politics

technology

sports

health

other

Prayanvi Unveils Its Digital Journey, Celebrating India’s Timeless Weaves and Living Traditions

Prayanvi – Celebrating India’s Timeless Weaves and Living Traditions


Bhubaneswar (Odisha) [India], January 8 : Prayanvi, a heritage-inspired saree brand dedicated to India’s traditional handwoven textiles, officially unveiled its website on Sunday, January 4, 2026, at Suryansh Hotels & Resorts, Bhubaneswar. The launch marks a significant milestone in the brand’s journey of preserving India’s rich weaving heritage while making authentic sarees accessible to modern women across the country.

Founded by Shivashree, Prayanvi was born from a deep-rooted love for sarees — not merely as garments, but as expressions of identity, culture, and womanhood. What began as a personal admiration for traditional drapes evolved into a purposeful mission to revive fading weaves and bring the stories of Indian artisans to the forefront.

Speaking about the brand, Shivashree said, “Every saree carries the heartbeat of the land it comes from and the artisan who weaves it. Prayanvi is my tribute to India’s weaving legacy and to the skilled hands that keep our cultural traditions alive.”

Prayanvi travels across India to curate pure, traditional handwoven sarees directly from artisans and weaving clusters. The collections include iconic weaves such as Banarasi from Uttar Pradesh, Kanjeevaram from Tamil Nadu, Tussar from Bihar, and Patola from Gujarat. Each saree is handpicked for its authenticity, craftsmanship, and timeless elegance, ensuring an honest representation of India’s textile heritage.

The name Prayanvi means “a graceful journey forward,” reflecting the brand’s philosophy of progress rooted in tradition. At its core, Prayanvi stands for cultural preservation, ethical sourcing, and empowering artisans, while offering sarees that carry history, emotion, and soul.

The website launch event was graced by several prominent personalities from Odisha’s cultural and public life, including noted Ollywood celebrities Bhoomika Dash, Sivani Sangita, Debjani Deghuria, and actor-turned-politician Akash Das Nayak.

With the launch of its digital platform, Prayanvi aims to expand its reach nationally and globally, connecting conscious consumers with India’s authentic handloom traditions while continuing to support artisan communities across the country.

Prayanvi is not just a saree brand — it is a celebration of stories, craftsmanship, and a graceful journey forward, one weave at a time.

About Prayanvi

Prayanvi is a heritage saree brand that curates authentic handwoven sarees from across India. By working closely with artisans and traditional weaving communities, Prayanvi seeks to preserve India’s textile legacy while offering timeless drapes for the modern woman.

The GRAMMY nomination
of Sounds of Kumbha in the Best Global Music Album category at the 68th GRAMMY
Awards 2026 marks a defining moment for Indian music. Central to the album’s
musical direction is composer and producer Raghav Mehta, whose work plays a significant
role in shaping how India’s spiritual sound traditions are translated for a
global listening context.

Rather than being
created with awards in mind, Sounds of Kumbha was conceived as a sonic
documentation of the Mahakumbha, one of the largest spiritual gatherings in the
world. The album blends on-ground field recordings, ancient chants,
contemporary world music, and immersive binaural sound design to capture the
scale, emotion, and energy of the event.

For Raghav, the project
was about translating something deeply ancient into a language the global
listener could feel. Working closely with creative lead Siddhant Bhatia, and
alongside producers such as Jim Kimo West, Ron Korb, Charu Suri, Devraj Sanyal,
and Madi Das, the album brought together over fifty artists from across
cultures. The focus was on collaboration without hierarchy, allowing diverse
musical voices to coexist while staying rooted in shared intent.

Produced in partnership
with the Government of Uttar Pradesh, Network18, HistoryTV18, and Universal
Music Group, the album has been widely viewed as a form of cultural diplomacy,
offering a lived experience of India’s spiritual heritage rather than
explaining it.

For Raghav, the
recognition signals a broader shift in the global listening landscape. Indian
music, he believes, no longer needs to dilute or reframe its cultural roots to
be understood internationally. The nomination affirms that work grounded in
authenticity and craft can travel widely on its own terms. Shaped by experience
across Indian cinema, advertising, and international collaborations, his
practice continues to explore how traditional sound worlds can coexist
seamlessly with contemporary production languages, an approach that
increasingly defines the direction of his work.

