executive Officer, OPO Hotels & Resorts, said: “The launch of Rahitya marks a defining milestone in OPO Hotels & Resorts’ growth journey. As our premium hospitality brand, Rahitya has been created to address the evolving needs of today’s discerning travellers who seek elevated experiences, thoughtful service and exceptional value. We are delighted to introduce the brand with Rahitya Premier Anant in Ayodhya—a destination that beautifully represents India’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage while emerging as one of the country’s fastest-growing tourism markets.” “Ayodhya’s remarkable transformation presents a compelling opportunity for quality hospitality brands. Through Rahitya, we aim to create hotels that seamlessly combine contemporary comfort with authentic local experiences. This launch not only strengthens our presence in North India but also lays the foundation for expanding the Rahitya brand across key spiritual, leisure and emerging business destinations nationwide.” The launch of Rahitya Premier Anant reinforces OPO Hotels & Resorts’ long-term vision of building a diversified hospitality portfolio through its asset-light, owner-centric management model. By combining operational excellence, technology-driven solutions, revenue optimisation and strong owner partnerships, the company continues to expand its footprint across high-potential destinations while delivering sustainable value for stakeholders. More than the opening of a new hotel, Rahitya Premier Anant represents the beginning of a new chapter for OPO Hotels & Resorts as it introduces a premium hospitality brand designed to redefine guest experiences across India’s rapidly evolving travel landscape.

Academia, industry, investors and entrepreneurs are collectively transforming the Blue City into a thriving centre of innovation and new venture creation Mumbai, Maharashtra, India Do You Know ASG Eye Hospital, Utkarsh, Marwari Catalysts INKA, NPrep, Leapahead, UR Turms,Elara IVF, Dopahar, Sarathi Health Care, INTELIQUANT AI, Climekare,  Literom, Nostalgia Pages, Krimanshi, WorkAffair have emerged as national leaders in their respective sectors, others are rapidly expanding into international markets, proving that globally competitive companies are built from Jodhpur/ Tier-III city. According to industry estimates and ecosystem stakeholders, startups founded from Jodhpur have collectively attracted investments exceeding Rs. 2,500 crore over the years. With increasing investor confidence, stronger institutional support and expanding access to domestic and international markets, ecosystem leaders believe the city’s startup community has the potential to attract Rs. 3,000–5,000 crore in cumulative investments over the coming years, creating thousands of high-quality jobs and contributing significantly to Rajasthan’s innovation economy. Prominent institutions like IIT, NLU, AIIMS, MBM University, Rajasthan Agricultural University, Rajasthan Ayurveda University, FDDI etc are playing a vital role in this eco system. Known across the world for its majestic Mehrangarh Fort, rich cultural heritage and thriving handicrafts industry, Jodhpur is now earning recognition for a new identity—that of a rapidly emerging startup and innovation hub. Over the past few years, the Blue City has witnessed an unprecedented rise in entrepreneurial activity, with founders building globally competitive ventures, investors backing local innovation and educational institutions actively supporting research-led entrepreneurship. Jodhpur Emerges as One of India’s Fastest Growing Startup Hubs Marwari Catalysts’ plays a vital role in this Ecosystem The transformation has been driven by a collaborative ecosystem comprising academia, industry, investors, successful entrepreneurs and ecosystem enablers. Together, they have created an environment where aspiring founders can access mentorship, incubation, funding, strategic partnerships and global market opportunities without leaving their hometown. One of the defining milestones in Jodhpur’s entrepreneurial journey came nearly six years ago when Marwari Catalysts became one of the pioneering organisations in Rajasthan.To strengthen startup ecosystem development, laying the foundation for structured incubation, acceleration, mentoring and investor engagement in the region. This early intervention helped infuse a startup culture in Jodhpur and encouraged a new generation of young innovators to pursue entrepreneurship as a career. Over the past six years, Marwari Catalysts has incubated, accelerated, mentored And supported more than 200 startups, providing them access to investors, experienced mentors, corporates, government initiatives and international business opportunities. Many of these ventures have successfully scaled their operations, generated employment and expanded beyond India. Recognising that entrepreneurship flourishes through collaboration, Marwari Catalysts also established Startup Club Jodhpur, a community platform dedicated to aspiring founders, students and innovators. The club has organised eight founder meet-and-greet preincubation sessions, bringing together more than 500+ entrepreneurs for expert talks, networking opportunities, mentorship interactions and startup pitch presentations. The initiative has become an important platform for exchanging ideas, discovering opportunities and inspiring young entrepreneurs to launch new ventures. Today, Jodhpur’s