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Economic Times
7 days ago
- Business
- Economic Times
What drives the unstoppable growth of India's wedding economy?
All that jazz There was a time when marriages in an Indian household were arranged through references. This changed in the 1970s-80s when newspaper matrimonial ads became the primary medium for finding alliances. The 21st c. brought a bigger shift with the rise of dating websites, soon overtaken by mobile a significant portion of India's 600 mn unmarried individuals can be found on these platforms. Together, they form the foundation of the massive marriage industry, one that's proven resistant to both recession and inflation. Our demographic dividend is a major concern when it comes to jobs. But when it comes to matrimony, there are few constraints. An estimated 11-12 mn weddings take place each year, involving 22-24 mn individuals. With a potential pool of 600 mn unmarried people, the wedding economy is vast, and growing. Spending on weddings has surged across all income levels, with even those at the bottom of the pyramid trying to emulate the lavishness of the top. Thorstein Veblen's theory of conspicuous consumption - 'keeping up with the Joneses', or, perhaps, more suitably, 'with the Agarwals' - has become the norm. The journey typically begins with dating platforms, where the search for a partner can start for as little as ₹1,000. From there, it extends to matrimonial websites and elite sweetheart brokers who offer more curated matchmaking services, often including background checks. Together, these services cater to a wide spectrum of users. Dating platforms alone are estimated to have a turnover of around ₹8,000 cr, with 80-90 mn persons actively using has reported that the wedding market is the second-largest retail segment in India, second only to food. Weddings are expensive affairs, typically involving spending on venues, catering, wedding planners, event managers, decorators, make-up artists and DJs - especially for the ubiquitous sangeet, a tradition now gaining popularity even in southern and eastern states. These celebrations often stretch over several days, with significant outlays not just by the bride's and groom's families, but also by guests - on clothing, jewellery and gifts. Destination weddings, which have grown increasingly common, add travel costs for 100-200 guests to the overall spend. At the lower end, a wedding may cost ₹3-5 lakh, with the average hovering around ₹10-12 lakh across India's roughly 10 mn marriages each year. At the upper end, lavish weddings can cost ₹3-5 cr or more, depending on the scale and the 'statement' the hosts wish to make. As a result, the Indian wedding industry is valued at ₹11-12 lakh cr. India Brand Equity Foundation's estimate: ₹10.8 lakh cr ($130 bn). Beyond visible expenses, there's also the oft-unspoken cost of 'gifting' - the usual euphemism for dowry - which can include property, luxury vehicles, jewellery and furniture. The scale and spread of wedding-related spending have a significant multiplier effect across several sectors, particularly services. For instance, a single wedding can employ 100-200 people on a gig basis, providing a temporary, but vital, boost to the informal does economics explain this process? Nobel Prize-winning economists Alvin Roth and Lloyd Shapley developed a matching algorithm that underpins much of the logic behind modern dating platforms. These platforms have adapted and scaled such algorithms to bring potential partners together efficiently. Once a match is made, behavioural economics kicks in. The bandwagon effect prompts couples to emulate popular wedding trends, leading to a demonstration effect - where weddings evolve into multi-day spectacles to uphold social appearances. As the number of affluent individuals in India has grown, so has the snob value attached to weddings. This has fuelled demand for differentiators such as destination weddings, themed ceremonies and even celebrity appearances, each adding a premium to the overall wedding industry is notably recession-proof and is projected to grow to ₹18-20 lakh cr over the next five years. While Covid temporarily disrupted the trend - with online weddings becoming a brief norm - those days are behind us. Much like companies calling employees back to office, society, too, has returned to full-scale, in-person celebrations. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this column are that of the writer. The facts and opinions expressed here do not reflect the views of Elevate your knowledge and leadership skills at a cost cheaper than your daily tea. Tech company CEO shown the door is back with AI bang In the NSE vs. BSE battle, the real winner will be someone else Arrest of Pak spies signal the changing face of grey zone warfare Can inclusive growth dividend transform economic security in India? 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The Hindu