As Sounds of Kumbha
continues to gain international attention, the moment signals not just a
milestone for one album, but a growing global readiness to engage with Indian
music as an equal and confident voice in the world’s cultural conversation.

https://youtu.be/kY5CQVdT710?si=-_FRLeby9D2hSRC9

 

A refined blend of international wellness rituals and elevated luxury introduces Jaipur to a premium wellness destination

Jaipur | Jaipur’s premium hospitality and wellness landscape welcomed a distinctive new addition as Akasa Luxe made its debut at Hilton Jaipur, bringing its signature luxury wellness concept to the city. The launch reflected a seamless blend of global inspiration, sophisticated design, and a holistic approach to well-being. Set against soft music and an elegant ambience, the exclusive evening showcased a fresh, elevated expression of global wellness paired with premium hospitality.

Conceived around the philosophy of Luxury Journeys and Global Rituals, Akasa Luxe redefines wellness as more than a treatment, it is an immersive experience and a journey. Rooted in ancient healing traditions and enhanced by contemporary luxury, the brand focuses on restoring balance, harmony, and inner calm through thoughtfully curated experiences.

Speaking on the occasion, Akasa Luxe Founder Dr. Lipi Pathak shared that the brand is known for its carefully designed wellness journeys inspired by diverse cultures across the world. Signature experiences such as the Royal Frangipani Ritual, the Silk Route Escape, the Bali-inspired Island Rhythm Ritual, and the Ayurvedic Kumkumadi Radiance Facial reflect Akasa Luxe’s multicultural and sensorial approach to well-being.

Sharing the brand’s long-term vision, she added that Akasa Luxe aims to develop premium wellness spaces across India and internationally destinations where design, ambience, and therapies come together to offer truly transformative guest experiences. The launch at Hilton Jaipur marks the debut of Akasa Luxe’s premium luxury vertical and sets the direction for expansion into other key locations in the future.

Rahul Bhagat, GM, Hilton Jaipur, remarked that the partnership with Akasa Luxe strengthens the hotel’s vision of offering refined, high-quality wellness experiences aligned with international standards. Akasa Luxe’s global perspective and elegant wellness philosophy, he noted, add a new dimension to Hilton Jaipur’s overall hospitality offering.

It is noteworthy that Akasa Wellness Solutions already has a strong national presence with over 45 locations across India, spanning from Gulmarg to Kochi and Kalimpong to Jaisalmer. Akasa Luxe at Hilton Jaipur represents a significant milestone in the brand’s luxury journey.

The launch of Akasa Luxe not only introduces Jaipur to a new premium wellness destination but also marks an important step in positioning the city on the global wellness map.


Kerala, India |
January 2026 :
Malayalam
independent music is making a powerful global statement as “Varsha Megham”, the
latest music video by Ajmal Chaliyam, popularly known as Janapriya Gaayakan
Ajmal Chaliyam, has crossed 15 million views on YouTube within just 25 days of
its release.

The song has
emerged as one of the most successful independent music releases from Kerala,
capturing attention well beyond regional boundaries and reinforcing the growing
global footprint of Indian regional music.

Global
Recognition and International Trending

A defining
highlight of Varsha Megham’s success is its exceptional performance outside
India.

The song reached
the No.1 position on YouTube’s trending charts in countries including Colombia
and Nepal, demonstrating its ability to resonate across cultures, languages,
and geographies.

Industry observers
view this achievement as a strong indicator of the increasing global demand for
emotionally driven, non-English music from India, particularly within the
independent music ecosystem.

Expanding
Global Audience

Beyond India,
Varsha Megham has recorded strong engagement from audiences across:

                   Southeast
Asia

                   The
Middle East

                   Latin
America

                   Parts
of Europe

International
listeners have described the song as “pure emotion,” “a universal monsoon
mood,” and “music that connects without the need for translation,” highlighting
its cross-cultural appeal and emotional accessibility.

Strong
Financial Performance

Produced on an
estimated budget of ₹30 lakh (approximately USD 36,000), Varsha Megham has
generated over ₹1.62 crore (approximately USD 195,000) in global revenue to
date.

