A Literary Legacy.

VEDANTA PRESENTS JAIPUR LITERATURE FESTIVAL, MARKING 20 YEARS OF BOOKS, IDEAS AND CONVERSATIONS

The landmark 20th edition celebrates two decades of literary exchange, cultural dialogue, and multilingual storytelling, with the continued support of the Government of Rajasthan.

India | September 1, 2026: The Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF) will celebrate its landmark 20th edition in Jaipur from January 14–18, 2027, marking two decades of bringing writers, readers, thinkers, and artists together around books, ideas, and conversations.

Since its first edition in 2008, JLF has grown from a gathering in Jaipur into one of the world’s most recognized literary and cultural platforms. The Festival has hosted more than 8,000 writers, speakers, and artists, welcomed more than five million visitors, and reached an estimated one billion-plus people through digital platforms, broadcast partnerships, and media networks.

Its reach now extends beyond India, with more than 15 international editions across the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Spain, Australia, the Middle East, the Maldives, and Ireland. These editions have helped connect Indian literary voices with audiences around the world while bringing international perspectives into conversations in India.

JLF’s programming has consistently crossed literary and disciplinary boundaries, bringing conversations on literature, history, science, philosophy, politics, economics, the arts, health, migration, and the environment to a wider audience.

India’s linguistic diversity remains an important part of the Festival’s identity. Through multilingual programming and translation initiatives, JLF has created greater visibility for regional writers and literary traditions. For its 20th anniversary, the Festival announcement is being released simultaneously in all 22 official languages of India. The milestone edition will also feature the Bhasha Swarmala series, celebrating the country’s many languages and literary traditions.

Over the years, JLF has hosted Nobel laureates, Booker Prize winners, heads of state, economists, philosophers, artists, and leading global thinkers, creating a distinctive space for intellectual and cultural exchange.

The Festival’s continued partnership with the Government of Rajasthan, dating back to its inception, has been central to its growth. Rajasthan has provided JLF with its distinctive cultural setting, while the Festival has helped position Jaipur and the state on the international literary map.

Sanjoy K. Roy, Managing Director, Teamwork Arts, and Producer, Jaipur Literature Festival, said, “For twenty years, the Jaipur Literature Festival has been built on the belief that books and ideas have the power to bring people together. As we enter our twentieth edition, we celebrate that journey while looking ahead to the conversations still to come.”

Namita Gokhale, Festival Co-Director, Jaipur Literature Festival, said, “The soul of India lies in her literary heritage and linguistic diversity. Our 20th year is a tribute to her many languages through the Bhasha Swarmala series.”

Preeta Singh, President, Teamwork Arts, said, “The Festival has grown into a leading literary and cultural platform by remaining rooted in the power of books, ideas, and meaningful dialogue. As we celebrate this landmark edition, we look ahead to reaching new audiences and creating greater cultural impact across India and the world.”

With the theme “20 Years of Ideas. Stories. Conversations.”, the 20th edition will celebrate JLF’s legacy while looking toward the future of literature, ideas, and cultural exchange.

As the Jaipur Literature Festival enters its third decade, it continues to create an open space where diverse voices meet, ideas cross boundaries, and literature remains part of the wider public conversation.

Jaipur Literature Festival was founded in 2006 and is recognized as one of the world’s leading literary festivals and a major international platform for literature, ideas, and cultural exchange.

Suraag 2.0 Returns

Doordarshan Revives Its Iconic Inspector Bharat

Doordarshan is bringing back one of Indian television’s memorable crime dramas with Suraag 2.0, a new-age revival of the much-loved Inspector Bharat series. The upcoming show brings back Sudesh Berry in his original role, while Sai Ketan Rao and Jigyasa Singh join the new chapter.

The revival also marks a renewed collaboration between Sri Adhikari Brothers and DD National, a partnership closely associated with some of the most recognisable television shows of an earlier era.

With Suraag 2.0, the makers are looking to combine the familiarity of a popular television legacy with a contemporary storytelling approach. The return of Sudesh Berry as Inspector Bharat is likely to appeal to longtime viewers, while the younger cast could help introduce the franchise to a new generation.

