Tag: #food

Travel

Siddhant Chaturvedi Invites Fans to Experience Mumbai Like a Local with Airbnb

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Travel Desk

As live music increasingly shapes how India’s Gen Z travels, Airbnb is bringing fans closer to the culture they love through an exclusive collaboration with actor, musician, and cultural voice Siddhant Chaturvedi. Announced on January 14, 2026, the partnership introduces “Lolla India Like a Local,” an Airbnb Original Experience designed to offer guests an intimate, once-in-a-lifetime way to explore Mumbai before ending the day at Lollapalooza India 2026.

The experience reflects a growing trend, with a significant number of young travellers planning trips around concerts and festivals. Rooted in the city that shaped Siddhant, the experience takes guests through Mumbai’s neighbourhoods, food, music, and creative spaces—bringing to life the everyday moments that define local travel. The day culminates at Lollapalooza India, where guests experience the festival alongside Siddhant himself.

Central to the collaboration is The Mumbai Guidebook, a digital city guide curated by Siddhant Chaturvedi exclusively for Airbnb. Featuring his handpicked neighbourhoods, local hangouts, and a selection of Airbnb stays that capture the spirit of the city, the guidebook is designed to help travellers extend their festival trip and experience Mumbai beyond the stage.

Limited to just four guests, the experience transforms recommendations into shared memories. Guests begin the day with a meal at one of Siddhant’s favourite local food joints, followed by a curated heritage walk through Bandra’s historic Ranwar Village with architect Nikhil Mahashur. The journey continues with an intimate jam session where Siddhant performs an original track inspired by the city, before heading to Lollapalooza India together to soak in the music and energy of a live performance.

Sharing his thoughts on the collaboration, Siddhant Chaturvedi said that Mumbai has shaped every aspect of who he is, from his music to the places he returns to. Curating the guidebook and hosting the experience was his way of welcoming guests into his version of the city and sharing the sounds, neighbourhoods, and everyday moments that make Mumbai special.

The initiative builds on Airbnb’s first-ever global live music partnership at Lollapalooza India 2026, which includes a range of exclusive festival-related experiences designed to bring fans closer to the music and culture they love. Airbnb India and Southeast Asia Country Head Amanpreet Bajaj noted that while live music often sparks travel, it is local connections and authentic experiences that make journeys memorable.

Requests to book the four-hour experience will open at 11 AM IST on January 19, 2026, via airbnb.com/siddhant. The experience is priced at ₹0, available to a maximum of four guests on a first-come, first-served basis, with guests responsible for their own travel to and from Mumbai.

Social

HDFC Bank Parivartan to Field Largest Corporate Contingent at Mumbai Marathon 2026 for Cancer Awareness

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

HDFC Bank announced that it will field nearly 1,500 employees at the Tata Mumbai Marathon 2026 through its CSR programme Parivartan, making it one of the largest corporate contingents at the event. Scheduled to be held on January 18, the initiative aims to support cancer awareness and promote the importance of early detection in partnership with the Indian Cancer Society, India’s oldest non-profit organisation dedicated to cancer care.

Under its Healthcare and Hygiene pillar, HDFC Bank Parivartan focuses on improving access to primary and preventive healthcare, strengthening health infrastructure and encouraging positive health-seeking behaviour within communities. The collaboration with the Indian Cancer Society at the Mumbai Marathon reinforces this commitment, highlighting how early detection can significantly improve cancer treatment outcomes.

As part of the initiative, the Indian Cancer Society will also field over 100 runners, including young cancer survivors and its employees, bringing visibility and inspiration to the cause. The participation of survivors adds a powerful human element, underscoring resilience, hope and the impact of timely diagnosis.

Commenting on the initiative, Kaizad Bharucha, Deputy Managing Director of HDFC Bank, emphasised the Bank’s responsibility towards community well-being, noting that the marathon represents a collective effort to raise awareness and encourage early screening. He highlighted that this is among the largest employee volunteer contingents HDFC Bank has fielded for the event to date.

Indian Cancer Society’s Hon. Secretary and Managing Trustee, Usha Thorat, expressed gratitude for HDFC Bank’s continued support, stating that awareness remains the first and most critical step in improving cancer outcomes in India, where fear, stigma and lack of information often delay diagnosis. She noted that seeing cancer survivors participate in the marathon sends a strong message of courage and hope.

To mark the collaboration, the Indian Cancer Society has conducted cancer awareness sessions for HDFC Bank employees and organised screening camps at select locations. Beyond this marathon initiative, HDFC Bank Parivartan continues to support healthcare programmes across the country, including partnerships with institutions such as the Gujarat Cancer Society and Tata Memorial Hospital, reinforcing its long-term commitment to building healthier and stronger communities across India.

Events in Goa

Raponkarancho Sea Food Festival 2025 Opens at Arambol, Celebrating Goa’s Coastal Heritage

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Arambol came alive with aromas of fresh seafood, lively music, and vibrant coastal traditions as Day 1 of the Raponkarancho Sea Food Festival 2025 unfolded, setting a festive tone for the days ahead. The festival offered a heartfelt tribute to Goa’s maritime heritage, blending culinary excellence with cultural expression and community participation.

The festival was formally inaugurated in the presence of Hon’ble MLA Shri Jit Arolkar and Director of Tourism Shri Kedar Naik, along with Shri Deepak Narvekar, Deputy General Manager (Marketing), GTDC, and other dignitaries and community representatives. Their presence marked the beginning of a celebration deeply rooted in Goa’s coastal identity and fishing traditions.

