Tag: Indian Culture

Business

Cycle Pure Agarbathi Expands in Goa, Celebrating 77 Years of Fragrance, Heritage, and Purpose

Tanisha Cardozo

Goa, India – Cycle Pure Agarbathi, India’s leading agarbathi manufacturer, celebrates 77 years of fragrance, faith, and purpose as it expands its footprint across Goa. With a legacy that has enriched over six billion prayers worldwide, the brand continues to carry forward the spirit of Indian craftsmanship and devotion, blending tradition with innovation to create timeless experiences.

Founded in Mysuru, Cycle Pure Agarbathi has grown from a humble family enterprise into a global brand exporting to more than 75 countries. Its diverse range includes traditional agarbathies and contemporary wellness offerings under the IRIS Home Fragrances brand, now available across Goa through leading retail and quick commerce platforms. This expansion ensures that every home can experience the essence of purity, peace, and prayer with just a click.

Marking a milestone in its journey, Cycle Pure Agarbathi created history at the International Purple Fest Goa 2025 by unveiling and lighting a 125-feet agarbathi—the longest and most inclusive creation in its legacy. The event, graced by Dr. Pramod Sawant, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa, and other dignitaries, represented a beautiful convergence of tradition, inclusion, and innovation. The ceremonial lighting symbolized unity and celebration of diverse abilities at one of the world’s most inclusive cultural events.

Continuing its deep connection with art and culture, Cycle Pure Agarbathi recently collaborated with Kantara: Chapter 1, a PAN-Indian mythological action drama, as the official prayer partner. To commemorate this partnership, the brand launched the Three in One Parampara Agarbathi, a special edition inspired by Karnataka’s rich cultural heritage. Each stick in this collection is a blend of divine fragrance and devotion, offering an experience that embodies spiritual resonance and artistic tradition.

Speaking on the expansion, Mr. Arjun Ranga, Managing Director of Cycle Pure Agarbathi, said, “At Cycle Pure Agarbathi, we believe fragrance is a bridge between tradition and modern living. Our presence across all leading quick commerce platforms ensures that this sacred experience is just a click away—bringing purity, emotion, and heritage to homes instantly.”

Echoing the sentiment, Mr. Amarnath Datta, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer, added, “Goa represents a vibrant confluence of culture, spirituality, and modern living—values that deeply resonate with our brand. Through our Cycle and IRIS product lines and creative collaborations like Kantara, we’re not just offering fragrance; we’re creating immersive experiences that connect with hearts and homes.”

Sustainability remains at the heart of Cycle Pure’s philosophy. With zero carbon emissions across its production facilities, plastic-free packaging, and natural ingredient sourcing, the brand has built an environmentally responsible model that blends spirituality with stewardship. The company also continues to empower communities through its Gadchiroli Agarbatti Project (GAP)—a rural livelihood initiative launched in 2014 that has uplifted over 1,200 tribal women, tripling their average household income.

Cycle Pure Agarbathi invites Goans to explore its complete range—from traditional incense to modern wellness products—crafted to transform ordinary moments into soulful rituals. As the brand enters its 78th year, it continues to uphold its vision of purity, empowerment, and sustainability, carrying forward a legacy of fragrance that touches lives, connects cultures, and inspires generations.

Business

India’s Grandest Wedding Season Ever: 46 Lakh Marriages to Fuel a Celebration Boom Worth ₹6.5 Lakh Crore

Tanisha Cardozo

India is stepping into a season of celebration unlike any other. Between November 1 and December 14, 2025, the country will host a staggering 46 lakh weddings, marking the biggest wedding season in its history. The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) estimates that these festivities will generate an unprecedented ₹6.5 lakh crore in business — a figure that captures not only the grandeur of Indian weddings but also their growing role as an economic engine.

Across India, wedding planners, jewelers, designers, caterers, and decorators are preparing for a historic boom. The industry has become a reflection of both cultural pride and economic resilience. From opulent destination weddings to intimate traditional ceremonies, each event contributes to a vast ecosystem that fuels everything from gold demand to employment opportunities.

Delhi, the capital of celebrations, will lead this wave with 4.8 lakh weddings, driving ₹1.8 lakh crore in expenditure. The city’s markets, venues, and services are already buzzing with bookings months in advance — from bridal couture and bespoke jewelry to five-star catering and themed decor.

Breaking down the nationwide spending, jewellery accounts for 15%, followed by apparel and sarees at 10%, catering at 10%, event management at 5%, and other key categories like electronics, sweets, and décor making up the rest. The services sector alone — including photography, travel, music bands, floral décor, and sound & lighting — is expected to see its strongest season in years.

What makes this wedding season especially remarkable is its “Vocal for Local” transformation. Over 70% of wedding-related purchases are expected to come from Indian-made products and services, from handwoven bridal sarees and homegrown jewelry labels to local floral artisans and food vendors. This growing preference for local craftsmanship underscores a cultural shift — one where tradition meets conscious consumerism.

Beyond the shimmer and song, the economic impact runs deep. This 45-day wedding season is projected to create more than 1 crore jobs, including temporary and part-time employment across sectors like hospitality, logistics, and event management. The celebrations are also expected to generate ₹75,000 crore in tax revenue, bolstering the national and regional economies during the festive quarter.

Every wedding in India has long been a blend of family, faith, and festivity. But in 2025, it also becomes a story of enterprise and empowerment — a celebration that brings together artisans, designers, planners, and dreamers under one grand canopy. As lights adorn city streets and music fills the air, India’s wedding season stands not only as a cultural phenomenon but as a testament to the country’s economic vitality and evolving identity.

