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Nestled in the heart of Punjab, <keyword id="11917951" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Amritsar" source="Orion">Amritsar</keyword> is not only renowned for its spiritual significance, epitomized by the iconic Golden Temple, but also for its bustling markets that reflect the rich cultural tapestry of the region. From traditional attire to delectable street food and modern shopping complexes, the markets of Amritsar offer a diverse and delightful shopping experience for locals and tourists alike. Amritsar's markets are not just places to shop; they are vibrant hubs where the spirit of Punjab comes alive through colorful wares, aromatic spices, and the warm hospitality of the locals. Let's embark on a journey through the top markets that make Amritsar a shopper's paradise. Hall Bazaar: Begin your exploration at Hall Bazaar, located near the Golden Temple. This market is a visual feast, showcasing traditional Punjabi attire with intricate Phulkari embroidery and vibrant Punjabi juttis. Dive into a kaleidoscope of colors as you browse through souvenirs and local handicrafts. Katra Jaimal Singh Market: Known for its textile shops and handloom products, Katra Jaimal Singh Market is a treasure trove for fabric enthusiasts. Patiala suits and Punjabi dupattas adorn the shelves alongside traditional jewelry and accessories, offering a glimpse into Punjab's rich textile heritage. Guru Bazaar: For a culinary adventure, head to Guru Bazaar, where Amritsari street food takes center stage. Indulge in local delights like Amritsari Kulcha, Chaat, and sweet treats such as Jalebi and Pinni. The market's lively atmosphere makes it a foodie's paradise. Lawrence Road: Modernity meets tradition at Lawrence Road, a hub for shopping enthusiasts. This area boasts a mix of branded clothing, local handicrafts, and a vibrant ambiance, making it an ideal destination for a leisurely shopping stroll. Shastri Market: Catering to budget-friendly shoppers, Shastri Market is the go-to place for wholesale goods. Whether you seek textiles or kitchenware, this market caters to diverse shopping needs without breaking the bank. Katra Ahluwalia: Culinary enthusiasts will find their haven in Katra Ahluwalia, known for its wholesale dry fruits and spices. Immerse yourself in the aromatic flavors of Punjab and stock up on high-quality spices to recreate the authentic taste of Amritsar at home. Lahori Gate Market: Book lovers will rejoice at Lahori Gate Market, a paradise for bibliophiles. Numerous bookstores offer a wide range of titles in different languages, making it an ideal spot to explore both rare and popular reads. Rani Ka Bagh Market: Located near the Rani Ka Bagh garden, this market showcases exquisite Punjabi handicrafts, including Phulkari work, brassware, and wooden artifacts. Immerse yourself in the cultural heritage of Punjab as you explore the diverse offerings. New Amritsar Market: For a contemporary shopping experience, visit New Amritsar Market, featuring a modern shopping complex with national and international brands, multiplexes, and eateries. It provides a blend of tradition and modernity. Amritsar's markets weave a vibrant tapestry of tradition, culture, and modernity. Whether you're seeking traditional attire, delectable street food, or a contemporary shopping experience, Amritsar has something to offer for every shopper. These markets not only cater to material desires but also provide a glimpse into the soul of Punjab, making each visit a memorable and culturally enriching experience. So, next time you find yourself in the heart of Punjab, don't miss the opportunity to explore the diverse and enchanting markets that make Amritsar a true shopper's paradise. Note: The article is based on content generated by AI models like Bard and Chatgpt.

Best markets in Amritsar every shopper must visit

New Delhi, Dec 10 () Tata Realty has sold two shopping malls in Amritsar and Nagpur to Singapore-based Virtuous Retail South Asia for Rs 700 crore.
Virtuous Retail South Asia Pte Ltd (VRSA) is the retail arm of private equity firm Xander.
The shopping mall at Amritsar, Punjab, has a leasable area of one million sq ft while the mall in Nagpur, Maharashtra, has 7,00,000 sq ft area.
VRSA said in a statement that it has acquired "Trilium retail shopping center portfolio from Tata Realty for Rs 700 crore (USD 100 million)."
The company has added two more operational centres to its existing, operational 5.4 million sq ft retail portfolio. 
"With these new acquisitions and the recently announced 20-acre land acquisition in Mumbai, VRSA's operational and under development India retail portfolio is now over 13 million sq ft across the four metropolitan cities of NCR Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Chennai and regional gateway cities of Surat, Chandigarh, Amritsar and Nagpur," the statement said.
The acquisition from Tata Realty is in line with the company's rapid pan-India expansion strategy being executed through both ground-up development and acquisition of existing, high-quality retail assets, it added.
VRSA will invest additional capital and resources in repositioning and rebranding the Trilium shopping malls as community-centric, flagship VR centers. 
Sid Yog, founder and chairman of the Board, VRSA, said the company has expanded its footprint in Maharashtra and Punjab and add two strategic assets to retail portfolio in India. 
"The acquisition of the Tata Realty retail portfolio provides an immediate opportunity to convert two existing, well-built assets in highly desirable locations, into people-centric VR flagship centers for two leading Indian cities with a very proud and rich heritage and history," he added.
Rohit George, Executive Managing Director, VRSA, said: "These acquisitions immediately add 1.7 million sq ft of existing retail space to our operational portfolio, taking it to about 7 million sq ft across 6 cities."
Combined with under-development VR Delhi and VR Mumbai (totalling around 5 million sq ft), and the soon to be opened VR Mantri Arena in west Bengaluru (1 million sq ft), VRSA said its portfolio span across nine locations across eight major cities. MJH MR