The first look has already created interest among television audiences, particularly those who remember the original Suraag and its distinctive place in the history of Indian crime television. The reboot arrives at a time when nostalgia-driven revivals are finding renewed attention, offering audiences a chance to reconnect with familiar characters while experiencing them through a modern lens.

Suraag 2.0 is therefore positioned as more than a simple return of a classic. It represents Doordarshan’s attempt to revisit a well-known television property while giving it a fresh identity for today’s viewers.

The Style Edit

MATSYA by Utkarsh Ahuja Makes Its Mumbai Debut

The contemporary Indian fashion label has chosen Kala Ghoda for its latest chapter, bringing Utkarsh Ahuja’s distinctive take on modern Indian dressing to one of Mumbai’s most creative neighbourhoods.

Founded by designer Utkarsh Ahuja, the label brings together contemporary silhouettes, considered detailing and traditional craftsmanship, creating pieces that feel relevant to the way Indian fashion is evolving today.

With stores in Delhi and Hyderabad, the move to Mumbai marks a new chapter for the label. Kala Ghoda, one of the city’s most recognised cultural and creative neighbourhoods, makes a fitting setting, surrounded by galleries, design spaces, art institutions and an audience with a strong interest in fashion and culture.

The opening brought together guests from Mumbai’s fashion, lifestyle and creative circles. Mira Kapoor attended as the muse for the evening, alongside several well-known names who came to support the designer and experience the new space.

The Mumbai launch adds another dimension to Ahuja’s growing journey in Indian fashion, bringing his interpretation of contemporary dressing to a city known for its discerning and diverse style community.

Two Creative Worlds

Samant Chauhan X Symetree

Samant Chauhan and Symetree Fine Jewels come together in Khan Market, New Delhi, bringing contemporary fashion and fine jewellery into one shared space.

The launch brought together a distinguished cross-section of Delhi’s fashion, design and creative community, including Sunil Sethi, Chairman of FDCI; fashion designers Suket Dhir and Gaurav Jai Gupta; designer, scenographer and art curator Rajiv Sethi; artists Samar Jodha and Vibha Chauhan; and Vikram Baidyanath, President and CEO of the Baidyanath Group, along with socialites and models.

There is a certain ease in seeing clothes and jewellery together. In India, the two have always been closely connected, whether through the textiles we inherit, the jewellery we wear or the pieces that eventually become part of a family’s story. The new Khan Market space by Samant Chauhan and Symetree Fine Jewels builds on that connection in a way that feels contemporary but familiar.

Opened recently, the space brings Samant Chauhan’s handwoven Bhagalpuri silks and contemporary prêt together with Symetree’s fine jewellery. The two brands come from different creative disciplines, but there is a natural point of connection in the way both look at Indian tradition through a present-day lens. The collaboration also marks an important moment for Chauhan as he completes 20 years of his journey in fashion and craft, with sustainability and Indian textiles remaining central to his work.

For Chauhan, there is also a shared cultural reference. Symetree comes from Jaipur, Rajasthan, a place whose craft traditions have long been part of India’s design vocabulary.

“Symetree also comes from Jaipur, Rajasthan, and that is very much at the core of our design sensibility as well. We look at a lot of contemporary ideas, but we always maintain that connection with tradition. My brand sensibility has not changed; it has evolved. Every time, the question is what new can we give our clients while staying true to where we come from.”

Symetree Fine Jewels brings another kind of craftsmanship to the setting. Founded by Abhishek Haritwal, the house works with rare gemstones across bespoke high jewellery, modern Jadau, Navratna and contemporary collections. Its jewellery draws on the traditions of Delhi and Jaipur, but the approach is not nostalgic. Familiar forms are reinterpreted with a cleaner, more contemporary

Placed together, the two collections reveal an interesting connection. A handwoven fabric can change the character of a piece of jewellery, just as the right jewellery can alter the way a garment is perceived. Here, visitors can take in both at once, rather than experiencing fashion and jewellery as separate categories.

That relationship also reflects the way fine jewellery is being worn today. Traditional pieces can find a place with simple contemporary clothing, while a striking gemstone can become the defining detail of an otherwise understated look. The emphasis is increasingly on personal style and versatility, allowing jewellery to be part of everyday expression rather than being reserved solely for formal occasions.

