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The West Bengal government has earned a whopping state excise income of Rs 600 crore through sale of liquor during the four days of the just concluded <keyword id="6357908" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="durga-puja" source="Orion">Durga Puja</keyword> festival in the state. Monday was the first working day for the state government after a long Durga Puja vacation and the calculations drawn on the <keyword id="167799" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="liquor-sales" source="Orion">liquor sales</keyword> in the state and the amount coming to the state exchequer in the form of state excise has made the officials of the state finance department quite elated. As per calculations of the state finance department officials, the state excise collection has already touched around Rs 8,000 crore which is around 45 per cent of the targeted collection of Rs 17,921.56 crore as per the budget estimates for 2023-24. Going by the trend during the four days of Durga Puja, the state excise officials expect similar impressive sales of liquor and beer during the current month on the occasion of <keyword id="57824" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="kali-puja" source="Orion">Kali Puja</keyword> and Diwali and then in December because of another prolonged festive season starting with Christmas and ending with New Year's Eve. "Generally, the period between October and January is the boom period as regards liquor sales and state excise collection because of two prolonged festive seasons at short intervals. But the trend in Durga Puja this year on this count has surpassed all previous records. So it is now almost certain that the targeted state excise collection will be well surpassed by the end of the current financial year," said a state finance department official. As per the budget estimates for the financial year of 2023-24, the state excise collection is slated to rise to Rs 17,921.56 crore, up by 19.41 per cent from the figure of from Rs 15,001.39 crore as per the revised estimates for the financial year of 2022-23. Whereas, the total state's own tax revenue as per the budget estimates for 2023-24 is slated to increase by just 12.69 per cent to Rs 88,595.54 crore from the figure of Rs 79,5000 crore as per the revised estimates for 2022-23.

Liquor sales touches Rs 600 cr-mark during 4 days of Durga pooja festivities in Bengal

The Confederation of All India <keyword id="6371444" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="traders" source="Orion">Traders</keyword> (<keyword id="853920" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="cait" source="Orion">CAIT</keyword>) has asked traders to increase their stocks as people are going to buy more in the upcoming <keyword id="188" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="diwali" source="Orion">Diwali</keyword> festival season. Citing a <keyword id="15508" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="yougov" source="Orion">YouGov</keyword> report, CAIT has said that nearly 36 per cent of people living in the urban areas are likely to spend more during the Diwali season. "The expected growth in business among cities will not be restricted to cities alone but traders in small towns and rural areas will also witness growth," it said. CAIT National President B.C.Bhartia and Secretary General Praveen Khandelwal said the report of YouGov was based on Diwali spending index, which shows that this year the spending intent stands for 94-45 in comparison to 90.71 in 2021 and 80.96 in 2020 which is also a parameter for recovery of the economy. In the last two years due to Covid pandemic, the consumers faced a financial crisis." The prominent sector, the CAIT, sees growth include home appliances, Travel, Health and Fitness, Home Decor and gold. The CAIT expects that besides these sectors consumer electronics, mobiles, readymade garments, gift articles, FMCG sector, consumer durables, electrical fixtures and fittings, etc., will also see good business. CAIT said the festival season was all set to begin from August 31 to September 9, which will be prominently celebrated in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Goa, etc. whereas the festival of Navratri, Ramlila and <keyword id="6357908" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="durga-puja" source="Orion">Durga Puja</keyword> will begin from September 26 to October 5, and Diwali on October 24. SEE ALSO : <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/indian-fintechs-raised-29-bn-this-year-thats-14-of-the-total-global-funding-share-report/articleshow/93721531.cms">Indian fintechs raised $29 bn this year, that's 14% of the total global funding share: report</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/only-1-of-indians-plan-to-buy-e-scooters-in-6-months-over-safety-performance-concerns-report/articleshow/93721613.cms">Only 1% of Indians plan to buy e-scooters in 6 months over safety, performance concerns: report</a>

Stock up for upcoming festive season, retail body tells traders

<ul><li>A lot of hopes rest on this year's <keyword id="36208" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="festive-season" source="Orion">festive season</keyword> for businesses across the country. With Covid numbers in control, it is expected that consumer sentiments will take a positive turn.</li><li>According to a recent report by <keyword id="6618217" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="admitad" source="Orion">Admitad</keyword>, the festive season is expected to reach Rs 7.9 billion, which will be a 3X growth over last year.</li><li>The report also states that consumers will prefer online shopping to offline shopping thereby increasing the hike in sales during the festival time.</li></ul>The 2020 festive season has clocked Rs 2.9 billion (GMV) sales for the online brands. This year it is expected to reach 7.9 billion INR and thus increase the growth by over 3X. Most likely, the maximum number of orders across the country will be coming through the categories of Electronics, Fashion, and Apparel, Baby products, Furniture and Homeware. The electronics category is expected to jump to a 41% rise making the category the most popular among the consumers during the festive season. Fashion and apparel are expected to touch the 33% rise in the market. As work from home continues to be a part of the system, Furniture and Homeware products are expected to grow about 11%. As per the analysis, consumers will be preferring online shopping to offline shopping thereby increasing the hike in sales during the festival time. As the covid-19 pandemic continues to improve, Indians are excited about the upcoming festival season sales and are surely planning to make a purchase during this time. As per our analysis, the growth during festive season sales 2021 is expected to grow by 14 % compared to last year. Speaking on the role of the festive season for online brands, <keyword id="6618219" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="neha-kulwal" source="Orion">Neha Kulwal</keyword>, Country Manager, Admitad Affiliate India added- “Brands have always looked up to festive season as their prime time to double the sales. An increasing number of brands are becoming more judicious about their marketing spends. Marketers are going beyond search and social media, and leveraging affiliate channels to reach their target audience. Over the years, we have witnessed brands using the Admitad Affiliate network to drive sales, generate revenues and this can play an even more significant role in the upcoming festive season as brands look to strengthen their online presence and drive growth.” Furthermore, we have also witnessed a fair growth in gifting products, Jewellery, and IT Softwares categories which open up new monetization opportunities for publishers during the festive sale. Since consumers spend a lot of time online, and internet usage can prove to be a big shot for brands targeting audiences on various platforms available like telegram, loyalty platforms, cashback and coupon websites which can be an effective source of driving traffic to the brand’s website and generate their revenue. Brands can find the pool of such traffic sources under the umbrella of affiliate marketing. With the festive season round the corner, brands are strateging their marketing plans and publishers are looking for an opportunity to monetize through various channels. On the whole, things are looking positive and this festive season can be one of the biggest among all festive seasons.

