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Economic Times
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Economic Times
'No one's getting married… but everyone's invited': Indians abroad join the ‘Fake Indian wedding' trend
Agencies A unique celebration is heading to Frankfurt this summer. On August 9, the German city will host a large-scale 'fake wedding' event, complete with wedding decor, choreographed entries, and dancing baraatis - but no actual marriage. The event named under 'Band Baaja Baarat- No one's getting married… but EVERYONE's invited' is drawing attention for offering a wedding-themed party without the pressure or commitments of a real event will give guests a chance to enjoy the best parts of a wedding - DJ sets, cocktails, dance performances, and a curated guest list along with the traditional rituals, but minus the family drama. 'No Drama, Just Dancing': What to expect in the 'wedding' According to event teasers and past editions, the August 9 event will feature: Delhi-NCR sets the stage for the trend While the concept is now reaching Europe, Delhi-NCR has already seen a wave of such celebrations over the past few months. Social media is full of videos from 'fake weddings' held at local clubs and event venues across Gurugram and South Delhi, where guests dress up in lehengas and sherwanis for an all-night party without an actual couple tying the events are typically designed around a fully staged wedding setup, complete with varmala exchanges, photographers, and even impromptu skits. Guests often play roles, from bride and groom to enthusiastic relatives. The aim is to relive or simulate a big fat Indian wedding without the social and financial strings attached. What's driving the popularity of 'fake weddings'? The rise of fake weddings, especially among millennials and Gen Z, points to a shift in how social gatherings are being reimagined. Organizers say these parties offer a blend of nostalgia and freedom - allowing people to experience the grandeur of a wedding celebration without the associated cultural connection with weddings has made it a natural ground for the rising trend of fake wedding events. In fast-paced urban environments where traditional celebrations are less frequent, these events offer an opportunity for people to reconnect with familiar rituals in a light-hearted setting. With no real marriage involved, the focus is purely on enjoyment, highlighting how modern audiences are embracing celebration as an experience in the format also creates space for inclusive celebrations - open to singles, couples, and groups of friends alike, without the cultural restrictions of a traditional ceremony. (Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates) Elevate your knowledge and leadership skills at a cost cheaper than your daily tea. Apple has a new Indian-American COO. What it needs might be a new CEO. Central banks' existential crisis — between alchemy and algorithm What if Tata Motors buys Iveco's truck unit? Will it propel or drag like JLR? Paid less than plumbers? The real story of freshers' salaries at Infy, TCS. Stock Radar: HDFC AMC gives a breakout from Cup & Handle pattern to hit fresh highs – time to buy or book profits? These large-caps have 'strong buy' & 'buy' recos and an upside potential of more than 20% Weekly Top Picks: These stocks scored 10 on 10 on Stock Reports Plus Stock picks of the week: 4 stocks with consistent score improvement and return potential of more than 19% in 1 year
Economic Times
3 days ago
- Economic Times
This Indian city just outranked Italy's Florence in tourist favourites of 2025
Agencies Rajasthan's capital Jaipur has outranked Italy's Florence in the 'World's Best Awards' 2025 survey by global travel publication Travel + Leisure. Voted by international tourists, Jaipur earned a spot among the top five cities in the world for travel, culture, and overall visitor experience, placing ahead of several iconic global also known as the Pink City, ranked 5th on the list with a score of 91.33, ahead of Florence, which placed 11th with a score of 90.08. Travel + Leisure described Jaipur as a must-see destination, praising its opulent hotels, world-class shopping, and vibrant cultural heritage. ALSO READ: Air India restores some international services after June accident Topping the list was San Miguel de Allende in Mexico, recognized for its unique cultural atmosphere and affordability. According to the publication's survey, respondents highlighted attractions such as centrally located museums, botanical gardens, and boutique shopping. Many also cited the city's vibrant art scene and a packed calendar of annual events, including the San Miguel Writers' Conference & Literary Festival, as key reasons for its high ranking. ALSO READ: The billionaire exodus: Why India's rich are heading abroad The historic northern city of Chiang Mai in Thailand ranked second with a score of 91.94. The city is known for its unparalleled combination of cultural sites, shopping, cuisine, and access to nature. Chiang Mai's excellent luxury hotels are another reason it continues to rate among top cities in the world, according to Travel + Leisure readers, are those that truly have it all—"phenomenal attractions, superlative hotels, electric dining scenes, and world-class vibes that simply don't quit." ALSO READ: Travel cuts, safety worries: Why business trips to the US are being grounded "Voters, it seems, are most enthusiastic about those sorts of places that demand attention by virtue