Tata Realty sells 2 shopping malls in Amritsar, Nagpur for Rs 700cr

<ul><li>Apparel, F&amp;B and hospitality chains flock to spiritual centres like Dwarka, Bodh Gaya and more.</li><li>The government’s initiatives to improve air, road and rail connectivity in these areas, are aiding the surge in footfalls.</li><li>Jefferies says that the most popular pilgrimage towns attract anywhere between 10 to 30 million tourists every year. </li></ul>India’s retail boom has reached its most key religious centres too. There is a <keyword id="20392659" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="spykar" source="keywords">Spykar</keyword> store in Somnath, while Shirdi’s tourists can now shop for FabIndia kurtas. You can spot a Blackberrys outlet in Bodh Gaya, and a Zudio in <keyword id="19901642" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="varanasi" source="keywords">Varanasi</keyword>. Food and beverage chains like Domino's, KFC and Burger King are not behind, establishing their presence even in isolated religious sites like Puri, Katra, Ajmer and more. While a lot has been said about the growth of retail and hospitality in Ayodhya, there has been a slow yet steady growth in retail chains’ expansion across pilgrimages in the country. “This trend reflects a broader shift in tourist preferences, with travellers seeking transformative experiences beyond traditional rituals. The rise of urban spiritual tourism is catering to this desire, attracting visitors to cities known for their deep religious and spiritual significance,” says a report by real estate consultancy CBRE. The report identifies Amritsar, Ajmer, Varanasi, Katra, Somnath, Shirdi, Ayodhya, Puri, Tirupati, Mathura, Dwarka, Bodh Gaya, Guruvayur, and <keyword id="19900587" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="madurai" source="keywords">Madurai</keyword> as key cities witnessing this retail boom. Retail brands are adapting their offerings at mall clusters as well as high-street locations. “Local governments and businesses are joining forces to create unique retail experiences. This includes integrating local practices into the design and offerings of shops, restaurants, and hotels,” says CBRE. Cities like Amritsar, Varanasi, Madurai, Puri, Guruvayur, etc. are leveraging their unique culinary traditions and local fashion expertise to give tourists a taste of town beyond spirituality. Infrastructure growth aids surges in spiritual tourism As per a report by Jefferies, the most popular religious centres in India attract an annual tourist traffic of 10-30 million despite the existing infrastructural bottlenecks. And, most such cities are now undergoing an infrastructural upgrade — which will bolster their growth. The state and central governments are working on well-connected roads, airports, and public transportation. It’s also aiding the development of hotels, guesthouses, and wellness centres to ensure a comfortable stay for the tourists. “The rapid expansion of spiritual tourism in India is driving the growth of the country's faith-based tourism market. Government initiatives to promote tourism and improve connectivity between pilgrimage sites are further boosting this growth. The rise of online retail platforms offering easy access to faith-based products and services is also a key factor,” says <keyword id="20177586" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="anshuman-magazine" source="keywords">Anshuman Magazine</keyword>, chairman &amp; CEO - India, South-East Asia, Middle East &amp; Africa, CBRE. While Jefferies expects footfalls to average 50 million in Ayodhya, other pilgrimage centres too are growing fast. “India boasts of a wide diversity of tourism types including historic monuments, culture &amp; heritage, beaches, hill stations and more. Religious tourism is still the biggest segment of tourism in India,” it adds. Along with retail chains, high-end hospitality brands are making their inroads into these cities. Apart from Taj, ITC, Lemon Tree, Novotel, <keyword id="21111452" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="j-w-mariott" source="keywords">J W Mariott</keyword> and Mayfair are some of the chain brands that are setting up boutique as well as experiential hotels in these cities. “Major hotel chains are adapting to the evolving preferences of spiritual tourists, offering clean, hygienic, and family-friendly accommodations that command premium pricing. Branded hotels are emerging as key players, offering a blend of comfort and traditional hospitality tailored for spiritual seekers,” says CBRE.