This year's festive sale in India expected to reach Rs 7.9 billion, a 3X growth over 2020: Report

From Holi to Christmas  – Important festival dates in 2024

<ul><li>Durga Puja in <keyword id="6357783" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="west-bengal" source="Orion">West Bengal</keyword> is synonymous with fun, enthusiasm and power.</li><li>This year, brands celebrated <keyword id="445934" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="maa-durga" source="Orion">Maa Durga</keyword>’s power, resilience by paying a tribute to Indian women.</li><li>Here are a few campaigns that caught our attention.</li></ul><keyword id="48284" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="navratri" source="Orion">Navratri</keyword> and Durga Puja is one of India’s widely celebrated festivals, especially in West Bengal. Millions of people visit Kolkata every year to attend the four-day festival which celebrates the victory of good over evil. It is that time of the year when every part of West Bengal is decked up, consumers are filled with optimism and joy. Pandal hopping, gorging on foods, <keyword id="3105575" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="dhunuchi-naach" source="Orion">Dhunuchi Naach</keyword> (dance with the incense burner) are some of the inseparable moments associated with Durga Puja. This is when the entire local community and tourists come together and celebrate the festival with enthusiasm. Dussehra is followed by Kali Puja/Diwali/Laxmi Puja and Bhai Dooj. It is during Navratri and Diwali that consumers shop a lot and spruce up their houses to welcome Maa Durga. The purchase of household durables, cars, bikes, home renovations, capital expenditures in businesses also see a hike during this period. In keeping with the festive spirit, brands left no stone unturned to celebrate Maa Durga during the nine auspicious days of Navratri. Along with beautiful campaigns celebrating the goddess, we also came across a few brands that have come up with limited edition packaging to become a part of the festivities. Brands also use this opportunity to start a conversation around gender equality. They point out how the irony of celebrating <keyword id="87480" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="nari-shakti" source="Orion">Nari Shakti</keyword> and female power for the nine days of Navratri is very stark. As the country bids adieu to Maa Durga tomorrow, for this year, we take a look at how the festival was celebrated in the brandverse. Here are a few campaigns that stood out: Elegant Steel <div type="javascript" title="Instagram" contenttype="Video"><cdata><![CDATA[ ]]></cdata></div> Shoppers Stop <div type="Youtube" id="L_toOIXnuJI" title="Shera Sajer Shera Stop | Pujo 2021 | Shoppers Stop" thumbUrl="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/L_toOIXnuJI/mqdefault.jpg"></div> ITC Aashirvaad <div type="Youtube" id="5lpFle-skcs" title="Eta Amar Maa" thumbUrl="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/5lpFle-skcs/mqdefault.jpg"></div> Joy Personal care <div type="Youtube" id="Z-Ixcs4WkL8" title="Pujo 2021 - Joy Beautiful by Nature | Mimi Chakraborty | Joy Personal Care" thumbUrl="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Z-Ixcs4WkL8/mqdefault.jpg"></div> Tata Tea Gold's new packaging <div type="Youtube" id="AjFo4axK7jg" title="Durga Pujo with Tata Tea Gold Special Edition Festive Packs" thumbUrl="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/AjFo4axK7jg/mqdefault.jpg"></div> 7UP <div type="Youtube" id="owe2SzTk1c0" title="7UP and Fido is here with some fresh dhak beats!" thumbUrl="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/owe2SzTk1c0/mqdefault.jpg"></div>

Navratri 2021: Here’s how brands celebrated the spirit of Navratri across India

West Bengal Chief Minister <keyword id="43868" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="mamata-banerjee" source="Orion">Mamata Banerjee</keyword> on Monday announced the reopening of educational institutions in the state from November 16, after a gap of nearly 20 months. Banerjee, who is on a North Bengal tour, during an administrative meeting at Uttarkanya -- the state secretariat in Jalpaiguri district of North Bengal -- directed <keyword id="12385503" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Chief-Secretary-H-K-Diwedi" source="Orion">Chief Secretary H K Diwedi</keyword> to make the necessary arrangements. With this, the educational institutions that were closed due to the Corona pandemic will resume classes in the offline mode. Though Banerjee, also the Trinamool Congress chief, had earlier announced November 15 as the date, it was deferred by a day owing to Bisha Munda's birthday. The tribal leader's birthday on November 15 is treated as a special holiday in the state. "On November 4, there is Kali Puja, followed by <keyword id="12385504" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="bhatri-ditiya" source="Orion">Bhatri Ditiya</keyword>. After two days is Chhat puja while November 13 happens to be Jagadhatri Puja. So we can reopen the schools after these festivals from November 15," she said during the meeting. On October 5, the state finance department sanctioned Rs 109 crore to the education department for the renovation of 6,468 government schools, indicating the government's resolve to restart the schools after <keyword id="6357908" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="durga-puja" source="Orion">Durga Puja</keyword>. Earlier too in August, after her meeting with the Global advisory body chief, she had said that her government was mulling <keyword id="3387016" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="reopening-of-schools" source="Orion">reopening of schools</keyword> and colleges that have been shut since March due to the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic. The Chief Minister had said that educational institutes might reopen in West Bengal on alternate days after the Durga Puja vacation in November. Asked about the details of the schedule, an education department official said, "Though it has not yet been decided and the department is still working on the details, but so far, it has been decided that classes from IX onwards will start at the initial level along with the colleges and universities. "However, the department is likely to impose strict conditions to ensure the safety of children from the deadly virus." SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/soon-to-be-listed-nykaa-plans-to-expand-to-middle-east-and-the-uk/articleshow/87257541.cms">Soon-to-be listed Nykaa plans to expand to Middle East and the UK</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/jiophone-next-to-launch-this-diwali-specs-features-and-everything-we-know-so-far/articleshow/87256069.cms">JioPhone Next to launch this Diwali – specs, features and everything we know so far</a>

