Tag: #india

Events in Goa

Goa to Host Global PR Powerhouse: International Communication Conclave Kicks Off on Sept 26

Tanisha Cardozo

Panaji, September 24: Goa is all set to welcome some of the most influential voices in public relations, communications, and media, as the Global Communication Conclave organized by the Public Relations Council of India (PRCI) begins on September 26. The event, which will span two days at the prestigious Fern Kadamba Hotel, promises to be a landmark gathering of national and international delegates under the central theme, “The Power of Public Relations.”

The inauguration ceremony, scheduled for the morning of September 26, will be a high-profile affair. It will be graced by the Governor of Goa, P. Ashok Gajapathi Raju, alongside Union Minister of State for Power and New & Renewable Energy, Shripad Naik, and Goa’s Tourism Minister, Rohan Khaunte. According to Deepak Narvekar, Head of PRCI’s Goa Chapter, the conclave aims to facilitate meaningful dialogue on the evolving role and power of public relations in a rapidly changing media landscape.

The conclave will bring together communication professionals, scholars, government officials, and corporate leaders from across India and abroad. One of the event’s most anticipated moments is the conferring of the prestigious Chanakya Awards. These accolades recognize distinguished professionals, officials, and emerging young achievers who have made exceptional contributions to the field of public relations. The awards will be presented by the Chief Minister of Goa, Dr. Pramod Sawant, as confirmed by Nikhil Wagh, Secretary of the PRCI Goa Chapter.

Day two of the conclave will continue with insightful sessions and discussions, featuring dignitaries including Union Minister Shripad Naik, Goa MLA Ganesh Gaonkar, and noted South Indian actress Esther Noronha. Their participation reflects the diverse scope of the conclave, bridging the worlds of governance, entertainment, and communication.

In preparation for the event, a strategic review meeting was held by PRCI’s national and state-level leadership. Key figures in attendance included M.B. Jayaram, Geeta Shankar, Dr. Team Vinay Kumar, Deepak Narvekar, Surendran Unni, Arijit Majumdar, Chinmayee Praveen, Vaman Prabhu, Nikhil Wagh, John Aguiar, Vrundavan Raikar, Kalika Bapat, John Samuel, and Nikita Chodankar. Their collaborative effort has ensured that the conclave is positioned not just as an event, but as a milestone in the professional dialogue surrounding public relations in India.

With its mix of prestigious awards, expert panels, and international participation, the Global Communication Conclave promises to reaffirm PRCI’s commitment to excellence in strategic communication, while spotlighting Goa as a growing hub for global dialogue in media and communication.

Sports

India’s First Formula Night Street Race Announced for Navi Mumbai This December

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Written by Intern Queeny George M.H, team Allycaral

India is gearing up for its first-ever Formula Night Street Race, and Navi Mumbai is the city chosen to make history. This December, the city will host the grand finale of the Indian Racing Festival on a brand-new 3.753 km street circuit that winds through the scenic Palm Beach Road and alongside the serene Nerul Lake. This major announcement comes just weeks after the reveal of a Goa Street Circuit, further cementing India’s emergence in global motorsports.

The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation has partnered with Racing Promotions Pvt. Ltd. (RPPL) to bring this ambitious project to life, marking Maharashtra’s debut in the elite tier of street racing. The F4 India finale will take place under lights, making it the first night street race of its kind in the country. With 14 technical turns, the track promises to deliver high-speed action and showcase the raw talent of India’s growing racing community.

This event is more than just motorsport—it is an effort to redefine Maharashtra’s global image and turn it into Asia’s motorsport hub. State leadership believes the event will inspire a new generation of racers, create jobs, boost tourism, and demonstrate India’s capacity to host world-class racing events.

Adding glamour and nationwide buzz to the event are the celebrity team owners: John Abraham (Goa Aces), Arjun Kapoor (Speed Demons Delhi), Sourav Ganguly (Kolkata Royal Tigers), Sudeep Kichcha (Kichcha’s Kings Bengaluru), Naga Chaitanya (Hyderabad Blackbirds), and Dr. Swetha Sundeep Anand (Chennai Turbo Riders). These high-profile names bring not only star power but also a deep passion for the sport, helping motorsport reach new audiences.

Previously, the Indian Racing Festival has held races in Hyderabad, Chennai, and Coimbatore, with Goa slated as the next destination. However, the Navi Mumbai finale represents the boldest leap yet toward building a sustainable motorsport ecosystem in India. More details, including the full driver lineup, event schedule, and fan experiences, are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

As the engines prepare to roar under city lights, one thing is clear: Navi Mumbai is ready to shine on the global racing map.

Special Occasion

Mahalaya Amavasya 2025: Honouring Ancestors, Embracing Blessings

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo, Team Allycaral

Mahalaya Amavasya, also known as Shrad, is a deeply spiritual Hindu observance falling this year on Sunday, 21st September 2025. It marks the conclusion of Pitru Paksha, a sixteen-day period dedicated to offering prayers, rituals, and gratitude to ancestors. This sacred window is rooted in the belief that honouring our departed forefathers helps repay ancestral debts, cleanse karmic burdens, and invite blessings into our lives.

Rituals performed on this day — Shradh, Tarpan, and Pind Daan — are considered spiritually potent and deeply symbolic. Tarpan involves offering water and prayers to ancestors, while Pind Daan uses symbolic food offerings like rice balls, barley flour, and sesame seeds to nourish their souls. Shradh is a ceremonial rite filled with mantras and devotion. Traditionally, the eldest male family member performs these rites while wearing a ring made of kush grass, a sacred plant that symbolises compassion and purity.