29-05-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Dhun, a new wellness centre in Mumbai wants to rewrite the urban reset
In a city that moves at full tilt, entrepreneur Mira Kapoor is asking us to slow down. With the launch of Dhun Wellness in Mumbai's Bandra, she has created an in-city luxury wellness sanctuary, built on the idea that wellbeing should not be a getaway, but a rhythm you return to every day. Tucked along Mumbai's high-energy Linking Road, Dhun occupies a quietly transformative 6,000 square foot space. Inside, it is all muted tones, curved walls (to resemble a mother's womb), and soft light. A sensory cocoon designed not to remove you from urban life, but to restore you within it. There are 13 treatment rooms, three private consultation suites, and recovery lounges that mirror the circadian rhythm. Materials echo terracotta and desert sand, and light moves softly through each zone. 'Our logo is inspired by music — it's a symbol for one beat of rest,' says Mira. 'Because only when you pause, can you hear what your body's trying to say.' Wellness, without the weekend trip India's wellness industry is booming. According to the India Brand Equity Foundation, it is projected to grow to $256.9 billion (₹21.38 lakh crore) by 2033. But while retreats and destination spas continue to flourish, Dhun flips the model. You do not have to leave the city. You just have to show up. For Mira, who has long been an advocate for integrative health (through her work with brands like Akind and Zama Organics), this space is personal. 'Ayurveda's been part of my life for over a decade. What drew me to it is how it addresses the root cause — not just the symptoms — and respects your unique body constitution. Dhun builds on that idea.' At the centre of Dhun's offering are its curated seven-day wellness programmes for gut restoration, sleep, stress management, cleanse and reset, and women's health. Each programme combines ancient practices with clinical insights, from hormone testing to Ayurvedic oil therapies. Guiding the experience is wellness director Sujit Kumar Gupta, an integrative health expert with over 20 years of experience in functional medicine, Eastern therapies, and biohacking (making incremental changes to one's body, diet, and lifestyle to improve one's health and well-being.) 'Everyone's needs are different, and we wanted to reflect that across modalities,' says Mira. 'Whether you're coming in for gut work or stress relief, you'll find a mix of diagnostics, energy work, and body-led therapies under one roof.' The philosophy Facials here are far from formulaic. Ethera, crafted for Dhun by Japanese facialist Mariko Hiyama, is a sculpting ritual that blends gentle yet precise pressure to release facial tension and boost circulation. Other options include the Manual Biologique Recherche Facelift, also known as Soin Lift C.V.S. Targeted at mature or sluggish skin, it uses high-potency actives with the Jacquet-Leroy massage technique (a facial massage technique that involves deep, gentle pinching movements to stimulate circulation and improve lymphatic drainage). Each treatment can be paired with Cryotherapy or the Red Light Bed — two regenerative tools aimed at reducing inflammation, boosting collagen, and aiding sleep. Modern intent Dhun's treatment menu is rooted in tradition. The Abhyanga massage is a full-body oil ritual that combines Ayurvedic strokes with contemporary technique to encourage detox and rebalance energy flow. Shirodhara, where warm oil flows gently across the forehead, is meant to be calming, grounding, and particularly helpful for Vata and Pitta dosha (life forces) imbalances. Udvartanam, a dry herbal scrub massage, works to improve circulation, and is supposed to leave the skin smooth. But what could set Dhun apart is its integration of emotional therapies. The Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) blends acupressure, tapping, and modern psychology. Used alongside a specially tuned set of singing bowls, it aims to release trauma, calm the nervous system, and bring clarity. 'It's ideal for people seeking emotional release in a way that's gentle but powerful,' Mira explains. Everything at Dhun has been designed to feel intuitive, not clinical. 'There's no one-size-fits-all path to wellness,' Mira adds. 'What we've built is more like a platform — a place where you can tune in, take stock, and find what works for you.' Dhun Wellness opens June 2; address: 7th Floor, Cozy Nook, 30/36 Cross Linking Road, Bandra (W); time: 11am to 7pm
India.com
15-05-2025
- Business
- India.com
Modi govt takes BIG action against Turkey for supporting Pakistan; India to review deals with Turkish firms worth Rs...