entrepreneurial landscape spans a wide spectrum of sectors including education, healthcare, financial services, artificial intelligence, climate technology, enterprise software, manufacturing, consumer brands and media. The city’s success is reflected in the growing number of startups and enterprises that have built nationally and internationally recognised businesses from Jodhpur. Speaking about the city’s transformation, Sushil Sharma, Chairman, Marwari Catalysts Group, Executive Director, BRICS CCI, Convenor, ESC Rajasthan Chapter and also Co-Chair Startup Vertical, Rotary District 3053 (2026–27) said, “Six years ago, very few people associated Jodhpur with startups. Today, the city has become a vibrant centre of entrepreneurship where founders are building companies that are solving real-world problems and attracting national as well as international attention. Our association with Startup India, the development of Startup Club Jodhpur and our continuous efforts to connect founders with investors, mentors and global markets have helped create an ecosystem where innovation can flourish. We believe the next decade belongs to Tier-II and Tier-III cities, and Jodhpur is well positioned to become one of India’s leading startup destinations.” Gaurav Parulkar, CEO, IIT Jodhpur Technology Innovation and Start-up Center (IITJ-TISC), said, “The success of any startup ecosystem depends on strong collaboration between academia, research, innovators and industry. Jodhpur has made significant progress in this direction. Organisations like Marwari Catalysts have played an important role in bridging innovators with mentors, investors and markets, enabling startups to commercialise technologies and build sustainable businesses.” Professor (Dr.) Govind Sahay Shukla, Vice Chancellor, Dr. S.N. Rajasthan Ayurveda University, said, “Innovation today extends beyond information technology. Healthcare, Ayurveda, biotechnology and wellness are witnessing rapid entrepreneurial growth. The evolving startup ecosystem in Jodhpur is encouraging researchers, students and professionals to transform scientific knowledge into impactful enterprises. Such collaborations are essential for creating sustainable economic development while preserving India’s traditional knowledge systems.” Vipul Kochar, President, MBM Alumni Association, said, “Jodhpur has always produced outstanding engineers, technologists and professionals. What has changed over the past few years is the availability of an ecosystem that empowers them to become entrepreneurs. The combined efforts of educational institutions, alumni networks, investors and organisations like Marwari Catalysts have created an environment where young innovators have the confidence and support to build companies from Rajasthan with global aspirations.” Industry experts believe Jodhpur’s remarkable entrepreneurial journey demonstrates the immense potential of India’s Tier-II and Tier-III cities. With continued collaboration between academia, government, investors, industry and ecosystem enablers, the city is steadily emerging as one of North-West India’s most influential innovation centres. As India enters the next phase of its startup revolution, Jodhpur is increasingly being recognised as a model for regional innovation-led development—showing how visionary leadership, institutional collaboration and community-driven entrepreneurship can transform a heritage city into a globally connected startup hub.

Actor Ashutosh Rana and Prashant Mishra (Founder/CEO of TechXR Innovations and ex-IRS officer) officially launched the Durlabh Darshan 6D Virtual Reality (VR) spiritual experience in Delhi.The platform blends technology with Sanatan Dharma, bringing sacred shrines directly to the homes of devotees . Key Highlights of the Launch The 6D Experience: This technology goes beyond standard 3D visuals by synchronizing the VR headset with hardware that replicates environmental conditions. Devotees can experience sensations like water, air, and fragrance inside the sanctum of the temples. Brand Ambassador: Acclaimed actor and mentor Ashutosh Rana has partnered with the brand. He is also the anchor/narrator for several of their visual journeys, including “Shri Ram Ki Ayodhya with Ashutosh Rana” and “Ujjaini Ke Mahakal with Ashutosh Rana”. Access to 60+ Shrines: Users can access high-quality immersive videos of over 60 pilgrimages (including Char Dham, Jyotirlingas, and Shakti Peeths). Scriptwriting : The devotional stories and scripts for the VR experiences are written by noted literary figure Alok Srivastava & music by Saurabh Mehta. The Bigger Picture The model behind Durlabh Darshan Kendra isn’t limited just to Ayodhya. Similar centres now operate at other major pilgrimage sites, including Kashi Vishwanath in Varanasi, Mahakaleshwar in Ujjain, Vaishno Devi in Katra, and Maa Sharda Devi in Maihar. The company behind the initiative has outlined plans to expand to 40–50 locations across India, including smaller Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, as well as international markets serving the Indian diaspora. As Ayodhya continues to grow as one of India’s most visited spiritual and tourist destinations, partnerships like the one behind Durlabh Darshan Kendra Ayodhya point toward a larger trend: using technology to make India’s sacred heritage more accessible to a global audience, while preserving the emotional depth of traditional darshan.