Retail, real estate and religion: Spiritual hotspots brace for a tourism boom

India is a land of diverse cultures, rich history, and stunning landscapes. Each city has its unique charm and beauty, offering a different experience to its visitors. Here are ten of the most <keyword id="6481074" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="beautiful-cities-in-India" source="Orion">beautiful cities in India</keyword> you should consider visiting in 2024: <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="1. Jaipur, Rajasthan" comment="subhead" text="1. Jaipur, Rajasthan">1. <keyword id="19901640" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Jaipur" source="keywords">Jaipur</keyword>, Rajasthan</cmsannotation> <div type="image" title="1" msid="110675080" hostid="261" sizebytes="2047771" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Marvel at the grandeur of Amber Fort in the vibrant Pink City of Jaipur.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>Explore the Pink City of Jaipur, where the majestic Amber Fort, the royal City Palace, and the intricate Hawa Mahal create a tapestry of history and beauty. Get lost in the vibrant bazaars and savour the rich culture of Rajasthan. Best places to visit: Amber Fort: A stunning fort with intricate carvings and expansive courtyards. City Palace: A beautiful palace complex that reflects the rich heritage of Jaipur. Hawa Mahal: The "Palace of Winds," is known for its unique five-story facade with numerous windows. Best Time to Visit: October to March The weather is cooler and more pleasant, making it ideal for exploring the city's forts, palaces, and markets. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="2. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh" comment="subhead" text="2. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh">2. <keyword id="19901642" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Varanasi" source="keywords">Varanasi</keyword>, Uttar Pradesh</cmsannotation> <div type="image" title="2" msid="110675094" hostid="261" sizebytes="2195187" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Experience the spiritual essence of Varanasi at the evening Ganga Aarti.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>Immerse yourself in the spiritual aura of Varanasi, one of the world's oldest living cities. Witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti, visit the revered Kashi Vishwanath Temple, and stroll along the historic ghats for a journey back in time. Best places to visit: Ganges River: Witness the evening Ganga Aarti, a beautiful ritual on the riverbanks. Kashi Vishwanath Temple: A major Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Ghats: Explore the steps leading to the river, each with its own significance. Best Time to Visit: October to March The temperatures are moderate, making it comfortable to attend the Ganga Aarti and explore the temples and ghats. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="3. Udaipur, Rajasthan" comment="subhead" text="3. Udaipur, Rajasthan">3. Udaipur, Rajasthan</cmsannotation> <div type="image" title="3" msid="110675098" hostid="261" sizebytes="2134036" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Glide across the serene waters of Lake Pichola with the majestic City Palace in the background.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>Discover the romance of Udaipur, the City of Lakes. Glide across Lake Pichola, marvel at the opulent City Palace, and relax in the serene Saheliyon ki Bari gardens, all set against the backdrop of Rajasthan's stunning landscape. Best places to visit: Lake Pichola: Enjoy a boat ride with views of the City Palace and Jag Mandir. City Palace: An architectural marvel with stunning views of the lake. Saheliyon ki Bari: A beautiful garden with fountains and marble elephants. Best Time to Visit: September to March The post-monsoon period brings lush greenery, and the cooler weather is perfect for boat rides on Lake Pichola and visiting the City Palace. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="4. Agra, Uttar Pradesh" comment="subhead" text="4. Agra, Uttar Pradesh">4. <keyword id="19940628" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Agra" source="keywords">Agra</keyword>, Uttar Pradesh</cmsannotation> <div type="image" title="4" msid="110675104" hostid="261" sizebytes="1710343" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Behold the timeless beauty of the Taj Mahal, a symbol of eternal love.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>Step into history in Agra, home to the breathtaking Taj Mahal. Explore the grandeur of Agra Fort, and enjoy the tranquil beauty of Mehtab Bagh with its perfect view of the Taj at sunset. Best places to visit: Taj Mahal: A symbol of love and one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Agra Fort: A UNESCO World Heritage site with impressive architecture. Mehtab Bagh: A garden offering a perfect view of the Taj Mahal at sunset. Best Time to Visit: November to March The climate is cooler, which is ideal for sightseeing at the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort without the sweltering heat of summer. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="5. Bengaluru, Karnataka" comment="subhead" text="5. Bengaluru, Karnataka">5. Bengaluru, Karnataka</cmsannotation> <div type="image" title="5" msid="110675108" hostid="261" sizebytes="2263495" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Stroll through the lush greenery of Lalbagh Botanical Garden in Bengaluru.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>Experience the blend of modernity and tradition in Bengaluru, the Garden City. Stroll through the lush Lalbagh Botanical Garden, admire the regal Bangalore Palace, and unwind in the expansive Cubbon Park. Best places to visit: Lalbagh Botanical Garden: Famous for its glass house and diverse flora. Bangalore Palace: Inspired by England's Windsor Castle. Cubbon Park: A large green space in the heart of the city. Best Time to Visit: October to February The weather is mild and pleasant, making it a great time to explore gardens, parks, and architectural landmarks. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="6. Mumbai, Maharashtra" comment="subhead" text="6. Mumbai, Maharashtra">6. Mumbai, Maharashtra</cmsannotation> <div type="image" title="6" msid="110675112" hostid="261" sizebytes="1615754" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Take in the iconic view of the Gateway of India by the Arabian Sea.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>Feel the vibrant pulse of Mumbai, the city that never sleeps. Walk along Marine Drive, gaze at the iconic Gateway of India, and admire the architectural splendour of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus. Best places to visit: Marine Drive: A scenic promenade along the Arabian Sea. Gateway of India: A historic arch monument by the sea. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus: A UNESCO World Heritage site and a stunning example of Victorian Gothic architecture. Best Time to Visit: November to February The temperatures are cooler and humidity is lower, making it comfortable to enjoy the city's outdoor attractions like Marine Drive and Gateway of India. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="7. Kochi, Kerala" comment="subhead" text="7. Kochi, Kerala">7. Kochi, Kerala</cmsannotation> <div type="image" title="7" msid="110675117" hostid="261" sizebytes="1349911" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Explore the charming colonial streets and historic sites of Fort Kochi.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>Navigate the coastal charm of Kochi, with its rich historical tapestry. Explore the colonial streets of Fort Kochi, visit the storied Mattancherry Palace, and see the ancient Jewish Synagogue Best places to visit: Fort Kochi: Famous for its colonial architecture and Chinese fishing nets. Mattancherry Palace: Also known as the Dutch Palace, it showcases Kerala's art and history. Jewish Synagogue: One of the oldest synagogues in the Commonwealth. Best Time to Visit: October to March The weather is pleasant and dry, ideal for exploring the historical sites and enjoying backwater cruises. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="8. Amritsar, Punjab" comment="subhead" text="8. Amritsar, Punjab">8. Amritsar, Punjab</cmsannotation> <div type="image" title="8" msid="110675123" hostid="261" sizebytes="1363938" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Find peace and reflection at the shimmering Golden Temple in Amritsar.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>Find peace and reflection in Amritsar, the heart of Sikhism. Visit the awe-inspiring Golden Temple, experience the patriotic Wagah Border Ceremony, and remember the past at Jallianwala Bagh. Best places to visit: Golden Temple: The holiest Gurdwara and an architectural marvel. Wagah Border Ceremony: Witness the daily military ceremony at the India-Pakistan border. Jallianwala Bagh: A public garden and memorial to the tragic massacre of 1919. Best Time to Visit: November to March The temperatures are cooler, making it comfortable to visit the Golden Temple, and Jallianwala Bagh, and witness the Wagah Border ceremony. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="9. Goa" comment="subhead" text="9. Goa">9. Goa</cmsannotation> <div type="image" title="9" msid="110675127" hostid="261" sizebytes="2478575" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Relax on the sun-kissed sands of Baga Beach in vibrant Goa.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>Bask in the sunshine of Goa, where pristine beaches meet a vibrant culture. Enjoy the lively Baga Beach, explore the historical Basilica of Bom Jesus, and marvel at the natural wonder of Dudhsagar Falls. Best places to visit: Baga Beach: Popular for its nightlife and water sports. Basilica of Bom Jesus: A UNESCO World Heritage site with the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier. Dudhsagar Falls: A spectacular four-tiered waterfall. Best Time to Visit: November to February The weather is perfect for beach activities, water sports, and enjoying the vibrant nightlife, with comfortable temperatures and low humidity. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="10. Shillong, Meghalaya" comment="subhea" text="10. Shillong, Meghalaya">10. Shillong, Meghalaya</cmsannotation> <div type="image" title="10" msid="110675145" hostid="261" sizebytes="2281218" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Hills of Shillong.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>Escape to the cool highlands of Shillong, the Scotland of the East. Enjoy the tranquillity of Umiam Lake, take in the panoramic views from Shillong Peak, and be captivated by the cascading Elephant Falls. Best places to visit: Umiam Lake: A serene and picturesque lake. Shillong Peak: Offers panoramic views of the city and the Himalayas. Elephant Falls: A beautiful multi-tiered waterfall. Best Time to Visit: September to May The weather is cool and pleasant, with the period just after the monsoons being especially beautiful with lush landscapes and cascading waterfalls. Each of these cities offers a unique glimpse into the diverse cultural tapestry of India. From historical landmarks and spiritual experiences to natural beauty and modern attractions, there's something for every traveller. So pack your bags and get ready to explore the incredible beauty of India in 2024! <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Frequently asked questions" comment="subhead" text="Frequently asked questions">Frequently asked questions</cmsannotation> 1. What is the best way to travel between these cities? The best way to travel between these cities depends on the distance and your preferences. For longer distances, flights are the quickest and most convenient option. For shorter distances or a more scenic route, trains and buses are good choices. India's extensive rail network connects most cities, and there are numerous bus services as well. 2. Are there any cultural etiquettes or customs I should be aware of while visiting these cities? Yes, India is a country rich in cultural traditions and customs. Here are a few tips: Dress modestly: Especially when visiting religious sites. Remove shoes: When entering homes, temples, and some shops. Respect local customs: Be aware of local traditions and practices. Use your right hand: For eating and giving or receiving items, as the left hand is considered unclean. 3. What kind of accommodations can I expect in these cities? Accommodations in these cities range from budget hostels and guesthouses to mid-range hotels and luxury resorts. Many cities also offer unique stays, such as heritage hotels in Jaipur and Udaipur, houseboats in Kochi, and beach resorts in Goa. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons. 4. Is it safe to travel to these cities as a solo traveller? Generally, these cities are safe for solo travellers, including women. However, it's important to take standard precautions: Stay in reputable accommodations. Avoid isolated areas at night. Keep your belongings secure. Be cautious with strangers and avoid sharing personal information.

