Crowned at just 12, Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh of Jaipur stands as a remarkable figure where India’s royal past meets global modernity. Born in 1998 to Princess Diya Kumari and Narendra Singh, he descends from the illustrious Jaipur royal family, whose lineage traces back centuries. While royal titles hold only ceremonial value in modern India, Padmanabh has given new life to his family’s legacy through his ventures in sport, heritage, and fashion.
Educated at Mayo College, Millfield School in England, and later in Rome, Padmanabh developed an international perspective early on. His passion for polo, a Jaipur royal tradition, has taken him to global tournaments, including representing India at prestigious events such as Hurlingham in England. His athletic discipline and charisma have made him a familiar name both on and off the field.
Beyond the polo grounds, Padmanabh Singh has captured the imagination of fashion and luxury circles worldwide. He has modeled for global brands, graced international magazine covers, and carved a niche as a symbol of Indian elegance in contemporary style. Yet, he remains deeply rooted in Jaipur, actively promoting heritage conservation, tourism, and cultural awareness.
With family assets reportedly valued at around ₹20,000 crore, including the iconic Rambagh Palace, City Palace, and other heritage properties, his influence extends into hospitality and cultural entrepreneurship. His mission reflects a modern take on royalty — one that honors history while embracing progress, innovation, and inclusivity.
Padmanabh Singh continues to balance global visibility with local responsibility, ensuring that Jaipur’s royal legacy thrives in the 21st century. Whether on horseback in a polo match, attending an international gala, or restoring heritage landmarks, the young Maharaja embodies the spirit of modern Indian nobility — regal, responsible, and forward-looking.
Indian fashion designer Anita Dongre, celebrated globally for championing Indian craftsmanship and sustainable luxury, has opened her newest flagship store in Beverly Hills. Located at Gardenhouse, this marks the brand’s 13th store worldwide and its most significant U.S. expansion since the opening of her New York City flagship in 2018. Following her historic debuts in New York and Dubai, Dongre becomes the first Indian designer to unveil a flagship in Beverly Hills — a milestone that furthers her mission of taking India to the world.
The new space brings Dongre’s distinctive design language to one of the world’s most iconic luxury destinations. Here, contemporary silhouettes meet traditional artistry, offering an immersive experience of handcrafted couture and ready-to-wear designed for global connoisseurs. “The West Coast represents a very global way of living — open, creative, and deeply connected to nature and culture,” said Dongre. “Los Angeles understands slow luxury, craftsmanship, and conscious living. This moment belongs not just to me, but to every artisan whose hands shape our garments.”
The store’s interiors reflect Dongre’s modern interpretation of Rajasthan — imagined as a sanctuary of serenity. A delicate fragrance greets guests into an oasis of calm, where Indian crafts merge with contemporary design. Hand-painted Pichhwai walls, depicting flora and fauna, were meticulously crafted by artisans in Rajasthan. Each cushion, wallpaper, and piece of furniture has been hand-embroidered or designed in India, embodying Dongre’s philosophy of mindful luxury. Every detail — from flooring to lampshades — narrates a story of nature, craft, and quiet opulence.
Anchoring the space is a striking elephant matriarch and calf sculpture from “The Great Elephant Migration,” a global art movement featuring works created by indigenous Indian communities using invasive Lantana weeds. The installation symbolizes Dongre’s enduring commitment to sustainability and biodiversity under her guiding philosophy of “Fashion For Good.”
Over the years, Dongre has dressed global icons including Priyanka Chopra, Kate Middleton, Kim Kardashian, and Dakota Johnson, earning acclaim for her fusion of ethical craftsmanship and modern design. Her recent collaboration with Mattel — where she became the first Indian designer to create a Diwali Barbie — sold out within days, spotlighting South Asian representation and the beauty of Indian artisanship on the world stage. “Every piece we create is touched by women artisans whose skills have been passed down through generations. Bringing their craft to Beverly Hills gives their art the global stage it deserves,” she shared.
The opening event, hosted by Mindy Kaling and Poorna Jagannathan, brought together a vibrant mix of celebrities and tastemakers, including Anjula Acharia, Jay Shetty, Jeannie Mai Jenkins, Deepica Mutyala, Anjali Bhimani, Francia Raisa, Richa Moorjani, Saagar Shaikh, Yvonne Orji, and Anita Chatterjee. The evening celebrated culture, community, and couture — uniting Hollywood and Bollywood under one creative roof.
For Dongre, this new Beverly Hills home is more than just a store. It is a bridge between two storytelling cultures — Hollywood and Bollywood — both of which celebrate identity, beauty, and emotion. “Fashion becomes a bridge when it carries cultural heritage with pride,” she said. “With a space in LA, we can deepen our connection with stylists and artists, and create a haven where creativity and craftsmanship coexist.”
Rooted in Rajasthan, Dongre has long supported India’s artisan communities through initiatives that preserve and contemporize weaving, embroidery, and block printing, providing sustainable livelihoods to thousands of craftspeople. As she continues to expand globally, her commitment to conscious luxury, cultural authenticity, and women’s empowerment remains unwavering — a reminder that true luxury lies in purpose, not excess.
