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The Hindu
16 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Ever been to a fake wedding? It's the newest party trend in town
What's not to like about weddings? The food, the dance, the music, the gossip... But for those seeking a more relaxed experience without perhaps the unpleasant bump-ins, forced conversations or long queues for food, there's a new trend on the block — fake wedding events. It's quite simply a wedding without the bride and groom or the attendant stress and pressures of the ceremony. 'People want to dress up and go to a wedding. And at our parties, we don't want folks to simply turn up, have a few drinks, dance and leave. We want to give them the entire wedding experience — family-like bonding, great food, Insta-worthy photo-ops, and so on,' says Ayaan Vaid, co-founder of Delhi-based events company, Jumma Ki Raat. The company is one of the first to organise ticketed wedding-themed parties in India. Since its launch in October 2024, Jumma Ki Raat has organised two fake sangeet parties, the recent one held just last week. New age partying? Earlier this month, an invite to one such 'fake wedding' in Noida went viral on social media. The artfully designed invitation promised 'live band and dhol' and a complimentary alcoholic beverage while asking guests to be attired in traditional wear. Entry prices ranged from ₹999 to ₹1,499. The idea seems to have takers across India — bar and restaurant chain Lord of the Drinks organised fake sangeet nights at some of its outlets in Madhya Pradesh recently, as did Bengaluru's Raahi Neo Kitchen & Bar with a 'Big Fat Fake Indian Sangeet'. Bengaluru-based Third Place, Kolkata-based event organiser Blackout, and Auckland-based BollySphere have welcomed guests to similar events as well. A window into culture The fake wedding trend probably began in the U.S., where South Asian student bodies across campuses such as University of Washington Bothell and Cornell University have been organising mock wedding events for years. 'It's a way for students to experience South Asia beyond classrooms and textbooks,' says Avneet Mehr, a third-year student of biology and sociology at Cornell. This year's annual shaadi extravaganza (around two to three days long), complete with a mock bride and groom, organised by Cornell's South Asian Council, was attended by nearly 500 students, adds Mehr. Time to collab When you walk into a faux wedding event (with an average runtime of four to five hours), there's everything you need to make it seem real — elaborate decorations, marigold flowers, live bands, mehendi artists, photo booths and even an 'astro' parrot picking out fun cards to determine the romantic fate of the party-goers. 'Pinterest and social media pages of wedding planners are my go-to places for research when it comes to décor ideas. I even picked up the idea for gol-gappa shots online,' says Alisha Chouri, one of the founders of Mumbai-based Saddi Galli. The two-month-old brand has so far hosted three 'Scam Sangeet' events in Nagpur and Mumbai. Goa, Kolkata and Miami are their next stops. One of Saddi Galli's fake sangeet events, which was attended by nearly 800 guests, says Chouri, saw the company bring cosmetics brand Lakmé on board as a hairstyling and make-up partner. Tickets for such events can start at ₹299 and go up to ₹7,000. At Third Place's Sangeet Socials, collaborations take a musical turn. 'A songwriter friend of mine, actually released his original at our first Sangeet Social last week. It was a nice addition to the programme, to set the overall vibe of the event,' says Anurag Pandey, founder and CEO. He says that these events, while being all about fun and partying, must also result in a curated, thoughtful and meaningful experience. And to achieve that, the Sangeet Social isn't an 'open for all event'. Once the guests (capped at 40) sign up to attend the event (tickets are priced at ₹1,911 inclusive of food, drinks, games, and activities), they're expected to take a personality test, after which they are added to a waiting list. 'We organise the events in a way people can truly connect. We use an algorithm to thoughtfully curate groups and maintain diversity and confirm the guest's participation a day before the event,' says Pandey. It's also perhaps why the first Sangeet Social event, which included games like antakshari and a mehendi corner, kept things sober. 