West Bengal Chief Minister announces reopening of schools from November 16 after 20 months

<ul><li>While Durga Puja/Navratri is here, this year, the festivites are subdued.</li><li>Brands are therefore excercising caution in where and how much they spend in the next few days.</li><li>However, things are gradually improving and there are signs of recovery, experts tell us.</li></ul><keyword id="6357908" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="durga-puja">Durga Puja</keyword> or <keyword id="48284" type="CITY" weightage="20" keywordseo="navratri">Navratri</keyword> is one of the biggest festivals in India and every year the festival is marked by marketers pouring in big monies during the nine days of festivity. Actually the festival is so big in states like West Bengal that streets of cities like Kolkata usually become one big advertising canvas. However, things are different this year. With coronavirus still going nowhere, people are cautious. While every year, the streets become adorned by ads and hoardings from brands from all kinds of industries, because this is the best way to grab people’s attentions, this year, even during the festival, advertisers have been cautious. For the ad and marketing industry which saw a huge dip in investments during the first few months of the lockdown, a lot of hope had been resting on the festive season. However, this year there will hardly be a celebration. Just yesterday, the Calcutta High Court also directed all Durga puja pandals in the state to be turned into 'no-entry zones'. Many pandals in the city are barring physical entry of devotees and making the entire experience virtual. Even in other cities, people are planning to give the festivities a skip. Even Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his address to the nation advised people to exercise caution while going out during the festival. So what does this mean for advertisers? Will they get a bang out of their buck if they advertiser this year? Explaining how things are going to be different this year, <keyword id="3364704" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Sujata-Dwibedy">Sujata Dwibedy</keyword>, Group Trading Director, Amplifi India, dentsu international said, “Durga Puja in the east and Navratri in the west, are two of the grandest of all festivals, The festival marks the start of the auspicious period. Dussehra is followed by Kali Puja/Diwali/Laxmi Puja and Bhai Dooj. People shop a lot. The purchase of household durables, cars, bikes, home renovations, capital expenditures in businesses are seen in this period. A lot of business-led decisions are also made around this time. However, this year would be different as people would not step out like before, but they would be hooked on to the media to get a glimpse of the Goddess. So, the media/channel who can give them the best experience would score over the others.” Every year, categories like FMCG, apparel, auto, e-commerce and consumer durables become the biggest spenders during the festive season. But have these brands come ahead and advertised this year? <keyword id="8330648" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Sidharth-Parashar">Sidharth Parashar</keyword>, President – Investments and Pricing, GroupM India said, “With demand picking up in Aug-Sep, key categories like Ecommerce, FMCG, Telecom, Durables, Auto and certain segments within BFSI are expected see increased ad spends this festive season. FMCG saw recovery in Jul-Sep quarter, driven by essentials like health-hygiene products and immunity boosting food products. Brands in these categories coupled with discretionary like skin &amp; personal care products are likely to see an uptick in consumer spending and therefore in ad spending too. Consumer durables and Retail are expected to benefit from the govt.’s LTC cash voucher and festival advance schemes, which would lead to increased spending from government employees on products like apparels, laptops, smart phones, consumer durables, home appliances, fitness, jewellery, beauty &amp; personal care during this festive. For Ecommerce sector, RedSeer estimates this festive to surpass a GMV of U$D 7Bn. driven by a surge in shoppers from Tier-II towns, considerable discounts available and financing options being easily accessible to consumers. Large players like Amazon and Flipkart are scaling up their supply chain vendors, fulfillment centres and higher manpower for delivery, in order to meet surge in demand and are spending heavily on TV, digital &amp; Print.” While people might give pandal-hopping a skip this year, they have also started spending money. At this point, people are on the lookout for a change, for something positive and this has led to a visible shift in consumer sentiments in the past few months, Dwivedy added, “We are seeing that market sentiments have improved over the past few months. A surge in online purchases has been witnessed through the various platforms. Indian consumers have started embracing the new normal, and consumption of products is back. There are multiple new categories of products, new convenience food products, health, hygiene-related – all have been accepted and are being tried out. In the last few days, the malls have also opened with new offerings from the shops. Many are offering home delivery, video selections and are even ready to send people home with multiple samples for trials. Home delivery of groceries, foods and other products is preferred. Implying that the emotions have revived, the consumption has begun, however, the mode of consumption is new.” This positive sentiment has led to a month-on-month increase in spends since July across categories. “TV has been almost at the same levels as the previous year. Print, on the other hand, is kind of catching up but it will still take some more time in top metros. Nevertheless, Tier II towns are tracking better. Radio has also picked up. OOH and Cinema that have been worst hit this year should see some relief in this quarter,” she explained. While Television has steadily been seeing an increase in ad spends over the past few months, mediums like Radio and OOH that had suffered a lot during the lockdown are hoping to see some recovery. These are both mediums that see a lot of spends during the festive season in normal years. So how are things this year? Abraham Thomas, CEO, Reliance Broadcast Network Limited said, “The festive season is considered the 5th quarter in India, an auspicious time, for businesses across industries, that contributes 40-45% of sales. Marketers certainly leverage this opportunity with ad volumes showcasing a significant surge. Clearly the most trusted and credible media, this lockdown has helped radio being reimagined amongst the audiences with the overall listenership of medium growing by 30%. The surge in listenership across different TG’s have driven ad volumes across Males, Females, the young and older targeted brands. We have witnessed a rise of 24% in Ad Volumes in week 33 with consistent growth in Ad volume from Aug’20 where average Ad volume surged by 4.8 times as compared to April. With the staggered unlocking of the economy, Radio with its ‘mass local reach’, trusted influencers and digital amplification have witnessed a sharp recovery with certain categories booming more than the others.” However, things aren’t all that great in the outdoor medium and Noomi Mehta, Chairman &amp; MD, Selvel One paints a not-so-rosy picture. He said, “Right now we are at 50% in terms of business when compared to a normal year, and if you compare puja-to-puja, we would be at less than 40% this year. It is true that people are venturing out now and there is an opportunity for brands but they are very cautious.” Every year, especially during Navratri/Durga Puja, brands from segments like FMCG, consumer durables etc go all out and make a lot of noise. “But this year, only those forced to advertise are advertising. For instance, auto brands that are launching new offerings are advertising and currently they are out top advertisers. Every year, we see financial institutes, paint companies, e-commerce platforms and apparel brands also invest in festive but that hasn’t happened this year,” he shared. Despite the fact that brands are cautious in spending, data points towards many cities almost coming to a state of normalcy. Shared <keyword id="2406965" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Atul-Shrivastava">Atul Shrivastava</keyword>, CEO, <keyword id="2911687" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Laqshya-Media-Group">Laqshya Media Group</keyword>, “As far as traffic on the roads is concerned, per data generated through SHARP, Laqshya’s traffic metrics platform, traffic in Kolkata is currently 89-92% of normal times and it is increasing every day. Long traffic jams are also back. So, we see that situation is coming back to normal, aided by the festive season.” However, Shrivastava had something positive to share. He pointed towards signs of recovery, even in terms of ad spends. “Even in the current situation, we are seeing brands in the jewellery, textiles, retail, garments, footwear and the automobile sectors spending their pent-up OOH budgets. FMCG brands are also advertising in OOH media, especially for sanitizing products. OTT platforms and entertainment channels are also investing in OOH media to promote new shows and programs. Hence, even if we do not see 100% spend by clients as compared to last year, current spends are around 60-65%.” On what the rest of the year will look like, Arnab Samanta, Head of Marketing, Graphixstory said, “With the nation gradually ‘unlocking’ itself and with IPL happening around the festive season, the markets are much positive of a revival in the second half of the year. Brands will be spending 1.5 times digitally more than the usual plan of action. The advertising spend will be increased, thoughtful engaging ad campaigns and tech innovations like augmented reality will be introduced to create massive engagement with the target audience. The higher ad spends for various brands will be distributed on a different mix of categories and channels compared to last year, depending on consumer trends and shopping pattern. Digital businesses will now make the way for a sharper trajectory.” While things have still not picked up as much as the ad industry had hoped, the number of new coronavirus infections dropped below 50,000 for the first time in nearly three months in India yesterday. So here’s hoping that things will keep getting better gradually and we will have a better and safer Diwali, one that also brings relief to the industry.