of their magnetism. Many of the biggest names on this list will be familiar to global travelers, but a few of this year's favorites may come as a surprise. It's proof that, when it comes to seeing the world's greatest cities, there's always more to explore." Here is the list of top 10 best cities for tourists San Miguel de Allende, Mexico Chiang Mai, Thailand Tokyo, Japan Bangkok, Thailand Jaipur, India Hoi An, Vietnam Mexico City Kyoto, Japan Ubud, Bali Cuzco, Peru (Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates) Elevate your knowledge and leadership skills at a cost cheaper than your daily tea. What's keeping real retail investors out of the Nvidia rally If data is the new oil, are data centres the smokestacks of the digital age? The hybrid vs. EV rivalry: Why Maruti and Mahindra pull in different directions. What's best? Instagram and YouTube make billions off creators. Should they pay up for their mental health? Trent trips on the ramp. Is it still worth the splurge or time to change brands? Best way to deal with volatility, just ' Hold' for wealth creation: 7 large-cap stocks with an upside potential of up to 41% Stock picks of the week: 5 stocks with consistent score improvement with an upside potential of 16 to 38% in 1 year Headwinds, yes, but long-term story intact. 7 stocks from the engineering sector with upside potential from 21 to 42%
Economic Times
16-07-2025
- Business
- Economic Times
Indian tourist in US caught stealing items worth nearly $1,000 from Target
Agencies An Indian tourist was arrested on the spot in the United States for allegedly shoplifting nearly $1,000 worth of items from a Target store. In the video, Avlani, the Indian tourist, is seen pleading with officers to let her pay for the items she allegedly tried to take. 'Why can't I just pay for it?' she asks, to which an officer replies, 'We're way, way, way past that. You committed a felony.' 'But if I'm paying for it, what is the harm?' she said. 'It would have been fine if you didn't leave, right? You would have had that opportunity to pay. But because you left the store at that point, you chose to not pay for it, and we can't go back," said the official in the video. A police bodycam video of the incident has now gone viral. Watch video here: The moment of her arrest was captured and shared by the independent YouTube channel @BodyCamEdition, which uploads raw police footage. The viral has garnered is about to reach 1 million views in just two days. What will the impact of this incident? Legal experts say that such an incident can carry serious consequences, especially for foreign nationals. 'Regardless, this is a Crime Involving Moral Turpitude, namely one that involves dishonesty and could have serious consequences,' Alen Takhsh, a US-based immigration attorney, told TOI. 'If you are in the US on a student visa, an arrest for shoplifting, let alone a conviction, could result in your visa being revoked. If you are in the US on a visitor or work visa, it could lead to you not being allowed to re-enter the US in the future.' (Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates) Elevate your knowledge and leadership skills at a cost cheaper than your daily tea. Leadership shakeups cloud Ola Electric's revival attempts Trent trips on the ramp. Is it still worth the splurge or time to change brands? Just before the Air India crash, did India avert another deadly mishap? Can Indian IT protect its high valuation as AI takes centre stage? Stock Radar: Why is Hindustan Zinc looking good for a short-term bounce after falling over 35% from highs? These large-caps have 'strong buy' & 'buy' recos and an upside potential of more than 25% Buy, Sell or Hold: Motilal Oswal maintains buy rating on HCL Tech; ICICI Securities maintains sell call on Tata Technologies Consolidation: An opportunity or threat? Depends on…. 5 mid-cap stocks from different sectors with upside potential of over 26%
Economic Times
13-07-2025
- Economic Times
UK visa in hand? Five European destinations Indian travellers can visit without any extra paperwork
iStock Indian citizens holding a valid, multiple-entry UK visa can explore five European countries without needing separate Schengen or local visas, as long as specific conditions are met. This visa-linked access provides Indian travellers with expanded travel opportunities across parts of Europe while reducing paperwork and visa costs. Who qualifies The travel privilege is extended to Indian passport holders with a multiple-entry UK visa that has already been used at least once to enter the UK. The visa must be valid for the entire duration of the traveller's stay in the destination country. The traveller must also carry supporting documentation, including a valid passport, return ticket, hotel bookings, and proof of financial means. The 5 countries Indian travellers can visit 1. Serbia Visitors with a valid, multiple-entry UK visa (used at least once) are eligible for visa‑free travel for up to 90 days within a 180‑day period. Ideal experiences for travellers include strolling Belgrade's historic Fortress, exploring the bohemian quarter Skadarlija, and enjoying Serbia's vibrant nightlife. 2. Albania Entry is allowed for up to 90 days within a 180‑day window, with the same visa conditions as Serbia . Travel destinations include rugged Albanian Alps, Ionian beach camping, historic fortress towns, and Balkan cuisine. 3. Montenegro Indian travelers with a UK visa valid for their entire stay can enter visa‑free for up to 30 days. Must-visit spots include the Bay of Kotor and Ostrog Monastery, stunning natural and historic attractions. 