'At our event, people aren't just dancing at a bar and heading home drunk,' adds Pandey. Guests also walked out with a shagun ka lifaafa (gift envelope) that contained coupons to Barmen, the official drinks partner of the event. Not just a Gen Z affair It isn't just Gen Z flocking to such events for the promise of a good time. Vaid says their fake sangeet events (tickets priced between ₹800 and ₹3,000) have had encouraging participation from people in their 30s as well as early 40s. 'Honestly, we all want an excuse to dress up and dance to Bollywood music. We don't really get that opportunity often, especially in a safe space,' says 29-year-old Delhi-based businessman Anant Gupta, who has attended all of Jumma Ki Raat's events so far. Mumbai-based businessman Stanley Lawrence, 55, made a group outing out of Saddi Galli's Scam Sangeet event with his friends and colleagues. 'I was just curious to know what this fake sangeet was all about. But I didn't feel out of place. Not once did we see any of the kids there look at us and wonder why people of our age were at the party,' he says. Adds founder Chouri, 'One of the slightly older guests we hosted even told us he had more fun at our scam sangeet than he did at his own sangeet years ago. But are we trivialising tradition for the sake of a good time on the dance floor? It's the exact opposite, argues Vaid. 'We are in no way disrespecting our culture. If something like this was done abroad, people would've praised it for promoting Indian culture,' he says. For Chouri, who has other wedding-related event ideas in the pipeline already, there's so much the theme can do to quench the party-goer's appetite. But Pandey says that the trend might run its course soon, unless thoughtful curation draws focus. 'If you just host events, you won't be able to sustain it. But if you curate it and add nice themes to it, it will stick around.' The writer and theatre artist is based between Bengaluru and Delhi.
Hamilton Spectator
a day ago
- Hamilton Spectator
Purple haze: My daughter and I loved the splashes of colour during our day trip to lavender farms
No shrinking violets here, my daughter and I wanted some purple power. Beautiful purple lavender in a field at Kelso Lavender. After a hectic few months, Kate and I went looking for some downtime with added panache among lavender farms. 'I wanted to go to the lavender farms because I wanted to get outside and enjoy the weather and nature in my surrounding communities,' Kate said. 'I love being able to explore new and hidden gems in the GTA for a day trip with friends or family. Plus, I love the colour purple, so why not?!' Our day trip took us to Kelso Lavender in Milton and then, closer to home, Lavender Polo Farm in East Gwillimbury. The lavender was in full bloom at Kelso, with the fields awash in deep purple. Kate and I were pleased to see items placed through the farm among the lavender plants. Perfect for taking photos to post on social media. A piano placed in a field at Kelso Lavender. Items placed through the fields are great for staging photos. Kate and I sit in a carriage among the lavender plants at Kelso Lavender. As Kate said, 'a Canadian classic of normal and huge Muskoka chairs, flower arches, a carriage and a magical garden. It was all very 'Insta-worthy.'' We grabbed a selfie in a large Muskoka chair at Kelso Lavender. Kelso is a family-run farm, established in 2017. Home to more than 25,000 lavender plants and counting, the family uses organic farming methods with no herbicides or pesticides. After pausing by what we called the magical garden, which is fenced off from entry, we headed to the small store. 'I loved the gift shop and some of the unique things they had for sale,' Kate said. 