Durga Puja and Navratri is finally here, but are advertisers excited?

<ul><li><keyword id="188" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="20" keywordseo="Diwali">Diwali</keyword> is celebrated by millions of Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Jains across the country. </li><li>In fact, the various <keyword id="8264189" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="reasons-to-celebrate-diwali">reasons to celebrate Diwali</keyword> don’t just vary from religion to religion, but also from region to region. </li><li>However, the most popular reason is the victory of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana. </li><li>From goddess Lakshmi’s birthday to laying down the foundation of the Golden Temple, people have many reasons to celebrate Diwali. </li></ul>Diwali or the festival of lights is the most significant festival in India celebrated by millions of Indians. Diwali is considered a Hindu festival but also celebrated by Jains and Sikhs too. There are many historical and mythological reasons behind this great Indian festival. Here are lesser known reasons why different parts of India celebrate the festival of lights - North India celebrates Diwali as the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya. After 14 years of exile, Rama along his wife Sita and brother Laxman returned home.Since it was a new moon day and was dark, his subjects lit diyas across the kingdom that day.This tradition is still followed to this day. In South India, celebration of Diwali varies even among the states. Kerala generally does not celebrate Diwali. Many speculate that this may be because King Bali a virtuous demon king was killed this day. The other three states celebrates the occasion in honor of Lord Krishna's consort Satyabhama killing the demon king — Narakasura and freeing thousands of girls in his captivity. It is celebrated a day before Diwali, and the occasion is called Naraka Chaturdashi. In West India, Diwali is considered as the start of a new year and is predominantly about worshipping the goddess of wealth, Lakshmi. It’s the festival of light and wealth, especially in Gujarat Many events related to prosperity like it opening new offices, sealing marriages or buying a vehicles is scheduled for Diwali. It is believed that Goddess Lakshmi comes to their home and blesses them with wealth and prosperity for the coming year. In East India, Diwali is celebrated under the alias Kali Puja in honour of Goddess Durga’s fierce avatar: Kali. Along with Durga Puja, Kali Puja is a big event in Bengal and Assam.

Here are different reasons why India celebrates Diwali

<ul><li>Delhi has one of the highest levels of air pollution in the world. </li><li>The city state's Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal, is asking Delhi citizens to celebrate a firecracker-free 'Community Diwali' this year. </li><li>The experiment will be hosted at Connaught Place from 26 October to 29 October in the evening. </li></ul>Delhi has one of the highest levels of air pollution in the world. In a new experiment for the city, Delhi's Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal urged citizens to celebrate a 'Community Diwali' this year. "I wish the citizens of Delhi a very happy Diwali. During this auspicious festive season, the Delhi government is busy preparing Connaught Place for the celebrations and invites everyone to come celebrate with us," said Kejriwal. Just like people celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi in Maharashtra and Durga Puja in Bengal, Kerjiwal asked citizens to leave their homes and celebrate Diwali with the rest of the city. "The aim of this experiment is have Delhi come together like a family and avoid bursting firecrackers," said Kejriwal in a press conference today. The 'Community Diwali' will be held at Connaught Place from 26 October to 29 October in the evening between 6:00 and 10:00 pm. And, instead of fireworks to light up the sky, the Delhi government is going to be putting up a laser show. "The show will light up the Connaught Place shopping area with its lasers and lights," explained Kejriwal. Even though one laser show is only an hour long, it will play on an hourly cycle. "I've been getting calls over the past few days asking for passes to the event… There are no passes, everyone in Delhi is invited to attend for free," said Kejriwal. Kejriwal urged Delhi-ites to help lower the city's air pollution that normally spikes during the festive season. In addition to the laser show, Kejriwal is also promising a bazaar, food court, and cultural shows to keep visitors entertained. This time around Delhi's 'Community Diwali' is restricted to Connaught Place but it may expand to many more locations next year, if the experiment is successful. See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/policy/society/news/delhi-odd-even-scheme-starting-4-november-to-beat-air-pollution/articleshow/71627738.cms">India's national capital is giving the ‘odd-even' scheme another go to battle air pollution</a>

With lasers, lights and food — Kejriwal plans a ‘Community Diwali’ for Delhi like Mumbai’s Ganesh Puja

<keyword id="7308" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Don">Don</keyword>’t think this is one of those everyday articles you can ignore as click bait. This is actually authentic. 
 
