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Tag: Durga Puja

  • Campa paints Kolkata purple for Puja glory

    Campa paints Kolkata purple for Puja glory

    MUMBAI: Talk about a bottle shock! Campa just turned Kolkata’s Durga Puja into a fizzy purple fiesta that had the city bubbling with excitement. At the iconic Tala Prattoy Pandal, the beverage brand unveiled a jaw-dropping 30-foot 3D anamorphic installation celebrating the spirit of “Big Bottle, Big Celebration.” The massive spectacle blended dance, food, festivity, and joy into one effervescent ode to Puja revelry, making Campa Cola and Campa Energy the toast of the town.

    The larger-than-life experience, crafted by Inventech, a division of Laqshya Media Group, reimagined how brands can merge technology and tradition. “Durga Puja is the true embodiment of culture and togetherness, and this anamorphic experience captured that spirit perfectly,” said Inventech CEO Sommnath Sengupta.

    From families and influencers to selfie-seekers and art lovers, thousands thronged the site, stopping mid-hop to click, share, and soak in the spectacle. The installation quickly became the city’s newest must-visit landmark, adding a sparkling twist to pandal hopping.

    With its purple takeover, Campa proved that celebration, when bottled with imagination, can truly overflow.

  • Ajay Devgn rebrands NY Cinemas as Devgn Cinex in metro push

    Ajay Devgn rebrands NY Cinemas as Devgn Cinex in metro push

    MUMBAI: Ajay Devgn is putting his name on cinema screens—literally. The actor launched Devgn Cinex on Maha Navami, rebranding the NY Cinemas chain at North Bombay’s Durga Puja celebrations alongside his wife, actor Kajol. The move signals an aggressive expansion play across Indian metros and the south, backed by Vishwa Samudra Holdings.

    Vishwa Samudra group managing director Shivdutt Das hailed the rebrand as more than cosmetic. The company promises to turn multiplexes into “spaces of innovation, comfort, and culture”, deploying premium formats and what it calls “immersive experiences”. Whether that means reclining seats, better sound systems or something more ambitious remains unclear—cinema chains have long promised whilst delivering incremental upgrades.

    NY Cinemas has operated quietly for years, but the Devgn tie-up suggests plans to compete with PVR Inox, which dominates India’s multiplex market with over 1,700 screens, and Cinépolis, which runs around 450.

    Devgn, one of Indian cinema’s bankable stars and a producer through his Devgn Films banner, brings celebrity firepower to a sector recovering from pandemic losses and grappling with streaming competition.

    The emphasis on south India is telling. Regional-language films have outperformed Hindi movies at the box office in recent years, with Tamil and Telugu blockbusters like Pushpa and RRR drawing massive crowds. Metros in Chennai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad have become battlegrounds for cinema chains chasing affluent audiences willing to pay premium ticket prices.

    Vishwa Samudra Holdings operates across real estate, hospitality and entertainment. Its bet on Devgn Cinex suggests it sees room for another national player, despite consolidation that saw PVR and Inox merge last year.
     
    Says a media observer: “There’s a shortage of cinema screens in India compared to its massive 1.5 billion or so population. The population is underserved, which has stunted the growth of Indian cinema. The more the screens, the better can be the box office collections for good productions.”

    But whether Indian audiences need yet another multiplex brand—celebrity-backed or not—to fill that gap is another question entirely.

  • Sunrise spices up Bengal’s Pujo with festive stories

    Sunrise spices up Bengal’s Pujo with festive stories

    MUMBAI: When it comes to Durga Puja, Bengal knows how to bring the drama, devotion and dazzle, and ITC’s Sunrise Spices is adding its own flavour to the festivities. The brand has launched Sunrise Pujor Satkahon, a pan-state initiative in collaboration with over a thousand Puja committees, to celebrate not just the grandeur of Kolkata but the pulse of every para across West Bengal.

    The campaign is designed to capture the soul of Pujo, blending tradition, community spirit and cultural pride into a vibrant tapestry of stories. Committees across districts are invited to submit write-ups detailing their Pujo themes, community involvement and the cultural significance of their celebrations. These stories will be judged in a three-phase process: storytelling and community votes will shortlist the top 250 entries, a pandal showcase and jury scoring will decide the top 50, and on-ground audits will identify the top five winners on Navami. The festivities will culminate in a celebrity-led Sindoor khela on Dashami, marking a colourful grand finale.