'I loved the mini hand-painted prints by a local artist, the dried bouquets and the potted plants. Being able to bring a piece home with you and support small Canadian businesses is always a plus!' In the shop, we also found lavender maple syrup, natural and handmade soaps and shampoo bars, eye and neck pillows filled with lavender and other items. We each had a lavender ice cream. We were a bit disappointed the ice cream came in little cups rather than cones but the creaminess of the sweet treat made up for it. Kate was able to have a lavender ice cream — lavender, lemon, berry, in fact — in a cone when we got to Polo Lavender. The farm's tag line is 'Where Lavender Dreams Bloom.' Lavender Polo Farm in East Gwillimbury welcomes visitors with a sign. The website goes on to say, 'Step into a world of soft petals, serene scents and unforgettable memories. Follow the scent, find tranquility. Your perfect countryside escape begins here.' The lavender wasn't as deeply purple as it was at Kelso the day we visited on July 11. The brutal winter caused the plants to flower later than normal but the subsequent days of blistering temperatures have done wonders to get the lavender to blossom, owner Arthur Lin said. Trips to lavender farms are blooming, he said. Many people already make yearly trips to berry, apple and pumpkin farms. More and more, people are adding lavender farms to their must-do lists, Lin said. Lavender Polo is a 155-acre family-run farm, home to more than 100,000 blooming lavender plants and a variety of seasonal flowers, making it the largest lavender farm in Ontario, he said. The farm is divided into different types of lavender plots — super blue, phenomenal, Munstead and Melissa. The farm is called Lavender Polo because the polo-loving family holds matches at the site, hosting a charity event every year. This year's Polo in the Lavender event on Aug. 16 will raise money for Feed Ontario, which manages food banks in Ontario. For more information, visit The farm boasts a coffee shop, workshops and a gift shop. Drinks at the coffee shop include lavender Americano, lavender latte, lavender tea, lavender mojito and green and purple grape tea. In addition to lavender ice cream, snacks include chicken nuggets, hot dogs, pizza, cookies and muffins. You can enjoy your treats inside the coffee shop, on the patio or at a row of picnic tables under the shade of nearby trees. The fountain at Lavender Polo is a good place to rest and take a photo. At the workshops, visitor can create their own healing oil at the lavender essence lab and make candles and perfume. The gift shop has an assortment of items for sale, including lavender bath bombs, lavender pillows, body sprays, foaming soaps and more. In coming days, the corn maze will be an added attraction. 'Some of the comments we get (from visitors about the farm) are the plants are beautiful, they like the atmosphere, they like the smell a lot. A lot of people come here to buy our essential oil for the purpose of the aroma,' Lin said. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Time of India
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
These 7 Abu Dhabi spots will have your kids asking, 'Can we go again?'
Kids these days aren't just tagging along, they're picking the itinerary too! And why not? A recent Experience Abu Dhabi survey reveals that young travellers are calling the shots on family trips, with a preference for learning activities, exploring art and culture, immersive fantasy, and more. So if you're dreaming of a holiday where the kids ditch their screens willingly, Abu Dhabi delivers—with art exhibits, splash zones, and vibrant local markets that turn every moment into a memory. Here are 7 epic experiences your kids will be begging to do again and again. A world of wonder at The National Aquarium Abu Dhabi If your kids are into sea creatures, wild adventures, and Insta-worthy thrills, The National Aquarium Abu Dhabi is a must-stop. With 10 themed zones and over 46,000 marine animals, including sharks, rays, puffins, and the awe-inspiring 'Super Snake' exhibit, this place feels like stepping inside a real-life marine movie. Kids can feed stingrays at Jungle Encounter, explore the lush Flooded Forest, or spot bull sharks up close; every twist and turn sparks excitement. It's part adventure, part science class, and 100% unforgettable. Zero Latency – A Family VR adventure like no other Your kids will gear up for a thrilling team-based VR experience at Zero Latency, Galleria Mall. Up to eight players, from kids to parents, can run, jump, duck, and dodge in a massive 225 m² play space. You can choose from high-energy missions like Undead Arena (zombie-fighting), sci-fi exploration in Engineerium, or futuristic showdowns like Outbreak Origins. It's a perfect blend of cutting-edge tech, active teamwork, and family-friendly gaming, sure to leave everyone shouting, 'Again!' 