The space itself keeps things understated. With a gallery-like quality, it allows the clothes, textiles and jewellery to hold attention without an overly elaborate retail presentation. There is room to look closely, notice the materials and appreciate the work that has gone into each piece.

That feels particularly relevant to the way Indian luxury is being understood today. There is growing interest in where something comes from, who made it, what materials were used and how traditional craftsmanship can have a place in contemporary life. Rarity still matters, of course, but so do authenticity, individuality and the pleasure of owning something with a story behind it.

Khan Market is a fitting setting for this collaboration. One of New Delhi’s enduring destinations for fashion, design and lifestyle, it has a character of its own—familiar, independent and constantly evolving. The new Samant Chauhan and Symetree Fine Jewels space adds to that mix without trying to change it.

What is most appealing about the collaboration is that neither brand loses its identity. Samant Chauhan remains rooted in textiles and contemporary fashion, while Symetree continues its exploration of gemstones and Indian jewellery traditions.

The result is a thoughtful coming together of two forms of craftsmanship, with enough difference between them to keep the experience interesting.

For those drawn to contemporary Indian fashion, fine jewellery and the continuing evolution of Indian craftsmanship, the new Khan Market destination offers a chance to see all three in conversation—through fabric, form, gemstones and the details that make something worth looking at twice.

I See You: Artur Żurawski’s Solo Photography Exhibition

The Polish Institute, New Delhi, in collaboration with Anant Art, presented I See You, a solo exhibition by acclaimed Polish cinematographer and visual artist Artur Żurawski. The exhibition brought together a compelling selection of black-and-white photographs created during film productions across Poland, India, Nepal and other locations, offering a distinctive perspective on the people behind cinema.Among those present at the opening was H.E. the Ambassador of Poland, alongside guests from the diplomatic, cultural, artistic and cinematic communities.

Best known for his work as a cinematographer on films including Mardaani, Sultan and Bhoomi, Żurawski has maintained photography as an important part of his creative practice. His exhibition I See You revealed a more intimate side of that visual language, moving away from the finished film to focus on the people encountered throughout the filmmaking process.

Directors, actors, technicians, crew members, local collaborators and unexpected passers-by became subjects of his camera. Some were established figures from the film industry, while others represented the many people whose contribution remains largely unseen once a production reaches the screen.

Behind the Frame

What distinguished I See You was its attention to the human presence behind filmmaking. A film is the result of countless collaborations, bringing together people from different cultures, professions and backgrounds. Żurawski’s photographs preserved moments from these temporary communities, transforming brief encounters on film sets into lasting portraits.

The black-and-white format gave the series a quiet and timeless quality. With colour removed, the photographs drew attention to light, texture, expression and gaze. Rather than functioning as conventional production stills, they stood as portraits in their own right, allowing the personalities of the subjects to emerge beyond their professional roles.

The title I See You captured the central idea of the exhibition: recognition. It suggested a moment of acknowledgement between photographer and subject, a simple act of seeing another person and allowing their presence to matter.

Art, Cinema and Cultural Exchange

Photography has been integral to Żurawski’s artistic journey since adolescence. In 2001, he began Project Z, an ongoing daily photography practice that continued alongside his career in cinematography. This long-term engagement with photography has informed his sensitivity to light, composition and fleeting human moments.

His cinematic career has taken him across Europe and Asia, creating an extensive visual archive of places, people and cultures. In New Delhi, I See You offered an opportunity to experience this photographic practice outside the conventional context of film, while also reflecting the artistic connections between Poland and India.

During the opening, H.E. the Ambassador of Poland shared his appreciation of Żurawski’s work and the way the photographs brought together photography, cinema and human experience. The exhibition provided a cultural meeting point, connecting Polish artistic practice with the wider creative landscape of New Delhi.

The People Who Make Cinema Possible

Ultimately, I See You was less about the films themselves than the people who made them possible. Each photograph preserved an encounter that might otherwise have disappeared once production ended.

Through his camera, Artur Żurawski gave these individuals a presence beyond the screen, creating a visual record of the relationships, personalities and fleeting moments that shape the world of cinema.

I See You was presented by the Polish Institute, New Delhi, in collaboration with Anant Art, bringing Artur Żurawski’s distinctive photographic vision to an audience in the Indian capital.