10 most beautiful cities in India you must visit in 2024

<div type="image" title="Rahul Bhalla" msid="96004490" hostid="261" sizebytes="92878" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Co-founder and CEO Latin Quarters, Rahul Bhalla&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> <ul><li>Lifestyle brand <keyword id="16040" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="latin-quarters" source="Orion">Latin Quarters</keyword>’ CEO <keyword id="1162134" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="rahul-bhalla" source="Orion">Rahul Bhalla</keyword> breaks down the “science behind dress shopping” in India. </li><li>Dresses contribute to about 57-58% of total business for Latin Quarters. </li><li><keyword id="13627" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="bhalla" source="Orion">Bhalla</keyword> believes Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities will drive future growth for not just Latin Quarters, but also for most players in this category. </li></ul> Latin Quarters, an Indian-origin lifestyle brand known for its dresses in addition to other apparel, bags and jewellery — competes with Western brands. With over 16 years of insights into Indian body types, it claims to have cracked the code for providing Western styles tailored to ‘fit’ the women of the sub-continent. According to Latin Quarters co-founder and CEO Rahul Bhalla, unlike many international brands where the “Indian customer has to fit in,” Latin Quarters curates and designs clothes keeping the Indian woman in mind. “Styles like bling, sequin, shimmer A-line party dresses sell more than counterparts. Colours like black, maroon, dark shades of blues, you know, any earthy tone colours do very well in India, and what reflects well on the Indian skin tone, does well,” shared Bhalla in a conversation with Business Insider India, breaking down what he calls the “science behind dress shopping” in India. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Size does matter" comment="subhead2" text="Size does matter">Size does matter</cmsannotation> It’s not just the colour, but also the cut and cloth of Indianised Western styles that matter for shoppers. Moreso, the preferences and other elements differ across regions and states in the wide Indian subcontinent. Latin Quarters, which is present in nearly 80 cities in India, streamlines its production and distribution based on scientific elements that cater to varying demands of the varied Indian consumers across India. It has collections that suit every specified need. “In the northeast, the average height of a lady would generally be shorter - so, we have a separate petite collection for them, which is exclusively sold to these areas where the length is an issue. In the South, smaller sizes sell more and in the North and West, larger sizes sell a lot more,” said Bhalla. However, choices that marry the Indian sensibility with sartorial aspirations are common across locations - and that’s what allows dresses, specifically longer dresses, to become Latin Quarters’ most popular offering. “Dresses contribute to about 57-58% of our total business. And in those dresses, I would say out of the 57%, close to about 35 (%) would be the longer dresses,” added Bhalla. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="The rising demand in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities" comment="subhead2" text="The rising demand in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities">The rising demand in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities</cmsannotation> According to Bhalla, the Covid-19 pandemic brought a major shift in the clothing choices, with comfort wear replacing occasion wear – Latin Quarters’ predominant category, by Bhalla’s own admission – and even workwear. However, with the world going back to normal, Latin Quarters is seeing a lot of action, with sales above pre-Covid levels. As Bhalla puts it, “This year, we should be up by about 20% on pre-Covid numbers, in terms of total revenue as well as profitability and the point of sales across everything.” However, Latin Quarters continues to ‘struggle’ in Mumbai and Delhi, witnessing ‘disappointing’ sales due to greater competition and steep real estate prices, according to Bhalla. At the same time, he added that <keyword id="6354925" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="kolkata" source="Orion">Kolkata</keyword> remained one of their biggest markets, along with Hyderabad, <keyword id="2094" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="pune" source="Orion">Pune</keyword>, and Bangalore. In terms of growth, Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities have shown the most favourable results, which Bhalla believes will drive future growth for most players in this category, including Latin Quarters - because of better real estate prices and aspirational customers who are more willing to experiment. “We're getting a lot of traction from smaller cities. We have six more of our EBOs (exclusive brand outlets) opening up. There's (only) one opening in Bangalore - rest of them are in Indore, Amritsar… just where the real estate is better,” said Bhalla. Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities have been ripe for urbanisation and growth, being pegged as growth drivers, especially for retail and real estate, by both NBFC <a href="https://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/tier-ii-and-iii-cities-to-be-growth-drivers-over-the-next-2-yrs-sundaram-122021900154_1.html">Sundaram Home Finance </a>and management consulting firm, <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/blogs/voices/tier-ii-and-tier-iii-cities-to-drive-the-growth-of-malls-in-india/">Kearney Research</a>, among others. Bhalla also shared that after comparing their own sales with other brands in the category, and observing overall trends, he has seen ethnic wear being restricted to special occasions like Diwali and Karwa Chauth - especially for the working woman. Similarly, according to him, more and more millennials and Gen-Zs are adopting Western wear because they see it as a “differentiating factor from their mothers and grandmothers.” <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Online: no longer for outdated merchandise alone" comment="subhead2" text="Online: no longer for outdated merchandise alone">Online: no longer for outdated merchandise alone</cmsannotation> Bhalla believes that prior to the pandemic, they were ‘lazy’ in their approach to online channels, using it only as a way to liquidate outdated merchandise and styles. But with the pandemic, Bhalla states there has been a ‘change in mindset’, with Latin Quarters investing money, time and energy in building online sales channels, because the “future is going to be about convenience” i.e. how quickly a product is shipped and/or can be exchanged. This perfectly aligns with the recent <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/services/retail/online-shoppers-drive-e-commerce-in-post-pandemic-india/articleshow/95721588.cms?from=mdr">report by The Economic Times</a>, that stated how “online purchase of shirts, jackets, dresses, tops, jeans, sneakers and boots accounted for 26-50% for some of the largest fashion brands in the country, busting the myth that touch and feel are critical factors in the fashion purchase decision.” Bhalla also believes one of the greatest advantages of online sales channels over offline stores is the wide variety of sizes. As he puts it, “it's very difficult for every (offline) store to have every size of every single listing with us. With online, we can solve that 99% of the time.” Currently, Latin Quarters exists on all major online portals and has 19 EBOs, with plans to add 6 more stores by March 2023, Bhalla said. It is also present across 290 large format department stores - primarily Pantaloons, Shoppers Stop and Lifestyle Stores, along with presence in Lulu Hypermarket and Reliance’s Centro (formerly, Future Group’s Central). While Latin Quarters has surpassed pre-pandemic numbers in terms of revenue, the Indian festive season had limited impact on Latin Quarters’ sales, because of its <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/ecommerce/news/one-in-every-five-online-orders-had-a-kurti-or-saree-in-their-cart-redseer/articleshow/95598263.cms">complete lack of ethnic wear</a>. Bhalla is looking to the upcoming winter and Christmas sales season to offset this dip. “So Durga puja was very good - we did about 26% higher than our 2019-20 (sales). Diwali, to be very honest, has never been a very strong Western wear category. Winter wear and Christmas is basically our Diwali,” shared Bhalla. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/kolkata-hyderabad-and-pune-remain-indias-most-affordable-residential-cities-jll/articleshow/96001910.cms">Kolkata, Hyderabad and Pune remain India’s most affordable residential cities: JLL</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/women-unemployed-rural-poor-lag-due-to-digital-divide-says-oxfam-india-report/articleshow/96000462.cms">Women, unemployed, rural poor lag due to digital divide, says Oxfam India Report</a>