Every year, the desert town of Pushkar in Rajasthan bursts into color and celebration as thousands gather for the Pushkar Camel Fair — one of India’s most vibrant and unique cultural festivals. Originally a simple livestock trading event, the fair has evolved into a global attraction that beautifully blends tradition, spirituality, and festivity.
The fairgrounds become a spectacle of life and color, where decorated camels parade proudly through the sands, their owners showcasing years of skill and care through intricate ornaments and vivid fabrics. Camel races, beauty contests, and mustache competitions draw enthusiastic crowds, each event filled with laughter, pride, and an undeniable sense of community spirit.
Visitors are invited to dive into the essence of Rajasthan by participating in interactive experiences such as turban-tying contests, traditional dances, and camel safaris that meander through the golden dunes. As dusk falls, the air fills with the rhythm of drums and the swirls of Ghoomar dancers, creating a mesmerizing scene beneath the desert sky.
For photography enthusiasts, the fair offers endless inspiration — from portraits of local traders and performers to the warm hues of desert sunsets. Many even take part in the “Frame of the Fair” competition to capture the heart of Pushkar through their lenses.
No visit is complete without indulging in Rajasthan’s flavorful cuisine. Food stalls across the fairgrounds serve up classics like dal baati churma, spicy kachoris, and sweet malpua, turning every bite into a celebration of taste and tradition.
Steeped in history, the Pushkar Camel Fair dates back to the 19th century when local tribes gathered to trade camels and livestock. Over time, it transformed into a cultural and religious gathering that now coincides with the sacred Hindu month of Kartik, culminating on Kartik Purnima — a day when devotees bathe in Pushkar Lake for spiritual purification.
Today, the fair stands as a symbol of Rajasthan’s enduring charm and resilience, merging ancient customs with modern attractions such as hot air balloon rides and photography tours. It’s not just an event — it’s an experience that brings people together from across the world to witness the incredible spirit of Rajasthan in full bloom.
Written by Intern Queeny George M.H , Team Allycaral
Rajasthan has become the first and only state in India to actively implement the Supreme Court’s orders on the feeding of stray dogs. This move comes after months of national-level debate around whether feeding strays in public spaces is a right or a nuisance. The Supreme Court eventually took up the matter with seriousness, emphasizing that a humane, regulated, and public-health-conscious approach must be taken.
Acting on this, Rajasthan has begun setting up designated ‘feeding spots’ across urban areas, specifically for stray dogs, often referred to as Indies. These spots will not only ensure that feeding is carried out in an orderly and hygienic manner but also serve as a location point for further care — such as vaccinations and sterilisation. This aligns with the court’s recommendation to both feed and control the population through responsible methods.
India’s stray dog population is a staggering one. As per varying data, the number ranges anywhere between 15 million to nearly 60 million. With such numbers, concerns over animal health, public sanitation, and human-animal conflict are understandable. However, Rajasthan’s initiative is an example of balancing empathy with action.
This thoughtful step reflects a friendlier attitude toward street animals while still addressing public safety concerns. It affirms the understanding that stray dogs, though ownerless, are still living beings deserving of structured care and kindness. The decision to introduce feeding zones makes Rajasthan the first mover in a nationwide conversation around animal rights, urban responsibility, and compassionate coexistence.
As India continues to urbanize, such policies may well become essential parts of modern civic planning. Rajasthan has shown that compassion and governance can go hand in hand — and perhaps other states will soon follow.
Panaji, April 17, 2025 : The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, is pleased to announce its participation in the 14th edition of the Great Indian Travel Bazaar (GITB) 2025, scheduled to take place from 4th to 6th May 2025 in Jaipur, Rajasthan.
Organised by the Government of Rajasthan; the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India; and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), GITB is one of India’s premier travel marts. It serves as a dynamic platform to showcase the country’s diverse tourism offerings to a wide network of international buyers and key industry stakeholders.
Goa’s participation in this prestigious event highlights its commitment to strengthening its footprint in the global tourism market. The Department aims to leverage this opportunity to forge new collaborations, expand outreach, and promote Goa as a year-round destination that offers far more than its celebrated coastline.
Through a series of B2B meetings, business networking opportunities, and interactive sessions, Goa Tourism will highlight the state’s evolving tourism ecosystem. From heritage trails and vibrant cultural experiences to nature and wellness tourism, hinterland adventures, and Regenerative Tourism initiatives, the Goa pavilion will present a holistic view of the state’s unique and responsible tourism practices.
Speaking ahead of the event, Shri Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, said, “Goa’s participation at GITB 2025 marks yet another opportunity to highlight the state’s rich and multifaceted identity. While its beaches are globally celebrated, there’s much more to discover — from vibrant cultural traditions and distinctive festivals to verdant hinterlands and meaningful, sustainable travel experiences. Our past participation in GITB has been fruitful, and this year we continue that tradition by showcasing Goa as a destination that is both timeless and ever-evolving.” Delegates and visitors to the Goa Pavilion can expect meaningful interactions with tourism officials, insights into new initiatives, and curated travel experiences crafted for both domestic and international markets.
Goa Tourism warmly invites all travel professionals, buyers, and industry partners to visit Team Goa at the Great Indian Travel Bazaar 2025 and explore the many stories that make Goa a destination like no other.