(File) Turkey, along with China, were among the few nations that openly supported Pakistan during its recent conflict with India, a move that has forced New Delhi to rethink its future engagements with Ankara on various matters, including trade and diplomatic ties. According to a media report, Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Central government is re-assessing deals signed with Turkish companies in sectors ranging from automobile to IT, metro rail to tunnels. Deals signed with Turkish firms under scanner As per a report by News18, post Operation Sindoor, the Modi government has put all business agreements with Turkish firms under the scanner, and these deals are being reassessed, which may lead to many of them being terminated. 'All projects involving Turkish firms are under scrutiny, government is re-assessing all ties including the ones which ended,' the report quoted an official as saying, wishing to be anonymous. The official revealed that the government is currently collecting and compiling data deeds related to each engagement across the public and private sector projects, the report said. According to the report, Turkish companies are running projects across various sectors in at least five Indian states — Uttar Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Delhi. Additionally, India has signed MoUs with Turkish firms across sectors ranging from IT to automobile, and construction metro rail networks to tunnels. A Turkish company bagged the contract for the electromechanical part for Atal tunnel in J&K in 2020, while in 2024, another firm inked an MoU with RVNL for the metro rail project. India-Turkey trade ties Over the last decade, India and Turkey have signed several MoUs ranging from telecommunication, culture, education, media, and diplomacy, which Ankara has invested in key sectors including construction, manufacturing, aviation, and metro rail infrastructure. According to a February 2025 report by the India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF)– a trust established by the Union Commerce Ministry's Department of Commerce– Turkey occupies the 45th position in FDI equity inflows into India with a cumulative FDI number of US$ 240.18 million from April 2000-September 2024, the report stated. Bilateral trade between India and Turkey stood at $ 10.4 billion during FY24. New Delhi's changing stance on Ankara post Op Sindoor However, Turkey's recent stance with regards to Pakistan and its repeated support on Kashmir issue for Islamabad at global forums, has forced New Delhi to recalibrate its its economic and diplomatic ties with Ankara. After Operation Sindoor, the Narendra Modi government is now decisively shifting its economic policy with Ankara, and all business deals with Turkish firms are being scrutinised. 'All agreements are being scrutinised. But some MoUs or trade deals or project tie ups were done on a long-term basis. They might not be affected following the current geo-political situation. However, the emerging circumstances and Turkey's continuous interference over the Kashmir issue may adversely affect the growth of investments or any future trade deals,' the News18 report quoted a senior trade expert, working with the Commerce Ministry, as saying.
India.com
15-05-2025
- Business
- India.com
India Ranks Among Top Six Nations Globally In 6G Patent Filings
New Delhi: India entered amongst top six countries globally in 6G patent filing, said Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, the Minister of State for Communications at the BHARAT 6G 2025 conference. The country has sanctioned over Rs 300 crore (USD 35.14 million) for over 111 research projects, marking a significant milestone in pursuing 6G technology. "6G will operate on TeraHertz frequency bands, enabling data rates up to one terabit per second, 100 times faster than 5G," the minister added. According to a release by the India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF), the adoption of 6G technology will "create entirely new industries and revolutionise existing ones" and is expected to contribute Rs 85,37,000 crore (USD 1 trillion) to India's economy by 2035. The minister, during the conference, showed confidence in India's vast talent pool and emphasised that "there is no reason the country should not lead in 6G." "He also noted that indigenous 6G development will ensure secure communications, developed and managed within India, further strengthening the nation's position in the global technology landscape." Additionally, this year's Convergence India & 10th Smart Cities India Expo features advancements in 5G & 6G, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Big Data, IoT, Cybersecurity, Augmented & Virtual Reality (AR/VR), Embedded Tech, Fintech, Urban Mobility, and Smart City Solutions. Meanwhile, during the Indian Mobile Congress (IMC) telecom industry leaders discussed India's tremendous opportunity in advancing 6G technology at the 8th Edition of Indian Mobile Congress (IMC) 2024. And the event saw the inauguration of International 6G Symposium, launch of Telecom Smart Cities Index by OpenSignal and Workshop with Academicians of 5G Test Labs among other major activities.