Traveling can be expensive, but knowing the secrets of the trade can make all of the difference. 
 
As the festive season in India approaches with Durga Puja, Diwali and Christmas on the queue, you have already started looking for discounts, coupons and flash sales on airline tickets. If you are a backpacker or student, it’s not wise to splurge all your savings on flight tickets and feel bank robbed when traveling. 
 Earlier we have read a lot of similar stories saying Tuesday is the cheapest or the weekends are cheap. Those were super effective for international travel and mostly in Europe and the <keyword id="6355055" type="COUNTRY" weightage="20" keywordseo="USA">USA</keyword>. However, that didn’t work for India. When we tried booking tickets on metro route midweek, we found the tickets to be super expensive. 
 
So to make things easier for you, Business Insider consulted with Skyscanner, the meta-search engine of travel. And what we found will greatly help you plan your travel. 
 
For domestic travelers flying in the metro routes or at least originating from a metro, the earlier you book a ticket, the cheaper you get. There is no magic of any particular day of the week in India. For domestic travelers, the biggest saving of 48% can be made gained if you book a flight 51 weeks in advance. 
 
Well, that might sound absurd but to be frank, if you are willing to save money, you need to plan your travel in advance. And those big trips you make with your friends can easily be made a year in advance to save on flights. As per the new rule, all tickets are refundable and so there is no need to panic. If booked 51 weeks in advance, you can dare to choose your travel during the festive seasons as well, when the ticket prices go skyrocketing. 
 Similarly, if you plan your international trip with <keyword id="3637582" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="schenegan">Schenegan</keyword> visa, again the best time to book your flight tickets in a year in advance, as per Skyscanner. If you book a year in advance, you can save up to 62% on average ticket price. 
 
Skyscanner’s annual survey has shown that in India, if you book even 16 weeks in advance you can gain almost 29% on an average. 
 
A word of caution for the people booking on last minute- you generally end up paying 5% above average fare.

​ For Indian travelers: here’s the best time to book a flight

​It is that time of the year again. The riotous merry-making will kick off soon with the beating of the dhak. After all, what is <keyword id="6357908" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Durga-puja">Durga Puja</keyword> without the dhakis and the dhunuchi dance, the lip-smacking prasad and the sindoor khela (vermillion splashing)? Then comes the grand finale of <keyword id="48284" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="navratri">Navratri</keyword> – the <keyword id="6494550" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Dussehra">Dussehra</keyword> festival – and the colourful, life-size effigies of demon king <keyword id="42776" type="PERSON" weightage="80" keywordseo="Ravana">Ravana</keyword> go up in flame, lighting up the night sky. <keyword id="188" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="100" keywordseo="Diwali">Diwali</keyword>, the <keyword id="3378" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Festival-of-lights">festival of lights</keyword>, follows close. With magnificent lightings decorating every corner, million candles burning and breathtaking fireworks on display – could there be anything more spectacular? 
 It is an extravagant celebration year after year that never fails to impress. You must have done the rounds already – shopping till you drop, chomping through gourmet food, visiting crowd-spewing vacation spots, meeting <keyword id="343" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="80" keywordseo="Friends">friends</keyword> and relatives, and revelling at teen patti parties on your Diwali night out. 
 
Been there, done that but still want to do something different? Here is a list of six must-do’s that can make these festival days totally different. Try them out and tell us how you feel. 
 
Take a thrill pill: Break away and open up. Do something you have never tried before. How about a lesson in paragliding, bungee jumping or salsa? Or try and find some unexplored trekking routes and feel like a second Livingstone, trudging up and down. A life without adventure is bound to get stale. So create your own thrill story and live it – but do it safely. Get professional trainers who will help you out. 
 
Pamper yourself: Do you always come last on your priority list? Just reverse that and label yourself ‘top priority’ this time. Nothing relaxes us more than ‘living’ life in our own way. So sleep late without worrying about office. Get a makeover done at a spa/salon. Chill out with your favourite drink. Play with the cat. Or order yourself a sumptuous dinner. Try all these and more that will make you feel pampered. 
 
Help out: A lot of people out there could really do with a little help. So take the first step and do some volunteer work. Teach the street kids; raise funds for NGO projects or donate a little for a cause close to your heart. Our heart went out to the home-maker who had gone door-to-door and collected old woollens to help street kids fight the Delhi cold. 
 
Go for a drive: Drive slowly – let the journey sink into you. A soak in the rain, sun &amp; dust, a drink of adrak wali chai (ginger tea), a picnic lunch on the grass, an evening stroll under the stars – the to-do list simply gets longer until you are exhausted. But that’s the way to live a life without traps. 
 
Have fun with food: If you are fond of fine-dining, plan things a bit ahead. So that you have enough cash and a cosy corner table to spend some gourmet time at your favourite joint. Otherwise, go cross-country to discover the many traditional foods India has to offer. Better still, dig up the old family recipe book and cook some of the dishes you loved as a kid. They will bring back priceless memories. 
 
Hugs are in, try them: Chuck your smartphone. Go and meet whom you wanted to meet for a long time, but never had the time. No video chat or phone call can replace that warm handshake and the tight hug, some tears and laughter together. That’s the stuff human connects are made of.