3. École Ducasse – Whip up recipes as a family No wonder your kids will be ready to swap screen time for some stir time. At École Ducasse cooking classes in Abu Dhabi, kids and parents team up in the kitchen to whip up dishes like Ferni, a traditional dessert, using fresh, local ingredients. It's hands-on, mess-friendly, and all about learning through play. It's perfect for picky eaters, budding chefs, and even curious grandparents. From kneading to tasting, it's the kind of culinary adventure that ends with full hearts and happy tummies. 4. Kayaking at Jubail Mangrove Park If your kids are into wildlife, nature, and a little adventure, Jubail Mangrove Park is a must-do. Paddle through serene mangrove-lined waterways, spot herons, crabs, and even turtles, and learn how these magical trees help protect the planet. Whether you're gliding in a kayak or walking the boardwalk, it's a peaceful yet fascinating escape that gets two thumbs up from every generation. 5. Get Messy (In a Good Way) at Art Studio, Manarat Al Saadiyat Who says art is just for grown-ups? At the Art Studio in Manarat Al Saadiyat, creativity is hands-on and for everyone. Kids can try their hand at painting, printmaking, or even robotics, while adults get in on the fun too. With drop-in sessions and cool workshops, it's a colourful, screen-free zone for your kids. 6. SeaWorld® Yas Island, Abu Dhabi – Where learning feels like adventure Step into the magical world of SeaWorld® Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, where eight immersive realms take kids on an unforgettable journey. From feeding sea turtles and meeting dugongs to watching dolphin presentations and exploring the region's largest multi-species aquarium, this marine wonderland is packed with kid-approved moments. Curious minds will love the behind-the-scenes look at the Animal Care Centre and the exciting exhibits at the Research & Rescue Centre. 7. Pixoul Gaming – Level up family time like never before Don't blame us if your kids refuse to come home after visiting Pixoul Gaming at Al Qana. Here, families don't just play together; they compete, create, and go full throttle. Think VR adventures, F1 racing simulators, classic arcade throwbacks, and even a massive 3-storey e-karting track! Whether your kid dreams of becoming a gamer or you just want to challenge them to a friendly Pac-Man face-off, Pixoul's got thrills for every generation. Bonus: it's home to the region's first-ever eSports academy. So, this summer vacation, let the kids take the lead—give them the adventures, creativity, and hands-on fun they've been dreaming of. After all, the best family memories start with experiences they truly love.
India.com
7 days ago
- India.com
7 Lesser-Known But Stunning Villages To Visit Near Jibhi In 2025
photoDetails english 2933931 Updated:Jul 19, 2025, 11:03 AM IST 1 / 9 Tucked away in the breathtaking Banjar Valley of Himachal Pradesh, Jibhi is often praised for its serene charm and untouched beauty. But beyond its pine-scented air and charming homestays lies a treasure trove of hidden villages, each more magical than the last. These lesser-known gems near Jibhi offer a rare chance to experience the raw, unfiltered soul of the Himalayas — where time slows down, traditions thrive, and nature unfolds in its purest form. If you're planning a peaceful, offbeat escape in 2025, these 7 beautiful hidden villages near Jibhi should be on your travel radar. Shoja – Gateway to Serolsar Lake 2 / 9 A serene hamlet nestled amidst deodar forests and meadows, Shoja is often the gateway to Jalori Pass and the enchanting Serolsar Lake. Its traditional Himachali architecture, enchanting waterfalls, and tranquil hiking trails make it a perfect retreat for nature lovers. Chehni Kothi – Where History Lives On 3 / 9 Just a short trek from Jibhi, Chehni Kothi is famed for its 1500-year-old stone-and-wood tower. The journey through dense forest and past streams is both invigorating and culturally rewarding, offering immersive experiences in local village life. Gushaini – The Gateway to GHNP 4 / 9 Located on the banks of the Tirthan River, Gushaini marks the entrance to the Great Himalayan National Park. Known for trout fishing, birdwatching, and scenic treks like to Bashleo Pass and Falachan Valley, this village is a haven for wildlife and outdoor enthusiasts. Seri (Seri Village) – Orchard Trails and Tranquility 5 / 9 A short drive from Jibhi, Seri stands out for its apple orchards, traditional