Autumn in Bloom

A Charming Season of Fall in Philadelphia’s Countryside

Autumn lends a distinctive character to Philadelphia’s Countryside, where golden landscapes, seasonal produce and time-honoured traditions set the scene for a memorable escape. From Kennett Square’s celebrated mushroom harvest to the horticultural artistry of Longwood Gardens, the season unfolds through festivals that bring together local flavours, craftsmanship, gardens and community spirit.

Kennett Square Mushroom Festival

Known as the Mushroom Capital of the World, Kennett Square sits at the heart of a region responsible for more than 60 per cent of the nation’s mushroom production. Each year, the Kennett Square Mushroom Festival brings this remarkable local heritage to life on the weekend after Labor Day.

Held this year on September 12 and 13, the festival offers an enticing introduction to the area’s culinary identity, with mushroom-inspired dishes ranging from crisp fried mushrooms to warming soups. Beyond the food, visitors can discover the fascinating cultivation process, browse local crafts and mushroom-themed creations, explore Kennett Square’s boutiques and settle into the town’s welcoming restaurant scene.

Kennett Brewfest

On October 10, Kennett Brewfest turns the heart of Kennett Square into a lively showcase of the region’s craft-beverage culture. More than 80 breweries, cideries and beverage producers come together for an afternoon of tastings, accompanied by live music and local food.

It is an easygoing way to experience another side of Philadelphia’s Countryside, with the town’s historic character providing a fitting backdrop for a celebration centred on independent producers and seasonal pleasures.

Great Pumpkin Carve

Autumn takes on a more artistic character at the annual Great Pumpkin Carve, where more than 70 intricately carved pumpkins created by local artists form the centrepiece of the celebration. Taking place from October 15 to 17, the event combines artistry with the pleasures of the season, from food trucks and shopping to music and a family-friendly haunted trail.

For visitors exploring Philadelphia’s Countryside in fall, it offers an intimate glimpse into the region’s creative spirit and its fondness for traditions that bring generations together.

Longwood Gardens’ Chrysanthemum Festival

Few places capture the grandeur of autumn quite like Longwood Gardens, one of the world’s renowned horticultural display gardens. Its expansive outdoor landscapes, magnificent conservatories and celebrated fountains create an exceptional setting throughout the year, but the arrival of chrysanthemums brings a particularly striking transformation.

Beginning October 16 in the East Conservatory, the Chrysanthemum Festival showcases the extraordinary skill behind one of Longwood’s most anticipated seasonal displays. Horticultural artists and scientists train chrysanthemums into 66 specialised forms, from spirals and columns to intricate baskets and clouds, culminating in the famed Thousand Bloom Mum.

This year, visitors can also look beyond the spectacle itself through a behind-the-scenes exhibition exploring the science, patience and precision required to create these remarkable displays. It is a fitting finale to an autumn journey through Philadelphia’s Countryside—where the season is experienced not simply as a change in colour, but through gardens, harvests, craftsmanship and the enduring character of its communities.

Raksha Bandhan Gift Edit

Thoughtful Gifts for Your Sister

Gema Bracelet

Mixed cuts, Yellow, 18K gold finish
₹23,000

The Gema Bracelet pairs luminous golden-yellow crystals with a refined contemporary silhouette, making it a radiant and timeless Raksha Bandhan gift.

Ariana Grande x Swarovski Dragonfly Brooch & Hair Accessory

Crystal Pearl, Mixed cuts, Dragonfly, White, Rhodium plated
₹26,000

The striking dragonfly design transitions effortlessly from brooch to hair accessory, bringing a touch of modern luxury, playful charm and understated sparkle to any celebration.

SMASHBOX HALO HEALTHY GLOW ALL IN ONE TINTED MOISTURIZER WITH SPF 25

An all-in-one, SPF primer-infused tinted moisturiser with lightweight, natural-looking dewy coverage that hydrates your skin for up to 24 hours.

Key Features:

Primer-infused formula for smooth, prepped skin

SPF protection for daily sun defense

Tinted moisturiser for lightweight, natural-looking coverage

Healthy glow finish with a dewy look

Hydrates skin for up to 24 hours

Price range: INR 3690/-

Available on nykaa– HERE

THE ORIGINAL PHOTO FINISH PRIMER

A clear primer gel that smooths skin and pores so your makeup lasts, while vitamins A and E protect your skin.