Tired Of Festival
Routines? Six Things You Can Do To Pep Up Your Life

<ul><li><keyword id="319719" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="myntra" source="Orion">Myntra</keyword> is confident its this year's edition of Big Fashion Festival will be its biggest ever in terms of demand and the number of people it is able to reach.</li><li>We speak to <keyword id="3790335" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="amar-nagaram" source="Orion">Amar Nagaram</keyword>, CEO, Myntra who tells us about his expectations from the upcoming <keyword id="36208" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="festive-season" source="Orion">festive season</keyword> and what are a few things that will help them increase traffic by 1.8X increase over the previous edition.</li></ul>We’re just a few days away from Dussehra and Durga Puja which is a major festival in large parts of India and Myntra is gearing up for what it feels will be its biggest fashion festival yet. The platform revealed that it is expecting close to 5.5 million unique customers to shop during its upcoming Big Fashion Festival, which is a 1.8X increase in traffic over the previous edition. The pandemic has made more and more people comfortable with shopping online, a trend that has seen many new users come on board as first-time users. Myntra too expects around 1.1 million unique first-time customers to shop on its platform during the festive period this year. In fact, it is not the bigger cities that are contributing to the demand, smaller cities are increasingly shopping from the platform too. In fact, Myntra expects to see close to 40% of the contribution come in from Tier 2-3 markets. It is expecting to see an overall uptick in demand, at 4X over BAU and 1.6X over the last festive season. “We’ve seen a good momentum since Ganesh Chaturthi. There is a lot of interest coming back into fashion buying and there are two reasons for that. Firstly, the vaccination rate has gone up in the country so people are getting comfortable with stepping out. Offices are slowly opening up. And the festive season has always been important for fashion. We have witnessed a visible shift towards online fashion. We got introduced to a lot of new markets due to the pandemic and this new segment of users we had on-boarded then hasn’t left us. Consumers even in Tier II and Tier III cities are gaining trust. People have now experienced and are comfortable with online shopping. Due to all these factors, we are confident that this will be a very big season for us,” shared Amar Nagaram, CEO, Myntra. Owing to the kind of demand it is witnessing from smaller cities, the platform is also pivoting its marketing and spending more on regional. It is not only on-boarding regional stars to reach out to these new consumers, it is also coming up with more regional content, regional selection as well as customer support. Having said that, the platform hasn’t really increased its marketing spends but is cleverly utilizing its budgets to do more regional and targeted marketing. “Till a few years back, we used to do one big campaign for the entire country. Now we have one campaign per region, so the net marketing investment is still the same for us but the way we approach marketing has changed phenomenally. We are spending a substantial part of our budget on influencers too. In fact, we have over 2000 influencers creating content for us across languages and regions. The relationship between a brand and a consumer is no longer a two-party relationship, rather it's a three party relationship with the influencer playing a very critical role. Therefore, its not just the network of influencers that we're building, we’re also building Myntra Studio which is a platform to showcase fashion-centric content created by influencers on our own platform,” he explained. Nagaram also expects the platform to witness 15,000 orders per minute during the peak of the season and is ramping up its tech capabilities too. It has increased the number of brands on the platform by 40% over the previous edition and has also scaled up its kirana network by 30%, taking store count to 25,000 stores. Over 70% of the festive deliveries across the country are expected to be undertaken by its <keyword id="12196439" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="kirana-network-partners" source="Orion">kirana network partners</keyword>. Myntra has also strengthened its supply chain network across the country, with the addition of 1 fulfilment centre (FC), 3 mother hubs, 12 satellite hubs, and 171 distribution centres to significantly enhance capacity for higher storage volumes and to optimize last-mile deliveries further.

Myntra is expecting a 1.8X increase in traffic during its upcoming Big Fashion Festival sale, will focus more on regional and influencer marketing to engage with consumers

The year 2014 is just two days old, marking the beginning of yet another <keyword id="89477" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Gregorian-calendar">Gregorian calendar</keyword> year. But revellers who painted the town red and want more party time need not lose heart. Officially, the year has taken off on January 1, but the regional variants of the New Year’s Day still prevail in a country like India – home to a colourful mélange of cultures and traditions. So we are yet to experience a spate of <keyword id="471694" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="New-Year-festivities">New Year festivities</keyword>, celebrated from <keyword id="6354495" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="kashmir">Kashmir</keyword> to Kanyakumari, from the <keyword id="53478" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="North-East">north-east</keyword> to the western coast. 
 Interestingly, both the Gregorian calendar (introduced by Pope Gregory XIII in 1582) and the previous <keyword id="89476" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Julian-calendar">Julian calendar</keyword> (first implemented by Julius Caesar in 46 BC) kick off on the same day – January 1. The Romans originally dedicated the first day of the year to Janus, the god of gates, doors and beginnings, and January, the first month of the year, was named after him. Later on, most nations in Western Europe officially started the New Year from January 1. The UK was a late adopter, though, and observed New Year’s Day on <keyword id="47282" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="100" keywordseo="march">March</keyword> 25, popularly known as Lady Day since it celebrated Virgin Mary and the Feast of the Annunciation. This practice stayed in England up to 1752. 
 Closer home, we have many time-reckoning systems but the most significant among them is the <keyword id="1998432" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Sakabda">Sakabda</keyword> or the <keyword id="1998433" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Saka-calendar">Saka calendar</keyword>. It was introduced in 78 AD, most probably by the Kushan ruler Kanishka, and was even used in other countries such as Kampuchea and Indonesia. Another one is the popular <keyword id="1998435" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Bangabda">Bangabda</keyword> or the <keyword id="1282409" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Bengali-calendar">Bengali Calendar</keyword>, a <keyword id="1998436" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Solar-calendar">solar calendar</keyword> started by Mughal emperor <keyword id="6363995" type="PERSON" weightage="80" keywordseo="Akbar">Akbar</keyword> in 1584 AD. Then there is the <keyword id="1998437" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Hijri-New-Year">Hijri New Year</keyword>, also known as the <keyword id="1926173" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Islamic-new-year">Islamic New Year</keyword>, which started in 610 AD when <keyword id="6358086" type="PERSON" weightage="80" keywordseo="Prophet-Muhammad">Prophet Muhammad</keyword> migrated from Mecca to <keyword id="89362" type="CITY" weightage="80" keywordseo="Medina">Medina</keyword>. 
 With so many calendars around and so many regional New Year’s Days to celebrate, it’s time to soak in the traditional rituals once more, mostly observed during the months of <keyword id="368788" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Chaitra">Chaitra</keyword> and <keyword id="1998439" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Baishakh">Baishakh</keyword> (March-April). Here’s a quick look at the key events. 
 