News18
15-05-2025
- Business
- News18
From Kashmir To Delhi, Tunnels To Metros: India To Re-Assess Billion-Dollar Turkish Deals
Last Updated: Turkey's repeated remarks on Kashmir at international forums and its growing alignment with Pakistan have not gone unnoticed in New Delhi. From automobile to IT, metro rail to tunnel – with Turkish firms and companies operating across at least five states – Gujarat, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, and Delhi, along with several MoUs signed across sectors – the bilateral trade between the two nations stood at US$ 10.4 billion during FY24. 'Turkey occupies the 45th position in FDI equity inflows into India with a cumulative FDI number of US$ 240.18 million from April 2000-September 2024," reveals a review report, dated February, 2025 by India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF), a trust established by the Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. These investments span strategic sectors like construction, manufacturing, aviation, and metro rail infrastructure and also knowledge sharing sectors like education and media. Meanwhile, several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) have also been signed between the two nations over the last decade — ranging from trade in poppy seeds to cooperation in telecommunications, culture, education, media and even diplomacy. But behind the scenes, a quiet yet deliberate shift is underway after Operation Sindoor. The Modi government is now working systematically to reassess and scrutinise — and in some cases, terminate — Turkish business agreements and projects in India. A senior official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that 'all projects involving Turkish firms are under scrutiny, government is re-assessing all ties including the ones which ended," adding that the government is currently focused on collecting, compiling detailed data and deeds related to each engagement across the public and private sector projects. In 2020, a Turkish company was assigned the electromechanical part for Atal tunnel in J&K and in 2024, RVNL signed a MoU with another Turkish company for the metro rail project. Turkey's repeated remarks on Kashmir at international forums and its growing alignment with Pakistan have not gone unnoticed in New Delhi. But, the Modi government, typically cautious about open retaliatory moves, earlier appeared to be recalibrating its economic and strategic exposure to Ankara through what insiders describe as a 'silent unwind' of bilateral business ties. However, post Operation Sindoor, and what followed next, the government has now decided to bring a shift in its bilateral policy with the country. Talking to News 18, a senior trade expert, working with the ministry said, 'All agreements are being scrutinised. But some MoUs or trade deals or project tie ups were done on a long-term basis. They might not be affected following the current geo-political situation. However, the emerging circumstances and Turkey's continuous interference over the Kashmir issue may adversely affect the growth of investments or any future trade deals." Among the key Turkish players in India, there are construction companies involved in metro rail projects in cities like Lucknow, Pune, and Mumbai. A firm, through its joint venture with an Indian industry, has established a manufacturing unit in Gujarat, while another aviation company, seen as a prominent Turkish entity, operates in Indian airports. These are not small footprints – they represent critical infrastructure and public-facing services, said the senior official. Significantly, the 2017 visit of Turkish president Erdoğan to India had led to a flurry of cooperation agreements, including media collaboration, and training partnerships between diplomatic academies. But nearly eight years on, those promises of synergy are now giving way to a sterner reality – economic distancing born out of geopolitical divergence. For now, the Modi government has chosen a low-decibel approach. As of now, no official cancellation has been announced, but the intent is unmistakable. As India asserts itself globally, partnerships that do not align with its core strategic interests despite being economically viable may face a quiet exit. First Published: May 15, 2025, 08:36 IST
