Ms. Lavina Vishwanath Pai Bir has achieved a remarkable milestone by securing First Place in Bharatanatyam at the International Indian Art Festival (IIAF) held in Vietnam. Her dedication, discipline, and love for the art form have culminated in this prestigious recognition on an international stage.
A devoted student of classical dance, Lavina’s journey is deeply rooted in years of rigorous training under her Nritya Guru, Jhaanvi Bondre of the Siddhakala Dance Institute. Her performance not only showcased technical precision but also conveyed the spiritual depth and expressive grace that define Bharatanatyam.
This proud accomplishment reflects the collective effort and guidance of her Guru, the unwavering support of her family, and her own artistic commitment. It is a moment of joy and inspiration for the Siddhakala Dance Institute, and a source of immense pride for the Pai Bir and Kenkre families.
Lavina’s victory at IIAF Vietnam stands as a shining example of how Indian classical dance continues to inspire and connect cultures across borders — celebrating the timeless beauty of tradition through the language of art.
Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Travel Desk
Happiness means different things to different people, but sometimes, numbers tell a story of their own. According to Time Out’s City Life Index 2025, Mumbai has been named the happiest city in Asia, with an overwhelming 94% of residents saying that their city makes them happy. The global survey, which asked over 18,000 people across the world about their cities, measured factors such as culture, nightlife, food, quality of life, and overall positivity.
The findings reveal that 89% of Mumbaikars feel happier in Mumbai than anywhere else, 88% say people in the city seem cheerful, and 87% believe happiness in Mumbai has grown recently. Experts point to Mumbai’s entertainment scene, diverse street food, and dynamic career opportunities as key drivers of this positivity. But perhaps more than anything, it’s the city’s deep sense of belonging, resilience, and community spirit that makes it stand out.
“Mumbai has always been more than just a city — it’s an emotion,” said one respondent. “Even in its chaos, there’s connection. Everyone’s chasing dreams together.”
Following Mumbai in the rankings are Beijing and Shanghai, where 93% and 92% of locals, respectively, reported feeling happy in their cities. Both scored high on safety, culture, and convenience and have been recognized as top destinations for Gen Z professionals due to their innovation and modern lifestyle.
Chiang Mai in Thailand and Hanoi in Vietnam also made it to the top five, each with 88% of residents saying their city makes them happy. Both cities were praised for their slower pace of life, community-driven living, and green environments — appealing to those seeking balance and connection.
Not all megacities fared equally well. Tokyo, Seoul, and Singapore ranked lower, with Tokyo recording just 70% of residents saying they feel happy in their city — a figure that experts link to long working hours and high pressure.
The top 10 happiest cities in Asia for 2025 are:
Mumbai, India
Beijing, China
Shanghai, China
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Hanoi, Vietnam
Jakarta, Indonesia
Hong Kong
Bangkok, Thailand
Singapore
Seoul, South Korea
The results underline that the happiest cities are not necessarily the richest or most modern, but those with a strong sense of community and joy in everyday life. In 2025, Mumbai’s blend of ambition, culture, and connection has made it a symbol of urban happiness — proving that in the city of dreams, the biggest dream of all is simply to belong.