Key Features:

Reduces the appearance of fine lines and pores

Helps lock in makeup for long-lasting wear

Lightweight, oil-free texture

Creates a flawless finish

Contains antioxidants and vitamins A & E

Helps protect skin from pollutants, damage, and stress

Price range: INR 4750 [50ml]

Available on nykaa – HERE

PHOTO FINISH INVISIBLE SPF 45 BROAD SPECTRUM PRIMER

A lightweight SPF 45 primer that protects against UVA/UVB rays, blue light, and environmental stressors while smoothing, hydrating, and prepping skin for flawless makeup.

Key Benefits:

Protects against UVA/UVB, HEV blue light, and environmental damage.

Smooths, blurs, and hydrates without heaviness, pilling, or flashback.

Extends makeup wear and creates a breathable, pore-friendly base for all skin tones and types.

Price range: INR 3690 (30ML)

Available on nykaa – HERE

ALWAYS ON LIQUID LIPSTICK

An eight-hour wear, liquid-matte lipstick with a featherweight, comfortable formula that stays put and keeps colour looking as fresh and flawless as the first swipe.

Key Features:

Ultra-lightweight liquid lipstick with bold, high-impact colour

Liquid-matte finish with a comfortable feel

Infused with Smashbox Primer Oil Complex for smoother-looking lips

Suede-soft texture that doesn’t feel heavy or dry

Highly pigmented shades in a wide colour range

Up to 8 hours of wear

Smudge-proof, budge-proof, and non-feathering formula

Price range: NR 2750

Available on nykaa – HERE

HALO LIP GLOSS

The Smashbox Halo Glow Lip Gloss Illuminates Your Pout With Vibrant Shine, Enveloping The Lips In A Lustrous Neutral Hue.

Key Features:

Bright, non-sticky formula for comfortable wear

Wearable and versatile gloss that enhances any makeup look

Shimmering pigment for a luminous, glossy finish

Infused with nourishing ingredients to care for lips

Provides a surge of moisture to keep lips feeling hydrated

Contains Hyaluronic Acid to help hydrate and prevent dryness

Creates the illusion of plumper, smoother lips

Adds a sparkling glow that brightens the overall complexion

Long-lasting wear

Price range: INR 2200/

Available on nykaa – HERE

AEROME INDIA (Scentitude Perfumes)

Scentitude’s collection spans Greek God, Rose Emotion, Lion, Naked Vanilla, Red Gold and Wood of Calm, with each fragrance designed around a distinct mood and personality. From bold and magnetic to soft and intimate, the range treats fragrance as a personal expression—an invisible signature that lingers long after the moment.

Price: INR 3,000/-
Available: HERE

A Theatrical Tradition

Parijat Haran: Assam’s Sattriya Heritage in Delhi

Directed by Sumanya Kashyap and Dr. Sukanya Baruah, the production presented Srimanta Sankaradeva’s classical dance drama at the Delhi Kala Festival 2026.

At the National School of Drama recently, the Delhi Kala Festival 2026 presented Parijat Haran, a classical dance drama rooted in the Sattriya tradition of Assam. Directed by Sumanya Kashyap and Dr. Sukanya Baruah, the production drew from the work of Srimanta Sankaradeva and centered on Krishna, Rukmini and Satyabhama.

The performance brought together dance, music, theatre and expressive storytelling to explore the relationships between the three characters. Rukmini and Satyabhama, with their very different temperaments, gave the narrative much of its character, while Krishna remained at the center of the story. Love, devotion, pride and jealousy emerged through the movement and dramatic exchanges rather than being treated as separate themes.

Seen in the auditorium, the production made clear why Sattriya is as closely connected to theatre and storytelling as it is to dance. The performers relied on gesture, expression and movement to advance the narrative, while the music provided an essential part of its structure. The result was a complete theatrical work rather than simply a presentation of a classical dance form.

More than 400 people attended the performance, which formed part of the Delhi Kala Festival, running through August 31. Organized by Nishreyas and Vagambhrini in association with Delhi Tourism, Government of NCT of Delhi, the festival brings together several of India’s classical performing traditions, including Sattriya, Bharatanatyam, Kathakali, Odissi, Kathak, Chhau and Manipuri.