    Beyond the contest, the top 250 entries will feature in a special coffee table book, immortalising the stories, rituals and artistry of pujos across the state. Sunrise Pujor Satkahon aims to preserve and highlight the diversity of Bengal’s festive heartbeat, celebrating everything from iconic urban pandals to lesser-known rural gems.

    “Durga Puja is not just a festival; it is the soul of Bengal,” said Sunrise Spices business head Piyush Mishra. “Through Sunrise Pujor Satkahon, we are thrilled to honour the rich traditions of every para, celebrating the unity, creativity and cultural pride that make Bengal’s Pujo truly unique.”

    With this initiative, Sunrise Spices is ensuring that every Pujo, big or small, finds its moment in the spotlight, creating a collective archive that captures the joy, devotion and artistry of one of India’s most beloved festivals. Every para, every story, every heart is invited to be part of the celebration.

  • WPP Media blends mischief and curiosity with ‘Horlicks Chhoto Byomkesh’

    WPP Media blends mischief and curiosity with ‘Horlicks Chhoto Byomkesh’

    MUMBAI: Detective stories just got a Horlicks twist. WPP Media has teamed up with Horlicks and Hoichoi to launch ‘Horlicks Chhoto Byomkesh,’ a branded content initiative that reimagines Bengal’s beloved detective in his childhood. The campaign marries the legacy of Bakshi with Horlicks’ brand values of curiosity and growth.

     
    Led by team Fulcrum, WPP Media’s dedicated HUL team, the series demonstrates how culturally resonant content can turn a brand association into a meaningful entertainment property. By spotlighting Bakshi’s early years, the initiative builds an organic connection with Horlicks’ ethos while celebrating Bengal’s collective memory of the detective. 

    Directed by award-winning Kamaleswar Mukherjee, the series stars Aarush Dey as young Byomkesh and Priyanka Sarkar as his mother, Sulochona. Anchored around Durga Puja, it leverages the cultural festival to amplify impact while creating a social-first, digitally amplified experience that resonates with families across Bengal. 

    WPP Media South Asia, president – client solutions, Amin Lakhani, said, “This first-of-its-kind AFP showcases how creativity, data and cultural insight can deliver impactful brand stories.”  HUL, executive director, foods, Rajneet Kohli added, “Byomkesh Chhoto Byomkesh inspires kids’ curiosity and love for problem-solving while connecting with families in a unique way.” 

    Hoichoi, co-founder, Vishnu Mohta said, “Byomkesh is a beloved character for all ages. We’re thrilled to bring a fresh, reimagined version of this iconic detective to our audience.” 

    Premiered on 24 September 2025, Horlicks Chhoto Byomkesh is more than a branded content initiative, it’s a cultural moment, showing how insights, storytelling, and platforms can come together to create lasting consumer connections. 

  • ITC Sunrise honours Bengal’s dhakis with Dhaki Utsav

    ITC Sunrise honours Bengal’s dhakis with Dhaki Utsav

    MUMBAI: Drumrolls don’t just herald celebrations this Pujo, they’ve become the celebration itself. In a landmark cultural tribute, ITC Sunrise put Bengal’s beloved dhakis centre stage with a spectacular ‘Dhaki Utsav’ at Kolkata’s iconic Kumartuli Ghat on Mahalaya.

    Led by percussion virtuoso Tanmoy Bose and Padma Shri awardee Gokul Dhaki, the never-before-seen spectacle brought dozens of traditional drummers together in unison, unveiling a specially composed Durga Puja anthem for Sunrise.

    The riverfront reverberated with the thunderous rhythm of the dhak, weaving music into devotion against the sacred backdrop of Kumartuli, where idol-making and rituals mark the spiritual awakening of goddess Durga. The beats weren’t just performance; they were a collective heartbeat of Bengal’s biggest festival.

    “Durga Puja is not just a celebration, it is an emotion stitched together with rhythm,” said ITC Spices, business head, Piyush Mishra. “With Dhaki Utsav, we wanted to shine the spotlight on the artists who define the soundscape of Pujo.”

    For the dhakis themselves, the recognition was deeply moving. “Pujo is life for us,” said Gokul Dhaki. “To see our art celebrated on such a scale is an honour beyond words.” Bose echoed the sentiment, calling the performance “a privilege and a moment to cherish forever.”

    With this initiative, Sunrise has gone beyond spices to spice up tradition, not only creating a festive anthem but etching a new cultural legacy that honours the keepers of Bengal’s most iconic rhythm.