The cross-cultural creative exchange, featuring Indian and Emirati talent, showcases Dubai as a global hub for entertainment, culture and artistic expression Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Visit Dubai), part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), has brought together acclaimed Indian composer and performer Anirudh Ravichander, and Emirati singer-musician Arqam Al Abri for a cross-cultural music collaboration filmed across Dubai’s heritage districts and contemporary cultural spaces. The partnership builds on Visit Dubai’s sustained engagement with Indian audiences and reflects the deep cultural and historical ties that have established India as one of Dubai’s leading international tourism source markets. Rooted in the spirit of artistic exchange, the collaboration brings together two distinct musical worlds through a shared creative journey. Through candid conversations, collaborative music sessions, and spontaneous moments of connection, the film reflects Dubai’s position as a global crossroads for culture, creativity, and the arts. The video follows Anirudh Ravichander and Arqam Al Abri as they explore Old Dubai and Al Seef, weaving together their distinct musical influences into a modern soundscape. Set against Al Seef’s winding lanes, traditional architecture, and vibrant waterfront setting, the film showcases Dubai as a city where heritage and modern creativity coexist naturally and effortlessly. In 2025, Dubai welcomed 19.59 million international overnight visitors, with India contributing as the city’s leading source market. The new campaign is a reflection of a deeper cultural affinity: Dubai is home to one of the world’s largest Indian communities, whose presence has shaped the city’s food, culture, and creative landscape across generations. As one of India’s most influential contemporary musicians, Anirudh Ravichander brings his distinctive sound and widespread popularity to the collaboration. Recognised for chart-topping music across blockbuster films including Jawan, Jailer, Leo, Vikram, Beast, Master, and the global viral sensation Why This Kolaveri Di, Anirudh has built a devoted fan following across India and international markets. His ability to blend Indian musical traditions with global sounds has established him as one of the defining voices of modern Indian music.  Joining him is Arqam Al Abri, an Emirati singer and musician celebrated for his soulful vocals and contemporary sounds. Known for his performances at leading cultural and entertainment platforms, Arqam has built a celebrated repertoire, having shared the stage with internationally acclaimed pianist Lang Lang and featured as part of International Jazz Day’s global celebrations. Through his performances and creative collaborations, Arqam has emerged as a distinctive voice reflecting the landscape of modern music in the emirates. On his experience of creating music in Dubai, Anirudh Ravichander said, “What makes this project truly special is the opportunity to bring together two unique musical worlds and discover the common ground between them. Collaborating with Arqam was an inspiring experience, and Dubai provided the perfect backdrop for that creative exchange. The city’s multicultural foundation, rich heritage, and openness to new ideas naturally shaped the journey and made this creative pursuit feel authentic from start to finish”.  Speaking about the cross-cultural musical journey, Arqam Al Abri said, “Music has a unique ability to create connections that go beyond language and geography. As an artist, it was incredibly inspiring to collaborate with Anirudh, whose music has resonated with millions across India and around the world. Through this project, we discovered how our different musical traditions could complement one another while creating something entirely new. Dubai made that exchange possible. It is a city where cultures naturally meet and learn from each other, and that spirit is reflected throughout this journey.” Bader Ali Habib, Regional Director of Proximity Markets at Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, said: “Music has always had the power to bring people together, and this collaboration reflects the spirit of creative exchange that Dubai stands for. Anirudh Ravichander and Arqam Al Abri bring together two distinct musical voices that reflect the city’s multicultural energy and evolving creative landscape. As a global hub for culture and creativity, Dubai continues to create opportunities for artists and audiences from around the world to connect through shared experiences and artistic expression. India holds a uniquely important place in Dubai’s story, and this creative alliance reflects the spirit of our city and our commitment to deepening our engagement with India’s diverse and growing community of travel enthusiasts.  At a time when audiences are increasingly seeking meaningful cultural experiences and deeper human connection, the partnership reinforces the power of music and art to spark dialogue, creativity, and shared experiences across communities. From entertainment and comedy to now music, Visit Dubai continues to collaborate with influential global and regional talent, to create culturally relevant stories that resonate with audiences across markets. This partnership reflects Dubai’s continued evolution as a global platform where artists, creators, and audiences from around the world come together through culture, storytelling, and shared passions.  To watch the new video starring Anirudh Ravichander and Arqam Al Abri, please visit: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/travel-to-dubai/in