After these offerings, food is given to a crow — believed to be the messenger of Lord Yama, the god of death — followed by feeding Brahmin priests, continuing a cycle of charity and reverence. It is also considered auspicious to read scriptures such as the Garuda Purana or Agni Purana during this time.

A poignant legend from the Mahabharata gives context to Mahalaya Amavasya’s origin. When Karna, the heroic warrior, died and reached heaven, he was offered gold instead of food. Puzzled, he asked Lord Indra why. The deity revealed that Karna had donated gold throughout his life but never food. Realising the importance of feeding the needy, Karna was allowed to return to earth for sixteen days to offer food to the poor. These sixteen days became known as Pitru Paksha, culminating in Mahalaya Amavasya.

On this solemn day, traditional attire is worn as a mark of respect — white kurta-pyjamas for men and white sarees for women — symbolising peace, purity, and spiritual focus. While the festival doesn’t involve specific celebratory dishes, the food offered during rituals is rich with symbolic meaning.

The primary deities revered during Mahalaya Amavasya are Lord Vishnu, the protector, and Lord Yama, the guide of souls in the afterlife. Their blessings are sought to ensure peace for the departed and spiritual protection for the living.

Mahalaya Amavasya is more than a ritual — it is a sacred bridge between generations. It reminds us that just as we inherit our ancestors’ blessings and assets, we also inherit their karmic residues. Performing these ancestral rites helps liberate both souls and families from spiritual bondage, paving the way for peace in this life and beyond.

May your ancestors bless you with wisdom, strength, and peace this Mahalaya Amavasya.
—from Allycaral family

Travel

Goa Honoured with ‘The Week’s Special Editorial Award’ for Promoting Tourism through Festivals

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Written by Intern Queeny George M.H , Team Allycaral

Goa was conferred with the Special Editorial Award for ‘Promoting Tourism through Festivals’ by The Week. The recognition underscores the state’s commitment to promoting its vibrant cultural heritage and rich festival traditions as a cornerstone of its tourism strategy. Goa has long been celebrated for its beautiful beaches, but this award shines a light on the state’s efforts to go beyond its coastal appeal and establish itself as a dynamic cultural destination.

The award recognizes the role of festivals—spanning traditional, religious, and community-based events—in enriching the visitor experience and adding a unique dimension to Goa’s tourism offerings. From carnival parades to spiritual celebrations, Goa’s diverse cultural calendar has become an essential part of the state’s identity.

Shri Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, Government of Goa, expressed pride in the recognition, stating, “This award highlights the collective efforts of the Department of Tourism and the people of Goa in promoting Goa’s unique identity through its festivals.” His remarks emphasize the collaborative spirit between the government and the community in positioning Goa as a culturally rich and welcoming destination.

Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, also acknowledged the honour, saying, “We were deeply honoured that Goa was recognised by The Week for its commitment to promoting tourism through festivals. Our festivals reflected the diversity, unity, and cultural richness of the state. This recognition reinforced our vision of taking Goa beyond beaches. Such acknowledgements inspired us to continue creating avenues where culture and tourism work together for the benefit of our people and visitors alike.”

This recognition from The Week not only validates the innovative approach taken by Goa Tourism but also sets a precedent for other regions looking to integrate cultural preservation with sustainable tourism development. As Goa continues to evolve as a cultural hub, its festivals remain a powerful expression of its heritage and a meaningful way to connect with both residents and travellers from across the globe.

Finance

HDFC Bank Unveils Festive Treats 2025 with Over 10,000 Exclusive Offers Nationwide

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Written by Intern Queeny George M.H , Team Allycaral

HDFC Bank, India’s leading private sector bank, has launched its highly anticipated Festive Treats 2025 campaign, setting the tone for the country’s bustling festive shopping season. With over 10,000 offers rolled out across a spectrum of banking and financial services including credit cards, personal loans, PayZapp, and EASYEMI, the campaign is designed to deliver value, convenience, and smart spending options to customers across India.

Announcing the campaign, Mr. Parag Rao, Country Head – Payments, Liability Products, Consumer Finance and Marketing, HDFC Bank, said, “As the country begins to wrap itself in festive delights, we bring to our consumers myriad offers that provide tangible value. Festive Treats is our annual property that drives demand and supports consumption patterns of the country by giving our customers opportunities to optimise their savings on festive spends.”

Mr. Ravi Santhanam, Group Head and CMO, Head – Direct to Consumer Products, HDFC Bank, added, “A multi-year franchise, Festive Treats is like a clarion call for the festive season. We bring these curated offers to our customers through our strong physical and digital footprint. By rolling out Festive Treats in phases from Onam through to Diwali with hyperlocal activations, we will ensure that the offers are not only compelling but also deeply relevant to local communities.”

The scale of the campaign is unmatched, with HDFC Bank planning over 37,000 on-ground activations at retail hubs, residential societies, and corporate offices to ensure the offers reach customers where they are. The bank will leverage its vast network of 9,499 branches, 21,251 ATMs, and more than 600,000 merchant and dealer touchpoints across India. The campaign reflects HDFC Bank’s commitment to driving financial accessibility and retail growth during India’s biggest shopping season.

As customers prepare for celebrations, gifts, and home improvements, Festive Treats 2025 arrives as the perfect partner in making those dreams affordable and rewarding.