In addition to
YouTube monetization, the song has delivered substantial earnings from more
than 145 audio streaming platforms worldwide, positioning it as one of the most
commercially successful Malayalam independent music projects in recent years.

A Landmark
Year for Ajmal Chaliyam

The year 2025
marked a significant milestone in Ajmal Chaliyam’s career. Of the five songs
released by the artist during the year, four crossed the million-view mark,
including:

                   Varsha
Megham – 15 million views

                   Nira
Mizhikal Chapter 2 – 10 million views

                   Nee
Nilav Pole – 5.3 million views

Collectively, his
releases recorded some of the highest overall viewership figures among album
songs released in Kerala in 2025, further strengthening his position in the
independent music landscape.

Creative
Team

                   Music
Director & Singer: Ajmal Chaliyam

                   Programming:
Sai Balan

                   Lyrics:
K C Abhilash

                   Director
of Photography: Jazz Thadikkaran

                   Director
& Editor: Shahir Shan

                   Digital
Intermediate: Jithin Kumbukattu

Design: Adhin
Ollur

Makeup: Navas Tirur

 

About the
Song

Featuring
rain-inspired visuals and a cinematic narrative, Varsha Megham blends emotional
storytelling with refined production values. The song’s visual language, paired
with Ajmal Chaliyam’s soulful performance, has played a key role in driving
sustained engagement across global digital platforms.

 

Watch “Varsha Megham” on YouTube:

https://youtu.be/DaOFgeXlmlY


Rising Attention Across Digital Audiences
Manushya is gaining increasing recognition on Waves OTT as
viewers respond to its engaging mix of humour, emotion and culturally inspired
storytelling. The Hindi web series has begun to stand out for offering light
hearted entertainment that also carries meaningful reflections on human
behaviour. The series premiered at the 56th International Film Festival of
India (IFFI) adding to its glory.

Creative Direction and Production
The series is produced by Tripursundari Chalchitram
Pvt. Ltd. with ⁠Shefali Neeraj Gupta as the producer, while the story is
written and directed by Lakshya Neeraj Gupta. Since its debut on Waves OTT, the
show has witnessed steady traction, supported by positive viewer engagement and
organic buzz.

Cast That Adds Authenticity
Manushya features a strong ensemble cast including
Rahul Dev, Chandan Roy, Ashok Pathak, Anil Charanjeett, Kumar Saurabh, Shankh
Agrawal, Jai Kumar, Mahika Sharma, Atul Shrivastav, Lavi Pajni and Neeraj Sood.
The performances are marked by natural dialogue delivery and controlled humour,
allowing the mythological premise to feel relatable and grounded.

A Mythological Lens on Modern Life
The narrative centres on a righteous Rakshasni who
enters the human world to nudge people towards their better selves. By blending
mythology with everyday situations, the series offers a contemporary
perspective on moral dilemmas, using satire and humour rather than heavy handed
messaging.

Themes Rooted in Relationships and
Values
At its emotional core, the series explores
relationships that define human life, including family bonds, friendship and
personal responsibility. The inclusion of emotional story arcs, particularly
those involving parental relationships, adds depth while maintaining the show’s
light and engaging tone.

Music Enhancing the Viewing Experience
Music forms an integral part of the storytelling. With
nine original tracks gaining attention on social media platforms, the
soundtrack has contributed to the show’s growing popularity and strengthened
its cultural connect with audiences.

A Clean and Inclusive Digital Offering
Positioned as a family friendly series, Manushya
appeals to viewers across age groups, from younger audiences to families
seeking wholesome entertainment. Available for free streaming on the Waves
OTT
app, the series continues to build its presence as a Hindi
digital title that blends humour, emotion and cultural sensibility.

 

 


Noida (Uttar Pradesh) [India], December 30: The Indian laundry and dry-cleaning industry is experiencing a gradual yet powerful transformation at the same time. Even though metro cities have always been the center of attention in discussions about organized laundry services, a new growth story is now taking place in Tier-II and Tier-III urban towns. The demand for professional laundry solutions is rising due to factors like higher disposable incomes, new lifestyles, and more awareness of hygiene—all these factors push the demand for laundry services beyond the big cities.