The science behind selling a dress to an Indian woman, according to the CEO of Latin Quarters

New Delhi, May 4 () From laptops to apparels, people logged on to e-commerce platforms like Amazon, Paytm Mall and Snapdeal on Monday to place orders for non-essential items but lack of adequate manpower amid the lockdown could delay deliveries, according to industry executives. E-commerce companies have been permitted to sell all items in Orange and Green Zones starting from Monday, the first day of the third phase of the nationwide lockdown that began on March 25. Depending on the number of cases of coronavirus infections, areas have been divided into Red, Orange and Green Zones. In the Red Zones, which include Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Pune and Hyderabad, the companies can ship only essential items like grocery, medicines and healthcare products. However, shortage of staff at warehouses and for logistics could result in delays in deliveries of items, as per the executives. An Amazon India spokesperson said the company saw demand for various kinds of smart devices, products related to electrical appliances, clothes and work from home enablers, among others. "Our consumers in Orange/ Green zones are buying other priority products that they needed the most. Thousands of sellers have received orders for the first time since the lockdown began in March and we are hopeful that this will help jumpstart the livelihood of many small sellers and their workforce," the spokesperson said. The company reiterated its demand that the list of priority products be expanded for customers in the Red Zone as well in order to revive economic activity while serving urgent needs and ensuring citizen safety in a high-risk area. Under the first and second phase of the nationwide lockdown between March 25 and May 3, the government only allowed delivery of essential goods, including grocery, pharmaceuticals and healthcare products, through e-commerce platforms. A Snapdeal spokesperson said the company expects 80-90 per cent of its sellers in the Orange and Green Zones to become active over the course of this week. On an average, deliveries are being promised within 6-10 days and actual deliveries are likely to be completed in lesser number of days, the spokesperson added. "Thousands of our sellers received orders for non-essential products on Day 1... we have started picking up orders from sellers in Salem, Amritsar, Gurugram and Guwahati, amongst many other locations. "Some of the products supplied by our sellers today include steel utensils, apparel, footwear, notebooks and pens, and electronics like power banks, phone and laptop chargers," the spokesperson said. Paytm Mall Vice President Srinivas Mothey said consumer electronics, laptops, mobile phones, home, and fashion products are among the few categories that are doing extremely well on its platform. "... we believe this trend would continue for the next couple of days. As we have noticed earlier people are ordering the most for work and study from home essentials. Depending on the type of product we are offering delivery timelines between two to five days," he added. However, e-commerce companies are also facing challenges on a few fronts. An industry executive, who did not wish to be named, said lesser manpower at warehouses and those available as delivery staff could result in delivery timelines getting delayed. E-commerce companies could look at sharing delivery resources from other digital business like online food delivery to shorten delays, the executive noted. A senior industry executive said that apart from the guidelines issued by the Centre, there are rules specified by states and even districts. Given that the classification of Red, Orange and Green Zones is in a dynamic state, it could make operations difficult for online commerce platforms, the executive said. The classification of zone changes depending on the number of coronavirus cases in a particular area. Also, standalone retail shops -- irrespective of whether they sell essential or non-essential items -- have been allowed to operate in Red Zones while e-commerce platforms are not allowed to ship non-essential items to such areas. There is no level-playing field between the two modes, the executive quoted above said. Another challenge for e-commerce companies that follow the marketplace model like Amazon India, Flipkart and Snapdeal is that many of their sellers are either located or have their warehouses in Red Zones. The home ministry guidelines, issued a few days ago, remain unclear on operations of these marketplace sellers of non-essential products, who are in Red Zones. So, they are dependent on how local authorities issue their guidelines, the executive said. SR RAM

Lockdown 3.0: People place orders online for non-essential items; staff crunch may delay deliveries

(Eds: Recasting overnight story) New Delhi, May 5 () From laptops to apparels, people are logging on to e-commerce platforms like Amazon, Paytm Mall and Snapdeal to place orders for non-essential items, but lack of adequate manpower amid the lockdown could delay deliveries, as per industry executives. E-commerce companies have been permitted to sell all items in orange and green zones starting from Monday, the first day of the third phase of the nationwide lockdown that began on March 25. Depending on the number of cases of coronavirus infections, areas have been divided into red, orange and green zones. In the red zones, which include Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Pune and Hyderabad, the companies can ship only essential items like grocery, medicines and healthcare products. However, shortage of staff at warehouses and logistics hubs could result in delays in deliveries of items, as per the executives. An Amazon India spokesperson said the company saw demand for various kinds of smart devices, products related to electrical appliances, clothes and work from home enablers, among others on the first day after delivery of non-essentials resumed in orange and green zones. "Our consumers in orange/ green zones are buying other priority products that they needed the most. Thousands of sellers have received orders for the first time since the lockdown began in March and we are hopeful that this will help jumpstart the livelihood of many small sellers and their workforce," the spokesperson said. The company reiterated its demand that the list of priority products be expanded for customers in the red zone as well in order to revive economic activity while serving urgent needs and ensuring citizen safety in a high-risk area. Under the first and second phase of the nationwide lockdown between March 25 and May 3, the government only allowed delivery of essential goods, including grocery, pharmaceuticals and healthcare products, through e-commerce platforms. A Snapdeal spokesperson said the company expects 80-90 per cent of its sellers in the orange and green zones to become active over the course of this week. On an average, deliveries are being promised within 6-10 days and actual deliveries are likely to be completed in lesser number of days, the spokesperson added. "Thousands of our sellers received orders for non-essential products on Day 1... We have started picking up orders from sellers in Salem, Amritsar, Gurugram and Guwahati, amongst many other locations. "Some of the products supplied by our sellers today include steel utensils, apparel, footwear, notebooks and pens, and electronics like power banks, phone and laptop chargers," the spokesperson said. Paytm Mall Vice President Srinivas Mothey noted that consumer electronics, laptops, mobile phones, home, and fashion products were among the few categories that were doing extremely well on its platform. "...We believe this trend would continue for the next couple of days. As we have noticed earlier people are ordering the most for work and study from home essentials. Depending on the type of product we are offering delivery timelines between two to five days," he added. However, industry executive also pointed out that companies are facing challenges on a few fronts. An executive, who did not wish to be named, said lesser manpower at warehouses and those available as delivery staff could result in delivery timelines getting delayed. The companies could look at sharing delivery resources from other digital business like online food delivery to shorten delays, the executive noted. A senior industry executive said apart from the guidelines issued by the centre, there are rules specified by states and even districts. Given that the classification of red, orange and green zones is in a dynamic state, it could make operations difficult for online commerce platforms, the executive said. The classification of zone changes, depending on the number of coronavirus cases in a particular area. Also, standalone retail shops -- irrespective of whether they sell essential or non-essential items -- have been allowed to operate in red zones while e-commerce platforms are not allowed to ship non-essential items to such areas. There is no level-playing field between the two modes, the executive quoted above said. "Another challenge for e-commerce companies that follow the marketplace model like Amazon India, Flipkart and Snapdeal is that many of their sellers are either located or have their warehouses in red zones. "The home ministry guidelines, issued a few days ago, remain unclear on operations of these marketplace sellers of non-essential products, who are in red zones. So, they are dependent on how local authorities issue their guidelines," the executive said. SR RAM ANSANS