 
 
<keyword id="4349969" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Navreh">Navreh</keyword> – Kashmir: Let us start with Navreh, the New Year’s Day in the <keyword id="911185" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Lunar-calendar">lunar calendar</keyword> and observed on the <keyword id="1998440" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Shukla-Pratipada">Shukla Pratipada</keyword> (first day of the waxing moon) in the month of Chaitra (March-April). It is the <keyword id="1998441" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Oldest-New-Year-celebration">oldest New Year celebration</keyword>, and finds mention in historical works such as Nilamat Purana, <keyword id="1998443" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Kalhana">Kalhana</keyword>’s <keyword id="1998442" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Rajtarangini">Rajtarangini</keyword> and Persian scholar <keyword id="1792427" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="80" keywordseo="Al-Biruni">Al-Biruni</keyword>’s writing. Each household prepares the ‘<keyword id="1998444" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Holi-thali">holi thali</keyword>’ with great care, containing food, flower and other essentials, and it is viewed at the dawn of Navreh while family members pray for <keyword id="6383453" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="Wealth">wealth</keyword>, knowledge and <keyword id="23119" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="100" keywordseo="good-luck">good luck</keyword>. From this day, <keyword id="1998445" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Nav-Durga-Puja">Nav Durga Puja</keyword> or <keyword id="31525" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Navratra">Navratra</keyword> also begins in Kashmir and continues for 9 days. 
 
<keyword id="1296432" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Chaitti">Chaitti</keyword> – <keyword id="6358126" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Himachal-Pradesh">Himachal Pradesh</keyword>: In this hill state, the New Year’s Day is celebrated on the first day of Chaitra according to the <keyword id="1998446" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Vikrami-calendar">Vikrami calendar</keyword> and festivals such as <keyword id="48284" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="navratri">Navratri</keyword> and <keyword id="1998448" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Ralli-Puja">Ralli Puja</keyword> are held throughout the month in honour of Goddess Durga/Bhagwati. The month-long Ralli Puja ends in the marriage of Lord Shiva and the goddess as spinsters seek blessings of the divine duo for a spouse like Lord Shiva. 
 
<keyword id="42862" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Ugadi">Ugadi</keyword> – <keyword id="37102" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Andhra-Pradesh">Andhra Pradesh</keyword> &amp; <keyword id="6354780" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="100" keywordseo="Karnataka">Karnataka</keyword>: It is celebrated on the same day as Navreh, in the month of Chaitra, and marks the beginning of the South Indian lunar year. People of these southern states believe that Lord Brahma began the creation of the universe on this auspicious day. Houses are decorated with mango leaves and <keyword id="202308" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Rangoli">rangoli</keyword> designs; Panchanga or the <keyword id="1998452" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Religious-almanac">religious almanac</keyword> is recited and puja offerings are made for a prosperous New Year. Ugadi <keyword id="758269" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="pachadi">pachadi</keyword>, the traditional dish of six flavours made of <keyword id="6441002" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="neem">neem</keyword>, <keyword id="137842" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="jaggery">jaggery</keyword> &amp; banana, salt, green chilli/pepper, tamarind juice and unripe mango, is also relished on this occasion to acknowledge six different aspects of life. 
 
<keyword id="608876" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Gudhi-Padva">Gudhi Padva</keyword> – <keyword id="13126" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Maharashtra">Maharashtra</keyword> &amp; <keyword id="826" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Goa">Goa</keyword>: Observed on the same day as Navreh and Ugadi (Chaitra Shukla Pratipada), the New Year festivities in these states celebrate the bounty of Nature. Houses are decked up with rangoli and colourful gudhi – a bright-hued, embellished silk banner tied to a decorated <keyword id="1808323" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="bamboo-pole">bamboo pole</keyword> and an upside down brass/silver pot fitted on the top. A day after Gudhi Padva, <keyword id="127745" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Cheti-Chand">Cheti Chand</keyword> or the <keyword id="610532" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Sindhi-New-Year">Sindhi New Year</keyword> is observed to celebrate the birth anniversary of <keyword id="1998458" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Ishtadeva-Uderolal">Ishtadeva Uderolal</keyword> or <keyword id="987886" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Jhulelal">Jhulelal</keyword>, the patron saint of the Sindhis. Lord Varuna, the water god, is also worshipped on this day, followed by <keyword id="6771793" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="feasting">feasting</keyword> and <keyword id="240265" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="devotional-music">devotional music</keyword>. 
 
Varuda Pirappu/Puthandu – <keyword id="20154" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="tamil-nadu">Tamil Nadu</keyword>: Held in mid-April, the <keyword id="6407830" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Tamil-New-Year">Tamil New Year</keyword>’s Day is celebrated on the first day of Chithirai, which is the first month of the traditional <keyword id="525554" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Tamil-calendar">Tamil calendar</keyword>. Just like Navreh, the day begins with <keyword id="1998464" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Auspicious-sighting">auspicious sighting</keyword> or <keyword id="1009356" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="kanni">Kanni</keyword>, as people <keyword id="1873" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Worship">worship</keyword> <keyword id="13726" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="rice">rice</keyword> &amp; farm products, <keyword id="119992" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="precious-metals">precious metals</keyword> and <keyword id="1246513" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="new-clothes">new clothes</keyword>. Ritualistic patterns called kolams are drawn; traditional lamps or kuthu vilakkus are lighted and placed in the centre, and brass bowls known as niraikudums are filled with water to usher in <keyword id="73094" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="prosperity">prosperity</keyword> and <keyword id="800742" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="fulfillment">fulfillment</keyword>. It is followed by the <keyword id="1998469" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Almanac-worship">almanac worship</keyword> called <keyword id="1998471" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Panchanga-Puja">Panchanga Puja</keyword>. And the festive meal features pachadi, fruits and payasam or dessert. 
 
<keyword id="345699" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Vishu">Vishu</keyword> – <keyword id="28504" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Kerala">Kerala</keyword>: Vishu is the <keyword id="1010370" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Malayalam-New-Year">Malayalam New Year</keyword>’s Day, observed in Kerala on the first day of the Malayalam month of Medam. As in other South Indian states, auspicious sighting and other rituals are observed as part of the celebration; <keyword id="51941" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="firecrackers">firecrackers</keyword> are burst and an elaborate <keyword id="1998461" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Festive-lunch">festive lunch</keyword> called <keyword id="1998473" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Sadya">sadya</keyword> is served. 
 