Organised laundry brands are now quickly coming in to wash the clothes of the people living in the urban towns—previously, these towns were relying on traditional washermen or informal setups. These towns are experiencing a change in consumer expectations, where the main factors are convenience, fabric care, and timely service, in addition to affordability. With the increase in the number of working professionals, nuclear families, students, and small businesses, the demand for dependable laundry services has also grown significantly.

As per the estimates of the industry, the organized laundry market in India is likely to witness a growth of more than 20% CAGR in the next few years, with non-metro areas playing a crucial role in this growth phase. Urbanization, time constraints in taking care of household chores, and the exposure to global service standards through digital platforms are some of the factors driving the adoption of organized laundries in smaller cities.

Urban towns are becoming laundry hotspots due to their unique scenario

The laundry shops can set up business in urban towns because there are several advantages associated with these locations. The land and operational costs are not as high as in the bigger cities; the competition is still quite limited, and customer loyalty is quite often a powerful factor in the long run by providing quality service over and over again. Besides, B2B demand is created by the local hotels, hostels, hospitals, salons, and small businesses that are shortly going to rely upon the laundry services more and more.

Moreover, government policies that encourage the new start-ups and the giving of easier access to franchise models have meanwhile reduced the obstacles to entry. Thus, the laundry brands which have been organized are not only finding urban towns as viable but also very profitable.

Washmart is one of the major players that has taken the advantage of the organised laundry growth in the urban cities

Washmart, India’s leading franchise chain for laundry and dry-cleaning, is one of the companies that have gained steady grounds in this huge growth wave. It is present in hundreds of cities and towns and has been one of the main contributors to the professional, standardized laundry services coming to the previously underserved areas.

Washmart’s franchise-led model fits urban towns perfectly. It provides an opportunity to local entrepreneurs to start a modern laundry business with almost no risk, by giving them the necessary operational support, technology-driven processes, and the trust of an established brand. The support ranges from equipment selection and store setup to staff training and marketing—Washmart is there with end-to-end assistance—making it easy for the new business owners to make it and succeed.

Besides, the Washmart’s affordability focus, without compromising on quality is what mainly strengthens the brand’s urban markets relevance. The company provides such services as steam ironing, shoe and bag cleaning, premium dry cleaning, and express laundry, which are not only keeping up with the changing consumer needs but also being offered at a price that is friendly to price-sensitive customers.

A Landmark Growth Opportunity for Entrepreneurs

The laundry business is an opportunity that is recession-resilient for entrepreneurs in the urban towns. The care of clothing is a necessity that recurs, and the organized players like Washmart are the ones who help turn this everyday need into a business that can be scaled. There is going to be a steady rise in demand because of the growing awareness of hygiene and the lifespan of fabrics.

As the story of India’s growth moves from the metro areas to the smaller towns and cities, the organized laundry sector will be one of the main factors that shape the local economies. The success of Washmart and similar brands demonstrates how structured business models can tap into the potential of emerging urban markets, and at the same time, it is a clear indication that the future of laundry in India is not just limited to the big cities anymore.

Visit for more information:
Website: https://washmart.in/
Phone Number: 7217797548
Email: hello@washmart.in



Shraddha Kapoor’s ‘Me Time = Rich Marie Time’: Bisk Farm’s Heartwarming Chai Break Campaign


New Delhi [India], December 30 : Bisk Farm, one of India’s most loved and homegrown biscuit brands, celebrates 25 years of its rich legacy by joining hands with the Superstar of Bollywood Shraddha Kapoor as the brand ambassador.

The association marks a significant milestone in the brand’s journey, symbolising freshness, trust and contemporary appeal — values synonymous with both Bisk Farm and Shraddha Kapoor. Known for her charm, versatility, and strong connection with audiences across age groups, Shraddha Kapoor embodies the perfect blend of tradition and modernity, much like the brand’s ethos.

The film shows Shraddha Kapoor enjoying her “me time” which helps her express her best creative self, via a spontaneous dance where she is completely immersed in her own zone without a care for the world. Through these moments, the film captures her Me Time = Rich Marie Time ritual where a cup of chai and a Rich Marie biscuit offer a great way to take a break from the mundane world. The narrative blends warmth and fun expression of the self, showing how every chai moment turns into Rich Marie Time, making the break richer and more enjoyable.