Addressing the gathering, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism Shri Rohan A. Khaunte emphasised the importance of such festivals in preserving traditional livelihoods and cultural practices. He noted that the Raponkarancho Sea Food Festival plays a crucial role in safeguarding Goa’s fishing heritage and culinary legacy, while also strengthening community-led tourism that reflects the state’s authentic character.

Director of Tourism Shri Kedar Naik echoed these sentiments, highlighting that the festival serves as a platform to bring fishing communities, local cuisine, and cultural traditions together. He underlined that initiatives like these promote experiential tourism while ensuring that local communities remain central to tourism development in Goa.

Visitors were treated to a diverse spread of traditional seafood preparations, thoughtfully curated by local fishermen and culinary experts. Each dish reflected the flavours of coastal Goa, offering an authentic gastronomic experience rooted in age-old recipes and fresh local produce.

Adding to the festive ambience were live cultural performances that showcased Goa’s rich artistic traditions, creating an immersive experience for both locals and tourists. Music, dance, and community interaction transformed the venue into a lively celebration of coastal life.

The Raponkarancho Sea Food Festival 2025 stands as a vibrant celebration of Goa’s coastal traditions, community spirit, and culinary richness. As the festival continues over the coming days, it promises more flavours, performances, and experiences that reinforce Goa’s vision of sustainable and community-driven tourism.

Events in Goa

Raponkarcho Sea Food Festival 2025 Celebrates Goa’s Fishing Heritage in Arambol

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, will organise the Raponkarcho Sea Food Festival 2025 from December 28 to 30 at the Main Parking Area, Arambol, highlighting Goa’s rich seafood heritage, traditional fishing culture and vibrant coastal lifestyle. The three-day festival aims to offer visitors an immersive cultural experience rooted in local cuisine, music and community participation.

The festival will feature traditional Goan seafood cuisine stalls, cultural programmes and live musical performances, with entry free for all visitors. Programmes will begin daily from 6.00 pm, while the inaugural ceremony will take place on December 28 at 5.30 pm in the presence of Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, Tourism Minister Shri Rohan Ashok Khaunte, senior government officials and representatives from the tourism sector.

Speaking ahead of the festival, Tourism Minister Shri Rohan Ashok Khaunte said fishing has been central to Goa’s way of life for generations and continues to shape its coastal communities and food culture. He noted that the festival provides a platform to honour the skills of the fishing community while promoting authentic Goan seafood and strengthening cultural tourism through community-led initiatives.

Director of Tourism Shri Kedar Naik stated that the festival has been curated to bring together cuisine, music and cultural engagement in a festive setting, with Arambol serving as an ideal venue to showcase Goa’s cultural diversity and local traditions.

The opening night on December 28 will feature a musical line-up led by iconic Goan singer Lorna, along with performances by Purple Rain, Black Slade and Afroz Sayyed. December 29 will see performances by Gravity, Brainwash, 24K India and Teri Miko, while the festival will conclude on December 30 with performances by Forefront, The Imperial, Usman and Sartek.

Through initiatives like the Raponkarcho Sea Food Festival, the Department of Tourism continues to promote Goa’s traditional cuisine, cultural expressions and community participation, enhancing the festive tourism experience during the year-end season.

Events in Goa

From Carol Bells to Countdown Cheers: Goa’s Must-Do Festive Year-End Guide

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

As the most magical time of the year approaches, Goa readies itself for a season filled with festive cheer, sparkling décor and unforgettable celebrations. From beautifully adorned venues echoing with Christmas carols to pulsating dance floors and thrilling midnight countdowns, the Christmas and New Year season in Goa is all about coming together to celebrate joy with friends and family.

This year, BookMyShow invites partygoers to “Take Resolutions You’ll Actually Keep” by keeping it simple—choose one unforgettable New Year’s Eve experience and celebrate it right. With the city buzzing with rooftop parties, beachside countdowns, vibrant carnivals and luxe nightlife experiences, now is the perfect time to plan your Christmas and New Year celebrations.

Among the standout celebrations is SINQ NYE 2026, Goa’s ultimate New Year’s Eve party at SINQ Nightclub. The night promises pulsating DJ sets, aerial performers, fire dancers, a premium open bar and a lavish gourmet buffet, setting the stage for a legendary countdown to 2026.

For those looking to light up the night, New Year Neon 2026 – Neon Eve offers a glow-in-the-dark celebration filled with neon lights, high-energy music and an electrifying atmosphere. Hosted at Foxoso La Alphonso Beach Resort and Spa, the event combines themed cocktails, renowned DJs and an energetic crowd, making it a perfect pick for party lovers seeking something vibrant and unique.

Adding a touch of luxury to the celebrations is the LPK Waterfront New Year’s Eve 2026 at Candolim. Set against the scenic backwaters, this iconic venue blends live DJ performances, exquisite food and a premium party ambience. Dancing under the stars while welcoming the new year makes it one of Goa’s most enchanting countdown destinations.

Whether you’re planning a cosy Christmas gathering or an all-out New Year’s Eve bash, BookMyShow’s curated festive experiences ensure there’s something for everyone. Plan your year-end celebrations now and welcome 2026 with joy, music and unforgettable memories—only on BookMyShow, India’s leading entertainment destination.