Lockdown 3.0: People turn to e-commerce for non-essential items; staff crunch may delay deliveries

How is Ravi Kapoor now? Have we forgotten him? If you are unable to fathom what we are talking about, Ravi Kapoor is the original name of one of Bollywood's biggest superstars of all time and the ladies' heartthrob of his era -- Jeetendra! The man who earned the sobriquet of 'Jumping Jack' in Bollywood owing to his energetic dancing style, turns 78 today. He has chosen to move away from the limelight, but Jeetu -- as he was known to fans and colleagues -- continues to reside in the hearts of Hindi film buffs across the globe. His genial screen image, gentlemanly attitude off the screen and, most notably, those trademark white dancing shoes he insisted on wearing every time, will never go away from popular psyche. On his birthday, IANS does a throwback on the phenomenon that is Jeetendra.. WHERE IT STARTED Jeetendra was born on April 7, 1942 in Punjab's Amritsar as Ravi Kapoor. He schooled at St. Sebastian's Goan High School and then went to Siddharth College, both in Mumbai. BOLLYWOOD CALLING Jeetendra got his Bollywood break in V. Shantaram's "Navrang". He would go on to deliver hit films like "Geet Gaya Pattharon Ne (1964), "Farz" (1967), "Caravan" (1971), "Parichay" (1972), "Khushboo" (1975), "Kinara" (1977), "<keyword id="99062" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Dharam-Veer">Dharam Veer</keyword>", "Judaai" (1980), "<keyword id="7558165" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Meri-Aawaz-Suno">Meri Aawaz Suno</keyword>" (1981), "Himmatwala" (1983), "Khudgarz" (1987) and a lot more, which made him a superstar. HIT MACHINE Jeetendra has acted in over 200 movies as the lead, out of which over 120 were hits! This is a ratio very few actors can dream of. His active years were from the '60s to the '90s but he actually ruled Bollywood in the '70s and '80s. In the seventies, he made a hit pair with top actresses of the era such as Hema Malini, Rekha and <keyword id="133768" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Reena-Roy">Reena Roy</keyword>. In the eighties, he started off as a hit co-star for Jaya Pradha but he really struck gold once he teamed up with Sridevi in the 1983 superhit, "Himmatwala". The film that would go on to spiral Sridevi to the top of the Bollywood heroines' heap, also led to a chain of commercial successes for the Jeetendra-Sridevi pair including "Justice Chaudhary", "Maqsad", "Mawaali" and "Tohfa". JUMPING JACK No discussion of Bollywood dancing can be complete without a thorough acknowledgement of Bollywood's Jumping Jack Jeetendra. Jeetendra's style was best defined in songs like "Naino mein mapna" ("Himmatwala"), "Taki O Taki" ("Himmatwala"), "Mast bahaaron ka main aashiq" ("Farz") and "Dhal gaya din" ("Humjoli"), which remain evergreen till today. STYLE ICON The evergreen heartthrob who made every girl's heart skip a beat, has always been a natty dresser. On screen, he set a fashion trend with his white pants and white shoes. It is said that the actor had randomly picked up the clothes from a shop before shooting for the song "Mast bahaaron ka main aashiq" in "Farz", which went on to become his trademark style. When quizzed about the same on the sets of a television dance reality show a few years ago, Jeetendra confessed with a smile: "Dark clothes make me look short!" THE HEMA MALINI FACTOR The man who GenNow Bollywood buffs know as EKta and <keyword id="3868" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Tusshar-Kapoor">Tusshar Kapoor</keyword>'s father has been happily married to his teenage love Shobha Kapoor for decades now, but a Hema Malini biography by Ram Kamal Mukherjee titled "Hema Malini: Beyond The Dream Girl" mentions that the actress's mother Jaya Chakravarthy had allegedly convinced her to tie the knot with Jeetendra as she was not happy with her daughter dating Dharmendra, who was already a married man. <keyword id="9018436" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="pressurizing-hema">Pressurizing Hema</keyword>, her family arranged for a hush-hush wedding with Jeetendra at their Chennai residence. At that time, Jeetendra was dating Shobha Sippy, an airhostess. However, the news of the secret wedding got leaked in a daily. As soon as he read it, Dharmendra contacted Shobha and the two landed in Chennai. An inebriated Dharmendra reportedly broke into the wedding venue with Shobha. Despite the efforts of Hema's parents to carry on with the wedding, she backed out after meeting Dharmendra. Meanwhile, Shobha also spoke to Jeetendra seeking an explanation from him about the entire episode! STEPPING OFF THE SPOTLIGHT Why did the man with numerous hits move away from the spotlight? Jeetendra's son Tusshar revealed in an interview that the superstar of yore began losing interest when he started getting offers to play roles like the hero's elder brother or father in the '90s. Although we don't see him on screen, Jeetendra has not severed ties with his extended Bollywood family. He still attends invitations from friends and colleagues, and also happily obliges fans seeking an autograph or a selfie!