4. Ireland Under the British-Irish Visa Scheme (BIVS), those holding a valid short‑stay UK visa (Type C) may enter Ireland for up to 90 days, provided they first enter the UK. Travellers can enjoy Ireland's literary heritage, emerald landscapes, traditional whiskey bars, and wellness tourism. 5. Georgia Indian passport holders with a valid UK visa or UK residence permit can stay in Georgia visa‑free for up to 90 days in a 180‑day period. Georgia offers wine tourism, cave monasteries like Vardzia, mountain views, and ancient architecture Travel precautions Always check visa validity before boarding. Carry proof of accommodation and travel insurance. Be aware that immigration officers may ask for evidence that the UK visa has been used. Why it mattersFor frequent travellers, business professionals, and students, a UK visa offers access to non-Schengen countries without additional bureaucracy. This is particularly useful given long Schengen processing times and high visa relaxations are part of broader tourism strategies by smaller European nations aiming to attract more Indian tourists. For Indian travellers, it translates to greater mobility and more affordable European holidays. (With TOI inputs) (Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates) Elevate your knowledge and leadership skills at a cost cheaper than your daily tea. Markets need to see more than profits from Oyo As GenAI puts traditional BPO on life support, survival demands a makeover Is gold always the best bet? Think again Why this one from 'Dirty Dozen', now in Vedanta fold, is again in a mess Can Indian IT protect its high valuation as AI takes centre stage? F&O Radar| Deploy Bull Call Spread in Nifty for gains from volatility amid uptrend Aggressive? Yes, but better for investors with a risk appetite: 6 small private bank stocks with upside potential up to 36% in 1 year In mid-caps, 'just hold' often creates wealth: 10 mid-cap stocks from different sectors with upside potential up to 44%
Economic Times
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Economic Times
Indians replicate 'Ganga Aarti' on Canadian Riverbank, prompt calls to clean the real Ganga back home
A group of Indians in Canada recently recreated the Ganga Aarti on the banks of the Credit River in Erindale Park, Mississauga. The event, held on July 4 and hosted by Radio Dhishum, featured traditional devotional rituals, including bhajans, shloka chanting, aarti thalis, and diyas lit under the open Canadian sky. The video, first shared by Instagram user Priyanka Gupta, captured the full ceremony and has since gone viral. Gupta, who has lived in Canada for over a decade, posted it with the caption: 'Ganga Aarti in Canada — A Divine Vibe, Miles from the Ganges... Not on the ghats of Varanasi or Haridwar, but right here in Canada. Living abroad doesn't mean letting go of who we are... we weren't NRIs, we were just Indians — connected, grounded, and grateful.' The ceremony was designed to replicate the revered Ganga Aarti performed daily on the ghats of India's most sacred river. It included all major components of the ritual, adapted for the local setting. Participants carried out the chanting and lighting of lamps with traditional precision, while families and children took part in the devotional music and prayers. The event is part of a broader trend where Indian communities abroad are recreating familiar religious and cultural ceremonies in new environments. While the Credit River is geographically and culturally distinct from the Ganga, the ceremony served as a symbolic gesture of devotion and remembrance of home. Online reactions: Devotion, doubts, and debate The video received a mix of responses online. Many users praised the effort to preserve Indian culture abroad. 'Har Har Gange — what a feel through this reel,' one commenter however, questioned the practice of performing a ritual specific to the Ganga River on a waterbody thousands of miles away. 'Hope they don't start polluting Canadian rivers like the Ganga,' one user remarked, while another added, 'Doing aarti in front of any river doesn't make it Ganga Aarti. Return to your own country if you crave for it so much.'A few struck a different tone, reflecting on the conditions back home. 'Come back home, let's clean the Ganga river,' one user posted, alluding to the ongoing environmental challenges facing the river in the ceremony was intended as a cultural and spiritual expression, it has reignited conversations about the meaning of religious practice in the diaspora and how traditions adapt, or clash, when taken beyond their geographic origins. (Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates) Elevate your knowledge and leadership skills at a cost cheaper than your daily tea. India's gas dream runs on old pipes. Can a European fix unclog the future? Did Jane Street manipulate Indian market or exploit its shallowness? Newton vs. industry: Inside new norms that want your car to be more fuel-efficient Is gold always the best bet? Think again Do bank stress tests continue to serve their intended purpose? These large- and mid-cap stocks can give more than 24% return in 1 year, according to analysts Suited for the long term, even with headwinds: 8 stocks from healthcare & pharma sectors with upside potential of up to 39% Stock picks of the week: 5 stocks with consistent score improvement and return potential of more than 22% in 1 year