    From empowering women priests to celebrating self-defence through its Durgatinashini campaign, Sunrise has consistently blended tradition with progress. This year’s Dhaki Utsav reinforces its role as a brand deeply rooted in Bengal’s heritage, ensuring the drummers who fuel Pujo’s spirit are finally recognised as its soul.

  • Screen and serene: TV9 Bangla unveils its vibrant puja specials

    Screen and serene: TV9 Bangla unveils its vibrant puja specials

    MUMBAI: Talk about ‘screen’ goddess! This Durga Puja, TV9 Bangla is donning its festive best, bringing a dazzling mix of heritage, adda, and celebration straight into Bengali living rooms with its Sharadiya line-up.

    Carrying the theme Pujo Ebar TV9 Banglaye, the channel promises a blend of inspiration and entertainment for Bengalis worldwide. The festivities kick off on Mahalaya (21 September) with Panch nari hatey tarobari, a stirring tribute to five trailblazing women, including theatre icon Noti Binodini, literary firebrand Mahasweta Devi, Rabindrasangeet maestro Suchitra Mitra, Antarctic explorer Sudipta Sengupta, and cricket legend Jhulan Goswami.

    From Sasthi to Nabami (28 Sept–1 Oct), Pujor adda adds sparkle with stars like Abir Chatterjee, Mimi Chakraborty and Srijit Mukherji, chatting about their festive spirit and upcoming blockbusters. Meanwhile, Bonedi barir pujo (22–26 Sept) takes viewers inside Bengal’s aristocratic mansions, where grandeur meets tradition.

    The line-up doesn’t stop there. Annya durga (23–27 Sept) salutes unsung heroines: women from the tea gardens and tribal communities who have fought adversity with grit and grace. And, for the community spirit, the TV9 puja competition will crown the best of Bengal across categories: from best theme and idol to women-led pujas and social cause initiatives.

    TV9 Bangla, managing editor & business head, Amritanshu Bhattacharya summed it up: “This Puja, we’re celebrating the rise of women power while adding colour, culture, and excitement. You can’t miss TV9 Bangla’s screen this season.”

    With its mix of star power, tradition, and inspiration, TV9 Bangla’s Sharadiya special looks set to be the perfect festive binge. After all, when it comes to pujo celebrations, this year, the channel is idol talk.

  • TV9 Festival strikes a high note with Shaan, Sachet–Parampara in Delhi

    TV9 Festival strikes a high note with Shaan, Sachet–Parampara in Delhi

    MUMBAI: When beats meet bhajans and pop collides with pujo, you know Delhi’s in for a spectacle. The third edition of the TV9 festival of India promises to be bigger, brighter and louder, bringing together music, culture, food and fashion in a five-day carnival at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium from 28 September to 2 October 2025.

    TV9 Network, which has seen huge success with the past two editions, is upping the tempo this year with star-studded concerts, celebrity DJs, dazzling dandiya nights and Delhi’s tallest Durga Puja pandal. “With the grand success of the last two editions, we are raising the bar this year. The festival reflects the spirit of India: culture, tradition, festivity and modernity,” said TV9 Network, COO, K Vikram.

    Headlining the line-up are Bollywood favourites Sachet–Parampara and Shaan. The duo, known for chartbusters like Bekhayali, Maiyya Mainu and Raanjhan, will perform on opening night, 28 September, while Shaan, the golden voice behind classics such as Chand Sifarish and Woh Pehli Baar takes the stage on 1 October.

    But the music doesn’t stop there. Dandiya nights will keep the floor alive with a Bollywood-meets-Garba twist: DJ Sahil Gulati spins on 29 September, DJ D’ark on 30 September, and a top international DJ closes the celebrations on 2 October. Add to that day-long live acts ranging from folk and fusion to indie beats, and you’ve got a non-stop sonic feast.

    The festival, however, is not just about music. A sprawling lifestyle expo will showcase everything from handicrafts and home décor to fashion, beauty, tech and jewellery, alongside international stalls. Foodies can eat their way across the country with delicacies from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, while workshops, contests and art corners keep younger visitors entertained.

    At its spiritual heart lies the awe-inspiring Durga Puja celebrations, with rituals, décor and a towering pandal that promises to be a visual and devotional centrepiece.