Bollywood's jumping jack and yesteryear star Jeetendra turns 78

Sanjay Kanojia/AFP via Getty ImagesA cyclist wearing a face mask rides past a mural depicting Hindu god Hanuman in Allahabad, India, on March 18, 2020.<ul class="summary-list"><li>India is home to more than 1.3 billion people, but so far has only reported 176 coronavirus cases and three deaths.</li><li>Experts fear that testing rates, that are being kept low to prevent panic and to keep healthcare costs down, may be camouflaging the real scope of the outbreak.</li><li>India faces several hurdles in its fight against COVID-19, including high population density, lack of hygiene, and insufficient healthcare funding.</li><li>Officials have already begun cracking down: travel restrictions, schools, restaurants, and public space closures, exam cancellations, and remote work mandates are in effect.</li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/?hprecirc-bullet">Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories</a>.</li></ul>India, the world's second-most populous country, has remained largely unscathed as the coronavirus continues its relentless march across the globe. Home to more than 1.3 billion people, <a href="https://gisanddata.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/bda7594740fd40299423467b48e9ecf6">India has reported 176 cases and three deaths</a> as of Wednesday. By contrast, China, whose population is 1.4 billion people, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/china-virus-everything-we-know-deadly-2019-ncov-wuhan-spread-2020-1">reported at least 81,000 cases and more than 3,200 deaths</a>. Even Italy, the worst-hit nation outside Asia, with a population of around 60 million people, has surpassed 35,700 cases and 2,900 deaths.But India's caseload may not be accurate. The country is conducting only about 90 tests per day, the <a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/Indiasrestrictivecriteriaforvirustestingmaymasktoll/58b05ada591d1028cc775d45b55c3eac/text?Query=india%20AND%20coronavirus&amp;mediaType=text&amp;sortBy=arrivaldatetime:desc&amp;dateRange=Anytime&amp;totalCount=50&amp;currentItemNo=2">Associated Press</a> reported, and only 11,500 Indians have been screened for the COVID-19 virus so far. This, despite the country having the capacity to test up to 8,000 people a day.The World Health Organization is urging governments to step up testing as the coronavirus outbreak grows."We need to be geared to respond to the evolving situation with the aim to stop transmission of COVID-19 at the earliest to minimize the impact," Dr. Poonam Khetrapal Singh, WHO's director for the region that includes India, told AP. "We need to act now."<h2>Testing numbers kept low to avoid 'paranoia'</h2>However, India is only screening people who have either traveled there from a country that's been badly affected or those who have come in contact with a patient or are presenting symptoms themselves, AP said. As of Tuesday, officials have expanded the criteria to include medical workers who are treating COVID-19 patients and have symptoms too.Balaram Bharghava, who heads the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), said the WHO guidance was "premature" for India because the coronavirus' rate of spread is not as rapid as it has been in other countries and community transmission hasn't been detected yet."Therefore it creates more fear, more paranoia, and more hype," Bhargava said, according to AP.Narinder Nanu/AFP via Getty ImagesA health worker (L) wearing a facemask checks the body temperature of devotees at the entrance of the Golden Temple in Amritsar, India, on March 18, 2020.Officials say they are also trying to avoid overloading hospitals and keeping costs down. India's health-care expenditure amounts to only 3.7% of its GDP, <a href="https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/coronavirus-cases-in-india-will-be-10-times-higher-by-april-15-expert-2196779">NDTV</a> reported, leading to public hospitals that are overcrowded, private healthcare that many can't afford, and a lack of funding to combat illnesses like tuberculosis, malnutrition, and HIV/AIDs. In the case of COVID-19, patients aren't charged for tests, but each one costs the government about 5,000 rupees ($67).Many people who may have come in contact with the virus are being sent home without being tested, though, AP reported.This happened to a British citizen who was turned away from a public hospital even though she had a cough, shortness of breath, and a private doctor's referral - and informed officials that she may have been exposed to a coronavirus patient due to her work in the hospitality industry. She tried to get tested another time, but was rejected again, forcing her to leave India for France, where her family is based, AP said. <h2>High population density creates social distancing challenges</h2>Such accounts have sparked concerns about the government statistics being far lower than the real count."Given the pattern of disease in other places, and given our low level of testing, then I do think that community transmission is happening, " Dr. Gagandeep Kang, director of the Translational Health Science and Technology Institute, told AP.India's bloated population density decreases the chance of social distancing, which experts say is the only way to "<a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/us-one-week-enforce-social-distancing-flatten-curve-coronavirus-2020-3">flatten the curve</a>" of the coronavirus' infection rate.Satyabrata Tripathy/Hindustan Times via Getty ImagesSome people wear face masks and others use handkerchiefs to protect from the coronavirus on a crowded train at Andheri Metro Station on March 17, 2020 in Mumbai, India.But India's big cities are overcrowded with residents, many of whom are stuffed into slums, low-income dwellings, single- and multiple-family homes, and skyscrapers. NDTV estimated that around 420 people live on just 0.4 square miles of land in many of the country's largest cities."Social distancing is something often talked about but only works well for the urban middle class," said Dr. K. Srinath Reddy, adjunct professor of epidemiology at the T.H. Chan School of Public Health at Harvard University.He continued: "It doesn't work well for the urban poor or the rural population where its extremely difficult both in terms of compactly packed houses, but also because many of them have to go to work in areas which are not necessarily suitable for social distancing."Shreyanka Rao, of New Delhi, echoed the sentiment."While it's easy to say maintain social distancing, it's still something that can only be practiced by privileged people who have the time, space and wherewithal to do so," she told Insider. "While the [South] Korean and Singaporean approach is laudable, their systems, resources and volumes are in a different league."<h2>Lack of hygiene complicates bid to fight coronavirus </h2>India's fight against coronavirus is also plagued by a lack of clean water. Experts have said that using hand sanitizer and washing hands for at least 20 seconds is helpful in warding off the infection. But Dharam Singh Rajput, like many residents, can <a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/CleanwateraccessforIndiaspoorspawnsvirusconcerns/680dd4c0c13ed020b5ad31848cfc31bf/text?Query=india%20AND%20coronavirus&amp;mediaType=text&amp;sortBy=arrivaldatetime:desc&amp;dateRange=Anytime&amp;totalCount=50&amp;currentItemNo=1">neither afford to purchase bottles of hand sanitizer nor access clean running water</a>, the AP said. Rajput lives in India's capital city of New Delhi, but open sewers and piles of garbage can be found across his neighborhood."The kind of water we have access to has the potential to cause more diseases instead of warding off the virus if we use it to wash our hands," Rajput told AP.Manjunath Kiran/AFP via Getty ImagesA worker fumigates the interiors of a Karnataka Interstate Transport bus to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus in Bangalore, India, on March 19, 2020.An apparent lack of hygiene has also been reported at hospitals nationwide. There have been reports that some <a href="https://qz.com/india/1819659/why-are-patients-fleeing-indias-coronavirus-isolation-wards/">coronavirus cases are fleeing hospitals</a> because of substandard hygiene. In the state of Maharashtra, five people were tested for coronavirus. One of them tested negative, but the entire group left the isolation ward where they were being kept before the others' results came in because it was too dirty, AP reported.Aditya Bhatnagar, who has been quarantined with 50 other people following a flight from Spain, said more than half a dozen people are packed into each room while quarantined, and noted that the quarantine spaces don't have clean bedsheets or sanitary restrooms. No one's been given masks or hand sanitizer, either."I don't think these measures would be enough to contain the pandemic," Bhatnagar told AP, explaining that some people had decided to tell shell out 4,000 rupees a night ($55) and await their COVID-19 test results at a private hospital instead.<h2>'An avalanche' is coming</h2>Government officials are particularly worried about the situation in Maharashtra, which is home not only to India's financial hub, Mumbai, but also the highest number of cases: 39 as of Monday. Across the nation, India has begun closing down schools, theaters, malls, and other public spaces, university exams have been called off, and government and private offices have been urged to switch to remote work schedules, NDTV reported. Ganga Pandit, who lives in Pune, told Insider that only five people at a time are being allowed into major grocery stores, where he noticed that people are panic buying medicines, antiseptic creams, soap, and face masks. Pradeep Gaur/Mint via Getty ImagesPeople rush to buy masks, hand sanitizers and medicines at a pharmacy shop in New Delhi, India.Since a majority of the country's cases have been "imported" from foreign countries - whether by people traveling there or coming in contact with those who did - India has also enforced strict travel restrictions, <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/03/india-poor-testing-rate-masked-coronavirus-cases-200318040314568.html">Al Jazeera</a> reported.Tourists and non-Indian residents from China, Iran, South Korea, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the European Union are prohibited from entering the country. People who travel from or transition through the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman, and Kuwait will be quarantined for 14 days upon landing in India, and its borders with Bangladesh and Myanmar have been mostly closed. But people, like Sudhanshu Pandey, tweeted his concerns that India is on the fast track to a "<a href="https://twitter.com/SUD_0107/status/1240635871923245057">worst-case scenario</a>," and called on authorities to lock down big cities, including New Delhi, Mumbai, and Pune.Experts agree."They are not understanding that this is an avalanche," Dr. T. Jacob John, the former head of ICMR's Centre for Advanced Research in Virology, told NDTV. "As every week passes, the avalanche is growing bigger and bigger."Read more:<a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/coronavirus-death-rate-by-country-current-fatalities-compared-to-cases-2020-3">One chart shows different countries' current coronavirus death rates, based on the known number of cases and deaths</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/china-no-new-local-coronavirus-cases-first-time-during-outbreak-2020-3">China reported no new local coronavirus cases for the first time during the outbreak</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/us-one-week-enforce-social-distancing-flatten-curve-coronavirus-2020-3">The US has one week to enforce social distancing and 'flatten the curve' as the coronavirus outbreak escalates. Here's why these days are so critical.</a><ul><li> </li></ul> <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/coronavirus-anxiety-therapy-advice-self-care-2020-3">Why you shouldn't judge yourself for having coronavirus anxiety, according to a therapist</a></h3>