 
 
<keyword id="1334751" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Poila-Baishakh">Poila Baishakh</keyword> – <keyword id="6357783" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="West-Bengal">West Bengal</keyword>: The Bengali New Year’s Day is celebrated in the month of Baishakh (mostly on <keyword id="6364510" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="april">April</keyword> 14). Also known as <keyword id="989326" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Naba-Barsha">Naba Barsha</keyword>, <keyword id="27928" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Lord-Ganesha">Lord Ganesha</keyword> and <keyword id="462664" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="Goddess-Lakshmi">Goddess Lakshmi</keyword>, deities of wealth, are worshipped on this day while businesses open fresh ledgers known as <keyword id="1998474" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Haal-Khata">Haal Khata</keyword>. Feasting, festivities and <keyword id="6409104" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="cultural-programmes">cultural programmes</keyword> are the main attractions here. <keyword id="1998475" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Maithili-New-Year">Maithili New Year</keyword> <keyword id="1998426" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Juri-Sheetal">Juri Sheetal</keyword> is also celebrated on this day. 
 
<keyword id="1998425" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Maha-Vishuva-Sankranti">Maha Vishuva Sankranti</keyword> – <keyword id="6357961" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Odisha">Odisha</keyword>: In neighbouring Odisha, the New Year’s Day is also known as <keyword id="1998476" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Pana-Sankranit">Pana Sankranit</keyword> or <keyword id="1998424" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Jala-Sankranti">Jala Sankranti</keyword> or <keyword id="1998427" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Mesha-Sankranti">Mesha Sankranti</keyword> that marks the beginning of a year in the solar calendar. Traditionally held on the first day of Baishakh (mid-April), a sweet drink called <keyword id="1998477" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Pana">Pana</keyword> is made using fruits, card, milk, water and sugar/jaggery and bestowed as <keyword id="1998478" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Puja-offering">puja offering</keyword>. People also drink Pana and water is offered to all, even to birds and animals, for a month. Throughout this period, <keyword id="1998479" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Goddess-Hingula">Goddess Hingula</keyword> is worshipped for driving the evil away. Devotees often keep fast and perform penances as part of the rituals. 
 
Rongali/Bohag Bihu – <keyword id="6354915" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Assam">Assam</keyword>: Held in the month of Baishakh (mid-April), this weeklong colourful and vibrant festival not only marks the beginning of a year in the solar calendar, but also heralds the new agricultural season. As in all other states, pujas are offered to ensure a prosperous year ahead; <keyword id="974604" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="festive-food">festive food</keyword> such as pitha and laru is made and shared, and young people get together to choose their life partners. Fairs are held; games are played, and the traditional <keyword id="1998481" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Bihu-songs">Bihu songs</keyword> &amp; dances make it the perfect season for jollity and merriment. 
 
<keyword id="1998480" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Cheiraoba">Cheiraoba</keyword> – <keyword id="6359754" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Manipur">Manipur</keyword>: Moving further north-east, one gets to celebrate the Manipuri New Year Sajibu Cheiraoba in the month of April. Puja offerings, delicious food and festivities mark this occasion as well. In addition, locals climb the nearest hill tops, thus aspiring to rise to great heights in real life. 
 
Baisakhi/Vaisakhi – <keyword id="6354953" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Punjab">Punjab</keyword>: Traditionally a <keyword id="404010" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="harvest-festival">harvest festival</keyword>, the <keyword id="1011009" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Punjabi-New-Year">Punjabi New Year</keyword>’s Day is held on April 13/14 (the first day of the second month of the year, according to the Nanakshahi Calendar). It is a significant day for the <keyword id="81001" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Sikh-community">Sikh community</keyword> as well since they celebrate the day in honor of the 10th guru, <keyword id="138545" type="PERSON" weightage="80" keywordseo="Guru-Gobind-Singh">Guru Gobind Singh</keyword>, who did away with the <keyword id="6434481" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Caste-System">caste system</keyword>. Otherwise, fun, food and <keyword id="1998485" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Country-dances">country dances</keyword> like <keyword id="6920" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Bhangra">Bhangra</keyword> and <keyword id="465865" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="giddha">Giddha</keyword>, keeping time with the beats of dhols and drums, mark this occasion. 
 
<keyword id="585610" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Bestu-Varas">Bestu Varas</keyword> – <keyword id="6354766" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Gujarat">Gujarat</keyword>: In certain parts of northern and western India, Diwali heralds the New Year and Gujarat is one of them. Bestu Varas is held a day after the Festival of Lights, in the month of <keyword id="6376330" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Kartik">Kartik</keyword> (October-November) and houses are splendidly decked up with <keyword id="5823" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Flowers">flowers</keyword>, rangoli and torans (door hangings). Pujas are offered; New Year <keyword id="54214" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Fireworks">fireworks</keyword> are everywhere and gifts are generously exchanged. And one must not forget the festive food either, especially the delectable and traditional snacks of Gujarat such as <keyword id="107294" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="farsan">farsan</keyword>. 
 
Images: Wikipedia

You Searched For "durga puja diwali" and got 13 results

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Liquor sales touches Rs 600 cr-mark during 4 days of Durga pooja festivities in Bengal

IANS

Stock up for upcoming festive season, retail body tells traders

IANS

This year's festive sale in India expected to reach Rs 7.9 billion, a 3X growth over 2020: Report

BI India Partner

From Holi to Christmas – Important festival dates in 2024

BI India Bureau

Navratri 2021: Here’s how brands celebrated the spirit of Navratri across India

BI India Partner

West Bengal Chief Minister announces reopening of schools from November 16 after 20 months

IANS

Durga Puja and Navratri is finally here, but are advertisers excited?

Samarpita Banerjee

Here are different reasons why India celebrates Diwali

Preeti Soni

With lasers, lights and food — Kejriwal plans a ‘Community Diwali’ for Delhi like Mumbai’s Ganesh Puja

Prabhjote Gill

​ For Indian travelers: here’s the best time to book a flight

Suchayan Mandal

Tired Of Festival Routines? Six Things You Can Do To Pep Up Your Life

Sanghamitra Mandal

Myntra is expecting a 1.8X increase in traffic during its upcoming Big Fashion Festival sale, will focus more on regional and influencer marketing to engage with consumers

Samarpita Banerjee

New Year Festivities Not Over Yet; Here Is How India Celebrates

Sanghamitra Mandal

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For Indian travelers: here’s the best time to book a flight