For audiences in Delhi, Parijat Haran also offered an introduction to a tradition that has developed within a very specific cultural and spiritual context. Sattriya, one of India’s eight recognized classical dance traditions, emerged in Assam nearly five centuries ago through the Vaishnavite movement associated with Srimanta Sankaradeva and Madhavadeva. Its repertoire draws together dance, music, literature and devotional practice, with the Ankiya Nat tradition forming an important part of its theatrical history.

Shri Sarbananda Sonowal Ji, Hon’ble Union Cabinet Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, welcomed the festival’s focus on the country’s classical forms, with particular attention to Sattriya. Speaking at the event, he said, “It is heartening to see that this year’s festival has chosen to celebrate the different classical dance forms of the country with a special focus on Sattriya of Assam.” He also emphasized the importance of initiatives that preserve and present India’s cultural traditions.

Prof. Rajnish Kumar Mishra, Chairman of the Organizing Committee, Kala-Tarangini, described the festival as an expression of India’s diverse cultural heritage and the continuity of its living traditions. Referring to the evening’s presentation, he noted its connection with the Bhagavata Purana and the Harivamsa.

Shri Bharat Gupt Ji, Vice-Chairman of the NSD Society, spoke in support of the presentation of Parijat Haran and the need for festivals that give greater visibility to India’s traditional arts. Shri Chittaranjan Tripathy, Director of the National School of Drama, also welcomed the festival’s presence at NSD, noting the value of bringing different regional traditions and their artistic expressions together.

One of the strengths of the Delhi Kala Festival is its range. Rather than focusing on a single school or region, the program brings distinct classical forms into the same cultural setting, giving audiences the opportunity to see how differently India’s performing traditions have developed.

In that context, Parijat Haran was particularly significant. It presented Sattriya through the form in which its various elements naturally belong together—dance, theatre, music and devotional storytelling. The production also demonstrated that the tradition can be presented to a contemporary metropolitan audience without having to dilute its cultural character.

With the festival continuing until August 31, Kala-Tarangini will go on to present artistic traditions from different parts of India. For Delhi, the value of such a program lies in that breadth: it brings regional practices into direct conversation with audiences in the capital while allowing each tradition to retain its own history, language and aesthetic identity.

Parijat Haran was a strong example of that approach, giving Sattriya a substantial place on the Delhi stage and allowing its distinctive relationship between devotion, theatre and dance to speak for itself.

Beyond The Vows

Where Forever Begins

A destination wedding is rarely just about the ceremony. For couples planning a celebration in 2026–27, the location can set the mood for the entire occasion—shaping the setting, the food, the experiences and, perhaps most importantly, the memories guests take home.

From the stillness of the desert and the drama of the mountains to barefoot celebrations by the Indian Ocean, these destinations offer a more considered approach to the modern destination wedding. Each has its own character, giving couples the chance to create a weekend that feels as memorable as the vows themselves.

Ras Al Khaimah: Desert, Sea and Mountains

For couples looking beyond the usual wedding destinations, Ras Al Khaimah offers an intriguing combination of landscapes. The Arabian Gulf, desert dunes and Hajar Mountains all sit within easy reach, allowing a wedding itinerary to move from a beachfront ceremony to a desert dinner or a mountain excursion.

The Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah offers ballroom, garden and beachfront settings for a more classic celebration, while The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert brings the romance of the desert into focus, with outdoor settings that lend themselves particularly well to intimate evenings beneath the stars.

The destination also gives guests plenty to do between wedding events. A trip up Jebel Jais, a visit to the historic Al Jazeera Al Hamra, or a journey to Dhayah Fort can add a sense of place to the itinerary. For something more leisurely, there are mangrove kayaking experiences and visits to Suwaidi Pearls.

The appeal lies in the variety. Rather than keeping everyone within a resort, Ras Al Khaimah allows the wedding weekend to unfold across very different landscapes.

Kenya: An Indian Ocean Celebration

Kenya is often associated with the drama of the savannah, but its coastline tells a softer story. Along the Indian Ocean, white-sand beaches, Swahili heritage and centuries-old coastal culture create an atmospheric setting for couples looking for something beyond a conventional tropical wedding.