Bisk Farm Rich Marie stands as a distinguished name in the Marie biscuit category, thoughtfully crafted to complement India’s most cherished ritual—chai time. In a culture where ‘me time’ seamlessly becomes ‘chai time’, Rich Marie turns a simple pause into a moment of personal comfort and everyday warmth.

Speaking of the association, Mr. Vijay Singh, Managing Director at SAJ Food Products (P) Ltd, said, “Rich Marie stands for the belief that taking time for yourself is not a luxury but a necessity in today’s fast-paced lives. Whether it’s a homemaker, a working professional, or anyone navigating a busy day, these small me-time rituals are essential to pause and reconnect with one’s best self. Shraddha Kapoor embodies this authenticity and balance effortlessly, making her the perfect face to bring the Rich Marie ‘Me Time’ philosophy to life.”

Adding to this, Ms. Shraddha Kapoor said, “For me, me-time has always been about enjoying moments that feel truly mine. Rich Marie makes those pauses even more special. Whether it’s with chai or just a simple break, every Rich Marie bite reminds me to take a moment for myself, rejuvenate, and reconnect with my best self. It’s my little ritual of comfort and personal refreshment.”

The new campaign featuring Shraddha Kapoor—built around the relatable and heartwarming theme “Me Time = Rich Marie Time”—has gone live across multiple platforms such as television, digital, print and social media platforms reinforcing Rich Marie’s position as a comforting, everyday companion.

As Bisk Farm steps into its next chapter, this collaboration marks a new beginning — one that honours its legacy while embracing a fresh, contemporary spirit.

About Bisk Farm:

Established in 2000, Bisk Farm, under SAJ Food Products Pvt. Ltd., is one of India’s leading biscuit and bakery brands. Celebrating 25 years of delighting consumers, the brand has built a strong legacy of quality, innovation, and trust. Its extensive product portfolio includes biscuits, cakes, and rusks, catering to diverse tastes and everyday indulgences.

Bisk Farm revenue is INR 2000 cr.+ which makes it the 4th largest biscuit player at All India level in FY’25. It has a portfolio of more than 75 brands produced across 6 factories, selling more than 2,500 packs every minute and reaching around 100 million households across the country.

TVC Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zPJ_ICY2uo

Anand, Gujarat — The Patel family proudly announces the successful wedding of Hiral Patel, daughter of NRI film producer and American business leader Sandip and Rita Patel to Nikunj Joshi, a rising professional in the healthcare sector. The wedding was solemnized on 28 December 2025 in Anand, Gujarat, concluding a magnificent four-day celebration of culture, tradition, and family unity.

The celebrations commenced on 26 December 2025, unfolding across multiple iconic venues in Anand district. The festivities included the traditional Mehndi ceremony, auspicious Mangalik Prasango, energetic Sangeet–Garba nights, and vibrant Garba Raas performances, showcasing the essence of Gujarati heritage. The events witnessed the presence of family, friends, community members, and notable guests from the worlds of business, cinema, and healthcare.

Hiral Patel, the bride, is currently completing her Dental Degree program, while groom Nikunj Joshi is advancing his academic journey in healthcare studies, reflecting a shared passion for serving the medical and wellness domain.

Sandip Patel, a name well-recognized in both entertainment and entrepreneurship, has enjoyed a dynamic career spanning over 25 years. After relocating to the United States in 2000, he built a strong business foundation in real estate, construction, gas station development, and hospitality, primarily in Augusta, Georgia, where he owns and invests in hotels and commercial infrastructure. His creative footprint includes producing films such as Two Zero One Four, Holy Ghost, and the widely appreciated web series Murshid, earning him respect across global Indian entertainment circuits.

The wedding celebration stood as a testament to Patel’s commitment to honoring his Indian roots while fostering global connections. The family expressed deep gratitude for the love and blessings received, describing the  occasion as a beautiful union of tradition, values, and shared aspirations for the future.

The festivities concluded on a note of cultural pride, heartfelt emotion, and community warmth — making the wedding of Hiral and Nikunj a truly memorable milestone for both families.

The Patel family thanks everyone for their presence, blessings, and support.

