Tag: Food Festival

Business

Swiggy Dineout Taps Bhuvan Bam for GIRF 2026; ‘Bill Half. Party Full.’ Takes Over India

Tanisha Cardozo

Swiggy Dineout has officially announced the return of its flagship dining celebration, the Great Indian Restaurant Festival (GIRF) 2026, bringing with it bigger offers, wider reach, and a strong cultural connect. Spearheaded by Swiggy Limited, this year’s edition promises to transform how India dines out, making it more accessible, affordable, and enjoyable.

At the heart of GIRF 2026 is its collaboration with digital creator Bhuvan Bam, who joins as the official ambassador. Known for his iconic work through BB Ki Vines, Bhuvan brings a unique storytelling element to the campaign. Popular characters like Babloo, Babli, and Sameer are woven into the narrative, representing relatable dining personalities seen across India.

The campaign revolves around the simple yet impactful theme: “Bill Half. Party Full.” It captures a universal truth—while dining out is a joyful experience, the cost often becomes a limiting factor. By addressing this barrier, GIRF 2026 aims to encourage consumers to step out more often, celebrate freely, and explore diverse culinary experiences.

Starting February 15, 2026, and running for two months, the festival offers up to 50% discounts across more than 40,000 restaurants in over 60 cities. The offers span across cafés, pubs, bars, fine-dining establishments, and family restaurants, ensuring something for every kind of diner.

In addition to the headline discounts, users can avail extra benefits including a 10% instant discount on HDFC Bank cards and 10% cashback as Dinecash on bookings. These added incentives further enhance the value proposition, making dining out both rewarding and economical.

GIRF 2026 also introduces engaging elements like “Crazzzy Deals of the Day,” complimentary cocktails and mocktails at select venues, and extended happy hours—designed to elevate the overall dining experience.

The festival is not limited to metro cities alone. While major hubs like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Chennai remain key markets, GIRF also extends to emerging food destinations such as Goa, Jaipur, Indore, Chandigarh, Lucknow, Coimbatore, and Udaipur. This widespread reach highlights Swiggy’s ambition to democratize dining experiences across India.

With participation from leading brands including Cafe Coffee Day, Barista, Punjab Grill, YouMee, and Good Flippin Burgers, GIRF 2026 stands as one of the largest and most inclusive dining festivals in the country.

Blending food, culture, and digital storytelling, GIRF 2026 is more than just a discount event—it is a celebration of India’s evolving dining culture, where affordability meets experience, and every meal becomes an occasion.

Events in Goa

The Goa Cashew Festival 2025: A Celebration of the Golden Kernel

allycaralgoa

The Goa Cashew Festival 2025 is just around the corner, and we are thrilled to announce that the festival will take place on May 17th and 18th, 2025, at the D.B. Ground in Panjim. The event will start at 4:30 PM onwards, and we invite you to join us for an unforgettable experience.

A Celebration of Goa’s Iconic Industry
The cashew nut is an integral part of Goa’s history and culture, and this festival is a testament to the state’s rich heritage. The two-day event will showcase the versatility and richness of the cashew nut, with a range of activities, performances, and exhibits that celebrate this golden kernel.

What to Expect
The festival promises to be an immersive experience, with something for everyone. You can expect:

  • Cashew tastings and sales: Sample a variety of cashew-based products and purchase some to take home.
  • Cultural performances: Enjoy live music, dance, and folk performances that reflect the vibrant spirit of Goa.
  • Food stalls: Savor cashew-based dishes and beverages, along with other local specialties.
  • Cashew-themed activities: Participate in fun activities, games, and competitions that celebrate the cashew nut.

Why You Should Attend
The Goa Cashew Festival 2025 is a must-attend event for anyone who loves food, culture, and community celebrations. It’s an opportunity to:

  • Experience Goa’s rich heritage: Learn about the history and significance of the cashew industry in Goa.
  • Support local businesses: Purchase cashew-based products and support local vendors.
  • Enjoy live performances: Watch cultural performances and enjoy the festive atmosphere.


Mark your calendars for May 17th and 18th, 2025, and get ready to experience the best of Goa’s cashew culture. We look forward to seeing you at the D.B. Ground in Panjim!

Stay Tuned
For updates, sneak peeks, and behind-the-scenes insights, stay tuned to our website and social media channels. We can’t wait to share the excitement with you!

Events in Goa

Goa Cashew Fest 2025: A Celebration of Goa’s Iconic Cashew Heritage

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Get ready to indulge in a cashew-centric extravaganza as the Goa Cashew Fest 2025 – Season 3 comes alive at D.B. Grounds, Panaji, Goa, from April 25th to 27th, 2025. This three-day celebration promises to be an unforgettable experience, showcasing the rich heritage of cashew cultivation, its diverse byproducts, and the deep-rooted connection between Goan culture and this beloved crop.

A Signature State Festival
Conceptualized by Smt. Dr. Deviya Rane, Hon’ble Chairperson of GFDC, Goa Cashew Fest has evolved into a signature state festival, highlighting the efforts of cashew cultivators, artisans, and self-help groups. This year’s theme, “Explore. Empower. Enrich.,” embodies the spirit of the festival, bringing together communities for a celebration of food, music, fashion, and cultural heritage.