Diani Beach is an easy choice for a seaside celebration. Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa offers beach, garden and poolside settings, while Diani Reef Beach Resort & Spa combines beachfront and garden venues with spaces suited to larger gatherings.

For couples drawn to somewhere quieter, Lamu has an entirely different rhythm. Narrow lanes, carved Swahili doors, traditional dhows and the old town’s historic character give the island a sense of intimacy that feels particularly suited to smaller celebrations.

At The Majlis Resort, a wedding by the water can naturally lead into a sunset dhow cruise or an evening overlooking the Indian Ocean. Guests can extend the experience with time in Lamu Old Town, sailing through the archipelago or simply slowing down by the beach.

Bali: Romance with a Sense of Place

Bali remains a perennial favorite for destination weddings, but its appeal goes beyond tropical scenery. Temple traditions, lush landscapes, dramatic coastlines and a deeply rooted culture give celebrations here a distinctive sense of place.

In Nusa Dua, The Ritz-Carlton, Bali offers several settings that make the surrounding landscape part of the occasion. Its glass-walled Majestic Chapel overlooks Sawangan Beach, while the Cliff Lawn offers an open-air setting with sweeping coastal views. Smaller gatherings can take place on the Chapel Lawn, Senses Lawn or within private villas.

What makes Bali especially appealing is what happens after the wedding. A celebration can easily stretch into several days of spa rituals, cultural excursions, long lunches and afternoons by the sea. For guests traveling a considerable distance, that added time turns the wedding into a holiday rather than a single event.

Thailand: An Island Escape

Thailand offers couples an enviable choice of settings, from the beaches of Phuket and Koh Samui to the limestone landscapes of Krabi, the quieter shores of Khao Lak and the refined coastal character of Hua Hin.

The beauty of a Thai destination wedding is in its flexibility. A couple might exchange vows beside the Andaman Sea, host a dinner beneath palm trees or choose a more intimate celebration overlooking one of the country’s quieter beaches. Each destination brings a different atmosphere, allowing the setting to feel closely aligned with the couple’s personality.

There is also plenty to keep guests occupied beyond the wedding itself. Boat trips, Thai cooking experiences, local markets, spa treatments and long dinners can become part of the itinerary, giving friends and family a chance to experience the country together.

For Indian travelers, Thailand has also remained particularly accessible. Current Thai government guidance says Indian ordinary passport holders are eligible for visa-exempt tourism stays, with the precise duration subject to the latest scheme in force; the Royal Thai Embassy in New Delhi advises travelers to check the latest requirements before departure.

Ultimately, the most memorable destination weddings are not necessarily the grandest. They are the ones where the surroundings feel integral to the celebration—where a ceremony becomes a journey, and guests leave with memories of not just the wedding, but the place in which it unfolded.

Expanding Horizons

A New Gurugram Address

PNG Jewellers has opened a new showroom in Gurugram, marking its entry into the Delhi NCR market with a 3,500-square-foot space at R2, Ground Floor, M3M Route 65, Sector 65. The company-owned, company-operated store opened on August 15, 2026, as part of its wider retail expansion.

Actress Chitrangada Singh inaugurated the space in the presence of Dr. Saurabh Gadgil, Chairman and Managing Director, along with employees and well-wishers. The showroom houses gold, diamond and silver jewelry across categories, with pieces suited to everyday wear, festive dressing, weddings, gifting and milestone occasions.

Gurugram’s position as a major corporate and lifestyle hub has made it an increasingly important destination for premium retail. Its affluent, globally exposed consumer base has also developed a strong interest in contemporary jewelry, making Sector 65 a strategic location for the company’s latest store.

Speaking at the opening, Chitrangada Singh said, “It is wonderful to see a house with such a long-standing legacy enter Gurugram. I wish the team every success as it begins this new chapter in the city.”

To mark the opening, customers can avail of up to 50 percent off on gold jewelry making charges and up to 100 percent off on diamond jewelry making charges from August 15 to August 31, 2026, subject to applicable terms and conditions.

Dr. Saurabh Gadgil, Chairman and Managing Director, said, “Gurugram is an important market for us, and this new store reflects the growing demand we have seen in the region. We look forward to becoming part of the local community.”