The WHO is urging countries to step up COVID-19 testing, but Indian authorities believe doing so will spark 'more fear, more paranoia, and more hype'

<a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=%E2%80%8BDiwali">Diwali</a> is one of the most important festivals celebrated in India. It is not only an official public holiday not only in India, but in many neighbouring countries like Mauritius, Malaysia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Guyana, Trinidad &amp; Tobago, Myanmar, Surinam and Fiji. Expedia lists down <keyword id="24194" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="80" keywordseo="destinations">destinations</keyword> that will comfort your <keyword id="6354692" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="80" keywordseo="Travel">travel</keyword> itch, without missing on the festivities. 
 
Destinations in India 
 
Jaipur: One must visit this place to experience the beauty and energy of the festival. The famous pink city welcomes the tourists with beautifully colored lit and decorated lights. The city is adorned with lamps and local musicians performing on the streets. The markets here sell over a thousand types of earthen lamps in many shapes, sizes and colors and the markets are flooded with traditional clothes and handicrafts. Each year, there's a competition for the best decorated and most brilliantly lit up market. Apart from a feast to the eyes, you can treat your palate to delicious sweets and food items. 
 
Varanasi: The Ghats of Ganga are lit up with thousands of diyas, giving it a mesmerizing view. The light of the countless floating candles and lamps illuminates the holy river beautifully. Tourists enjoy the Special Ganga Aarti on the irradiated Ghats making it a different experience altogether. 
 
Goa: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=%E2%80%8BDiwali">Diwali</a> in Goa is also known as Narak Chaturdasi and the town celebrates the destruction of demon Narakasura by Lord Krishna. The houses are decorated with kandeels (lanterns). Competitions are held to see who can make the biggest and scariest effigy of the demon. The effigies burned at dawn on Narakasura Chaturdashi, the day before the main day of <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=%E2%80%8BDiwali">Diwali</a>. Also popular for its casinos, the place attracts a lot of tourists as gambling is also a popular activity during <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=%E2%80%8BDiwali">Diwali</a>. 
 
Amritsar: The Golden Temple is draped with brightly lit lights on the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=%E2%80%8BDiwali">Diwali</a> evening making it an extravagant spectacle for the onlookers. The edge of the lake is fringed with countless oil lamps and candles lit by devotees. The reflection of the diyas on the water creates a truly magical environment. It is quite a sight to behold. 
 
Foreign destinations 
 
London: The <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=%E2%80%8BDiwali">Diwali Festival</a> in London is organised by the Mayor of London in cooperation with the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=%E2%80%8BDiwali">Diwali</a> in London Committee. This year's event will be hosted alongside the National Army Museum to commemorate the role India played in World War I and will pay tribute to the soldiers of the British Empire and Commonwealth. Starting with children parade, the show is followed by number of other dance sequences, including Indian folk dances. 
 
Singapore: Singapore is the one of the destination chosen by Indians to celebrate <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=%E2%80%8BDiwali">Diwali</a>. The massive decorations which starts from the streets and extends to the colonies and homes especially in Serangoon Road which is also called little India of Singapore. Special festival events like the Festival Village, the Fire-Walking Festival and the UTSAV Street Parade have been planned by the Singaporean authorities. 
 
Malaysia- Just like India, <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=%E2%80%8BDiwali">Diwali</a> is an official holiday in Malaysia and people gather around to celebrate it together. Decorations such as colourful paper lanterns and kolam (rangoli) are put up to decorate homes. Known as Little India in Kuala Lumpur, places like Brickfields, Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, Masjid Jamek, and Monorail are a few places to enjoy the festival. 
 
Nepal: Also known as Tihar, <keyword id="188" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="80" keywordseo="Diwali">Diwali</keyword> is a five-day Nepalese festival, each dedicated to a different God. The traditions vary from those followed in India. It is all about worshiping of different animals and worshiping of the Hindu Goddess of Fortune or Wealth. The last day of the festival is known as Tika day or popularly known as Bhai Tika day. It is also one of the biggest shopping seasons in Nepal. 
 
(The article has been authored by Mr. Manmeet Ahluwalia, Marketing Head, Expedia India)

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