A Three-Day Extravaganza
The festival promises to be bigger and better, featuring:

  • Sundowner Set: Unwind with mesmerizing sunset views and live music.
  • Fashion Show: Witness the latest fashion trends inspired by Goan culture.
  • 50+ Food & Beverage Stalls: Savor cashew-inspired delicacies and local cuisine.
  • Live Performances: Enjoy performances by renowned national and Goan artists.
  • Exciting Games and Spot Prizes: Participate in engaging activities and win exciting prizes.

Entry is FREE!
Join the celebration and immerse yourself in a truly Goan experience. Mark your calendars for April 25th to 27th, 2025, and get ready to:

  • Explore Goa’s vibrant traditions and cashew heritage.
  • Empower local communities and artisans.
  • Enrich your senses with cashew-inspired delights, music, and fashion.

“Goa Cashew Fest is more than just a festival—it’s a tribute to Goa’s deep-rooted cashew legacy. This year’s theme encapsulates the spirit of the festival, and we invite people from all over to join us for an enriching experience.” Dr. Deviya Rane, Chairperson, GFDC

#food

Deck 88 at the The Astor Goa celebrates Poila Boishakh with an exquisite food festival featuring a unique Bengali menu curated by Chef Divyanshi Patel

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An Unforgettable Culinary Experience to Ring in the Bengali New Year

To mark the joyous occasion of Poila Boishakh, The Astor Goa, a renowned five-star hotel in Candolim, is set to host a gastronomical affair that brings the rich and diverse cultural recipes a of Bengal to life. With a creative twist, this festival will feature an exceptional set menu that combines traditional Bengali flavours with influences from Anglo-Indian, Nawabi, Mughal, and European cuisines.

Poila Boishakh, the Bengali New Year, is a time for families and friends to come together to celebrate life, prosperity, and the joy of good food. The Astor Goa takes this festive spirit to the next level by offering a curated dining experience that blends the elegance of Bengal’s culinary heritage with the grandeur of Mughal and Nawabi kitchens, the refined tastes of Anglo-Indian cuisine, and the finesse of European techniques.

The specially designed set menu showcases both vegetarian and non-vegetarian delicacies, each prepared with the finest ingredients and executed with precision to elevate the rich history and complexity of Bengali cuisine

The menu features Hasher Mangsho kosha (slow-cooked duck) and Shorshe Ilish (Hilsa in mustard sauce), representing the grandeur of Nawabi Bengal and Murg Rezala (a creamy chicken stew) and Sheermal (a soft, sweet flatbread), which showcase the Mughal art of combining delicate spices and flavours for an unforgettable taste. Guests can also experience Anglo-Bengali fusion with dishes like Prawn Cutlets and Deviled Eggs, combining the best of British culinary influences with Bengali ingredients and spices.

The Poila Boishakh Food Festival will run from 11th April – 16th April, inviting guests to enjoy a meticulously crafted culinary journey that celebrates the best of Bengali cuisine while embracing global influences. To complement the food, the restaurant’s ambience will be transformed into a celebration of Bengali culture, featuring traditional decorations, soft Bengali music, and a welcoming atmosphere to create a memorable dining experience.

What: Poila Boishakh
When: 11th -16th April 2025, Lunch and Dinner
Where: Deck88, The Astor Goa
Price: 10 courses veg menu– ₹1500++ | – 10 courses Non veg menu ₹1999++
Contact: +91 9028059382, 9028059414

#AllycaralFeature 👒, Events in Goa, Special Occasion

Goa Carnival 2025: A Vibrant Celebration of Culture, History, and People

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Written by Intern Joysi Yadav, Team Allycaral

The wait is over! Goa is gearing up to host the spectacular Goa Carnival 2025, a four-day extravaganza that promises to be an unforgettable experience. This year’s carnival will take place from February 28 to March 4, 2025, at six different locations across the state.


The Goa Carnival is one of the most celebrated festivals in Goa, showcasing an assortment of culture, art, entertainment, and food. The festival attracts visitors from all over India and abroad, making it a well-known event in the country.


Carnival is an annual gala that takes place before Lent, also known as ‘Carnaval’, ‘Entrado’, and ‘Intruz’. The festival features masquerades, colorful floats, lively music and dances, plays, and scrumptious food, seamlessly blending the rich Goan culture with entertainment.


The Carnival was initiated during the Portuguese colonial era, introduced in the 18th century to celebrate the Lent season for Christians. Over time, it has evolved into a celebration that includes different communities. The modern-day Carnival is modeled after the Rio Carnival of Brazil, aimed at attracting tourists.

Highlights of the Festival

  1. Parade: The parade is the highlight of the event, featuring exhilarating performances by entertainers, quirky and colorful costumes, and floats festooned with Goan themes.
  2. Cultural Display: Witness musical performances, thought-provoking theatre plays, and traditional folk dances like Dekhni and Fugdi.
  3. Food: Relish traditional Goan delicacies and refreshing drinks, a treat for your taste buds.
    Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to experience the magic of Goa Carnival 2025! Mark your calendars, gather your friends and family, and get ready to soak in the vibrant spirit of Goa.

Stay updated with the latest news, schedules, and updates on Goa Carnival 2025. Follow us on social media to get exclusive insights into the preparations, performances, and more!