    With something for everyone, whether you’re a shopaholic, a foodie, a culture buff or just chasing a great night out, the TV9 Festival of India is shaping up to be the capital’s biggest festive bash. Tickets for concerts and dandiya nights are available on Bookmyshow, while the lifestyle expo is free to attend daily from 10 am to 6 pm.

     

  • Sunrise Spices cherishes the success of its AI-powered Durga puja campaign

    Sunrise Spices cherishes the success of its AI-powered Durga puja campaign

    Kolkata: ITC Sunrise Spices has announced the success of its AI-powered Durga Puja campaign, designed in collaboration with Bengali actor – Abir Chatterjee. This initiative brought the magic of Kolkata’s grand Durga Puja pandals to participants’ screens, offering a personalised, immersive experience through cutting-edge AI technology.

    This initiative also enabled participants to upload a selfie, which was then transformed into a customized AI video featuring them alongside Abir Chatterjee, touring some of the most beautifully decorated pandals in Kolkata. The result was an immersive and accessible celebration, breaking geographical boundaries and allowing people from across the country to experience the magic of Pujo.

    Over 29,000 people participated and got their personalised AI videos created, bringing the joy of Durga Puja to participants across Bengal.

    “We’re excited by the incredible response to this campaign, which blends the rich traditions of Durga Puja with state-of-the-art AI technology,” said Piyush Mishra, Business Head, Sunrise Spices. “What makes this initiative truly unique is the AI face-swapping feature that allowed users to immerse themselves in the pandal-hopping experience, making it feel personal and engaging. This innovation helped us bring the joy of Durga Puja to thousands of people, no matter where they were, breaking physical boundaries and offering a fresh way to celebrate together.”

    Participants also enthusiastically shared their virtual pandal-hopping experiences on social media using the hashtag #PandalvisitwithAbir, vying for a chance to be featured in a special video montage with Abir Chatterjee, commemorating their best Durga Puja moments.

  • Zomato pays tribute to Kolkata’s street food vendors during Durga Puja

    Zomato pays tribute to Kolkata’s street food vendors during Durga Puja

    Mumbai: To celebrate India’s vibrant food tradition during the auspicious occasion of Durga Puja, Zomato has launched a campaign to pay homage to Kolkata’s street food vendors. This campaign aims to honor the unsung culinary heroes behind Kolkata’s beloved street food, especially during Durga Puja, when the city streets come alive with flavors that embody the spirit of community and celebration.

    Recognising that many beloved local food vendors remain undiscovered on delivery platforms like Zomato, the brand has taken a creative approach to spotlight them. At Street Number 104, Action Area 1B, Newtown, Kolkata (700156), Zomato has unveiled a 300-meter-long Alpana—a traditional Bengali folk art form. This grand artwork reflects the region’s cultural identity and highlights the importance of celebrating the city’s cherished culinary delights, even those not yet on delivery platforms. Co-created with local artisans, the meticulously and thoughtfully crafted artwork showcases the names and locations of some of the city’s most iconic street food vendors, making it easier than ever for food enthusiasts to seek out and savor their delectable offerings.

    “This campaign is our tribute to Kolkata’s iconic street vendors who are not necessarily on Zomato platform at the moment but are a key part of the city’s cultural fabric.” said Zomato marketing head Sahibjeet Singh.

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    A post shared by Zomato (@zomato)

     

  • TV9 Festival of India returns with a grand second edition

    TV9 Festival of India returns with a grand second edition

    Mumbai: The TV9 Festival of India returns for its second edition from 9 to 13 October, 2024, at Major Dhyan Chand Stadium near India Gate, promising cultural diversity and festive cheer. This year, the festival will host Delhi’s tallest Durga Puja pandal, featuring larger-than-life idols and vibrant décor that capture the essence of Durga Puja.

    Beyond tradition, the festival offers an exciting shopping experience with over 250 stalls showcasing high-end fashion, beauty products, home appliances, electronics, and furniture, making it a one-stop destination for unique finds.

    Food lovers can indulge in a culinary journey through India’s diverse regional cuisines, with options ranging from Delhi’s spicy street food and Lucknow’s buttery kebabs to Bengali sweets and Hyderabadi biryanis.

    Music enthusiasts can look forward to live performances, including soulful Sufi, Bollywood hits, and folk tunes, featuring some of the most talented artists in the industry.

    Gather your friends and family and join us at Major Dhyan Chand Stadium for an unforgettable experience filled with spirituality, shopping, food, and music at the TV9 Festival of India!