 

New Delhi [India], December 29: Indian Media Works presents Mr Miss & Mrs Tamizhagam 2025,  where in Mr Tamizhagam titles were won by Jeeva&Singaravel from TamilNadu; Miss Tamizhagam titles were won by Malavika from Kerala & Yuvedha from Tamilnadu; Mrs Tamizhagam titles were won by Divya & Babina from TamilNadu

The event saw enthusiastic participation from contestants across Tamil Nadu, Kerala & Karnataka making it a truly colossal occasion.

In this prestigious pageant, Jeeva and Singaravel emerged as the winners of the Mr. Tamizhagam 2025 title, while Malavika was crowned as Miss Tamizhagam 2025. The title of Mrs. Tamizhagam 2025 was crowned to Divya. The 1st Runner Up was Singaravel for the Mr. Tamizhagam category and Mr Popular title was Kailash.

For the Miss category, the 2nd Runner Up was Yuvedha, and Miss goddess title was Anbuvizhi . The 1st Runner Up was Babina, in the Mrs. Tamizhagam category.

The winners were celebrated with great honour and style. The Mr Miss & Mrs Tamizhagam 2025 title holders were adorned with sashes and prizes by Actress Anusha, Fashion Lord Manikandan & Celebrity Fashion designer Subakath Ali. The event was brought to life by the impeccable choreography of leading Celebrity fashion choreographer Faheem.

Addressing the press and media, Mr. John Amalan, Managing Director of Indian Media Works, stated that Mr Miss & Mrs Tamizhagam 2025 had been conducted with the utmost grandeur and excellence this year. He firmly believes that the winners of this season are extraordinarily talented and meant to become the biggest stars of tomorrow. To ensure this, Indian Media Works has selected only the best and most deserving contestants for the prestigious titles. Further, he proudly announced that the title winners of this pageant would be recommended for national-level competitions.

If you have any objection to this press release content, kindly contact pr.error.rectification@gmail.com to notify us. We will respond and rectify the situation in the next 24 hours.

The official teaser of the upcoming short film Vishaad is now out,
giving audiences a cryptic yet powerful glimpse into a story built on
mystery, moral conflict, and emotional unrest. The one-minute visual
opens with an inspector scanning his surroundings — his sharp, probing
gaze hinting at a truth lurking beneath the surface.

The teaser
takes a bold cinematic route, using reverse-motion sequences to blur the
lines between memory and reality. One of the most compelling frames
shows an obscured figure handing a child something to play with — an
innocent moment layered with eerie ambiguity, intensified by its
backward unfolding.

As tension peaks, the inspector knocks firmly
on a door. Veteran actor Ashish Vidyarthi opens it — calm, reflective,
and carrying a storm of unspoken thought. The teaser ends not with
answers, but a trail of questions, doubts, and a lingering emotional
cliffhanger.

Vishaad is produced by Nilaanjan Reeta Datta under
the banner of Finchbill Motion Pictures Private Limited (Finchbill
Motion Pictures Pvt. Ltd.). The film is co-directed by Navnita Sen and
Nilaanjan Reeta Datta, with the screenplay crafted by Navnita Sen. The
film’s contemplative depth is elevated by its soul-stirring music score,
composed by Ashu Chakraborty, whose soundscape adds a poetic yet
unsettling rhythm to the narrative.

The short film features a
compelling ensemble led by Ashish Vidyarthi, alongside Rajeshwar and
Ketaki Narayan, whose performances ground the film’s psychological and
emotional core.

Sharing his experience with the film, actor
Rajeshwar said “The moment I read the script of Vishaad, I was drawn to
it. It felt intellectually stimulating. It was an honour working
opposite Ashish Vidyarthi Ji, and a pleasure collaborating with a
supportive co-star like Ketaki, along with a crew that includes mostly
National Award winners.”

His words mirror the artistic ambition
behind Vishaad — a film driven by thought-provoking storytelling and
crafted by celebrated creative minds.

The film is set to premiere globally on the Pocket Films YouTube Channel,  on 16th January 2026.

With
layered symbolism, slow-burn suspense, and emotional subtlety, Vishaad
promises to be more than a short film — it aims to be a cinematic
experience that lingers, stirring questions about innocence, intent,
truth, and consequence.