A nation made for celebration is now proving that when India marries, the world takes notice.

Special Occasion

Diwali 2025: A Celebration of Light, Triumph, and Togetherness

Tanisha Cardozo

Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is one of the most cherished and widely celebrated festivals in India and among Indian communities worldwide. In 2025, Diwali falls on October 20, lighting up the skies, homes, and hearts with warmth and joy. The word “Deepavali” means a row of lights, and that’s exactly what this celebration brings—countless flickering diyas illuminating the darkest corners.

Rooted in mythology, Diwali commemorates the return of Lord Ram to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and his victory over the demon king Ravana. The people of Ayodhya are said to have welcomed him by lighting rows of lamps, a tradition that continues today in homes and temples across the country. For others, it marks the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity, and Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles.

The festival spans five days—starting with Dhanteras, followed by Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali), the main Diwali day, Govardhan Puja, and Bhai Dooj. Each day carries its own customs, from purchasing gold and cleaning homes to cooking festive foods and performing sacred pujas.

Preparations for Diwali often begin weeks in advance. Markets are filled with decorative lights, earthen lamps, sweets, and gifts. Families clean and renovate their homes as a symbolic gesture of inviting prosperity. On Diwali night, homes are lit with oil lamps, candles, fairy lights, and firecrackers. Families gather for Lakshmi Puja, exchanging blessings and sweets, while the sound of celebration echoes into the night.

But Diwali is more than rituals and lights. It is a powerful metaphor for inner awakening—for clearing away negative thoughts, illuminating the mind, and rekindling hope. In a world often marked by division, Diwali reminds us of unity, kindness, and the shared light that connects us all.

As the festival evolves with time, many are now opting for eco-friendly celebrations—using biodegradable diyas, supporting local artisans, and minimizing fireworks to reduce pollution. At its heart, Diwali is about intention. Whether it’s the humble flicker of a single diya or the joy of a grand gathering, every act contributes to a collective brightness.

Diwali 2025 arrives as a moment to pause, reflect, and rejoice. It invites each of us to light not just our surroundings, but also our minds and relationships—with compassion, courage, and love.

Special Occasion

Dhanteras 2025: A Celebration of Wealth, Health, and New Beginnings

Tanisha Cardozo

Dhanteras, also known as Dhantrayodashi, marks the beginning of the five-day Diwali festival and is celebrated with deep cultural significance across India. Falling on the thirteenth lunar day of Krishna Paksha in the month of Kartik, this auspicious day sets the tone for joy, gratitude, and prosperity. In 2025, Dhanteras will be observed on October 28.

The word Dhanteras is derived from “Dhan” meaning wealth and “Teras” referring to the thirteenth day. As per Hindu tradition, the day commemorates the appearance of Lord Dhanvantari, the physician of the gods and the deity of Ayurveda, who is said to have emerged from the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan) holding a pot of amrit (elixir of immortality). This mythological origin gives Dhanteras a dual significance: it is a celebration not only of material wealth but also of health, well-being, and spiritual balance.

One of the most beloved traditions of Dhanteras is the purchase of precious items—typically gold, silver, and new utensils. It is widely believed that buying these items on this day invites prosperity and good fortune into one’s life. Homes and businesses are cleaned thoroughly and adorned with rangolis, marigold flowers, and earthen lamps (diyas) to welcome Goddess Lakshmi, the bringer of wealth and good luck.

As evening falls, families across the country perform Dhanvantari Puja or Lakshmi Puja, offering sweets, flowers, and lamps while praying for both financial prosperity and good health. In recent years, National Ayurveda Day is also celebrated on Dhanteras in honor of Lord Dhanvantari, recognizing India’s traditional medical systems and promoting holistic well-being.

In the modern era, Dhanteras has evolved beyond its traditional rituals. While many still invest in jewellery and utensils, others are choosing to invest in health insurance, digital gold, electronics, or even wellness experiences. This reflects a shift in how people perceive “wealth”—as something that encompasses financial security, physical health, and mental peace.

At its core, Dhanteras is a reminder to begin the Diwali season with gratitude, intention, and positivity. Whether it’s through lighting your first diya or reflecting quietly on your blessings, the day invites you to realign with the values of abundance—not just in possessions, but in relationships, health, and hope.

As homes across India begin to glow with lights and anticipation, Dhanteras sets the spiritual and emotional foundation for the festive days to come. It’s a celebration of what we have, what we aspire for, and the deep belief that brighter days are always ahead.

National

Goa’s Nirbhay Bhav Group Secures 3rd Place at National Performing Arts Championship 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

In a shining moment for Goa’s vibrant cultural scene, the Nirbhay Bhav Group achieved a remarkable 3rd position at the prestigious National Performing Arts Championship 2025. Held on the 5th of October in the culturally rich city of Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, the event saw participation from top-performing teams across India including Haryana, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, and Uttarakhand.

Representing Goa, the team stood out with their passionate performance and dedication to the arts. Under the inspiring leadership of Dhiraj Naik, Nirbhay Bhav brought not just talent but discipline, originality, and a deep-rooted connection to cultural heritage to the national platform. The achievement marks a significant milestone for the group and the state, adding yet another feather to Goa’s artistic cap.

The team’s journey doesn’t end here. Buoyed by their success and national recognition, the Nirbhay Bhav Group is now setting its sights on participating in upcoming national and international performing arts championships. Their vision is clear—to carry the spirit and talent of Goan culture beyond borders and onto the global stage.

This victory is not just a celebration of a performance—it’s a testament to the power of dedication, leadership, and the universal language of art that connects us all.