water mills (gharats), and wooden temples. It's an ideal destination for cultural walks, orchard visits, and soothing dips in the local streams. Tandi – The Treehouse Village 6 / 9 Also known as the 'treehouse village,' Tandi blends traditional Himachali living with eco-conscious hospitality. With its unique treehouse stays, organic farms, and craft workshops, the village offers a sustainable and immersive escape into nature. Bahu (Bahu Village & Balu Nag Temple) – Home to Balu Nag Temple 7 / 9 Perched at around 2,250 meters, Bahu is a spiritual and cultural gem. It features the ancient Balu Nag (Anant Balu Nag) Temple amidst cedar and pine forests, offering panoramic valley views. The trek to the temple is especially rewarding for those seeking peace and tradition. Ghiyagi – A Living Himachali Culture 8 / 9 A hidden hamlet just 3 km from Jibhi, Ghiyagi is rich in tradition and framed by terraced fields and dense forests. Visiting here grants you an authentic taste of Himachali village life—complete with cultural festivals, homely hospitality, and scenic hikes. 9 / 9 In a world chasing fast-paced getaways and Insta-worthy spots, the villages near Jibhi invite you to pause, breathe, and connect — with nature, culture, and yourself. Whether it's sipping chai beside an ancient wooden temple, waking up to mountain birdsong, or learning age-old customs from warm-hearted locals, these villages promise a travel experience that's both grounding and unforgettable. As you chart your 2025 travel plans, let these hidden Himalayan havens guide you to a more soulful kind of adventure.
Time of India
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Community Connect: Chennai's love for indoor art workshops is on the rise
In a city known for its rich heritage and evolving creative spirit, Chennai is witnessing a dynamic surge in indoor art activity workshops — from resin beach art and coil pottery to clay painting and mandala drawing. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now These hands-on experiences, often hosted in cosy studios and cultural spaces, offer more than just a hobby; they blend therapy, community, and skill-building into an immersive escape from the digital grind. For many, it's not just about art; it's about mindfulness, passion, and even a pathway to income. 'Visually captivating, Insta-worthy art are forms gaining popularity' 'Chennai has grown into a hotspot for unique indoor art forms,' says Kavya, who conducts weekly art workshops at a cafe in Adyar. 'People love experimenting with resin art, neon painting, pottery, fluid art, and even tufting. While traditional painting and sketching remain ever-popular, there's a rising curiosity in newer mediums that are visually captivating and Instagram-worthy. Every weekend, we see full-house workshops filled with college students and working professionals. ' 'Right now, resin beach art and clay pottery are in high demand,' notes Vishal, a weekend workshop curator. 'They're not just visually appealing but also deeply therapeutic. Many come in to de-stress, while others want to gift handmade pieces or even launch small businesses through what they create. What starts as a hobby often grows into something bigger — selling artworks online or conducting sessions themselves. So, it's both personal and entrepreneurial.' 'In a world full of screens, workshops bring back human connection' 'A workshop gives you real-time guidance, instant feedback, and a community,' says Nimisha, an art therapy instructor. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now 'Unlike YouTube, where you pause and rewind endlessly, here you get to engage directly with the medium — touch, texture, technique — all under expert supervision. In a world full of screens, workshops bring back human connection, reduce stress, and build confidence.' 'People look at cost as investment in relaxation and creativity' 'A basic session ranges anywhere from ₹800 to ₹2,500 depending on the material cost and duration,' explains Kamalesh Iyer, who runs monthly art retreats in Nungambakkam. 'Activities like resin art or pottery can go higher due to the tools and safety materials involved. And if it's hosted in a studio with air-conditioning and all materials provided, the overheads make up a chunk of the pricing. But many people see it as an investment in relaxation and creativity rather than just a fee. '
