PUNE: Duville Estates, through its social welfare brand Duville Cares, celebrated the festive season by organising a ‘Toy Donation Drive’ for the children at its labour camp, reflecting the true spirit of giving. This initiative was organized with the active participation and support of the Duville Envoy (existing customers). There was significant participation from the customer community, comprising nearly 6,000 residents across Riverdale Heights, Riverdale Residences, and Riverdale Suites. These Duville Envoys were joined by the Riverdale site office teams, who came together to bring joy to the labourers’ children.

This activity culminated in a heart-warming Christmas celebration at the labour camp, where the toys collected from the donation drive run at each of the resident communities were distributed to the children. The happiness on their faces spoke louder than words. Moments like these show how simple acts of kindness add real meaning.

What began as an idea to share the spirit of giving turned into a full-fledged ‘Toy Donation Drive’ from the existing customer community to the children on site. This reinforces Duville Estates commitment to building communities that go beyond physical infrastructure, fostering empathy, engagement, and togetherness across customers, employees, construction workers, families, and partners.

This initiative served very well to bring together the existing customer community from Riverdale while meaningfully bringing happiness to these children associated with the Duville ecosystem.

Speaking about the initiative, Tushad B. Dubash, Director, Duville Estates, shared, “It was heartening to see our existing customers come forward and actively participate in the toy donation drive. Their willingness to offer their children’s toys brought immense happiness to the children at the camp. It is these small gestures that help build a cohesive community, something Duville Estates continues to strive for.”

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The day began with a quiet moment of devotion at the Shreemant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Mandir, where many of the children experienced a large urban temple for the very first time.

The highlight of the afternoon was a celebratory lunch at Elephant & Co., made possible through the efforts of Minoti Makim of Carpe Diem. Minoti believes, “Christmas isn’t about grand gestures, it’s about showing up for those who need joy and community the most. I’m grateful we could do that together.”

The restaurant welcomed the children with an extraordinary, thoughtfully curated food spread—a gesture that spoke of genuine generosity.

Karan, founder of Elephant & Co., shared that hosting the group was “an honour for the team,” adding that creating a special meal for the children was their way of making them “feel seen, welcomed, and celebrated.”

Adding to the festive spirit, Minoti’s friend Yalda chose to celebrate her own birthday with the children. She arrived with Santa Claus, gifts for all, and a cake she cut surrounded by beaming faces. 

Dimple Somji, founder of With Love NGO, expressed that the experience was “a first in every sense for the children – their first visit to Pune, their first restaurant meal of this scale, and most importantly, their first feeling of being celebrated by an entire community.”

The day ended with the children returning home carrying gifts, memories, and the warmth of a city that opened its heart to them. The collaboration between individuals and organisations transformed a simple outing into a Christmas they will remember for years.

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The two-hour event brought community members and children together through mixed-team activities, festive games, Secret Santa gifting, music, and dinner. Each team included adults and children to encourage connection, confidence, and shared joy.

Speaking about the initiative, Dr. Nidhi said, “Christmas is about belonging. This celebration allowed our community to share joy in the most meaningful way – with presence, kindness, and love.”

Dimple Somji, founder of With Love NGO, shared, “Our aim was simple: to make every child feel seen, valued, and celebrated. Watching the girls light up reminded us why collective kindness matters.”

The evening highlighted community spirit and the power of simple gestures to create lasting memories.

The post Mind Body Soul Community and With Love NGO Celebrate Christmas with Ghar Aashram Girls in Pune appeared first on NRI News.

Taking centre stage, Liberty Square transforms into Phoenix Christmas Wonderland 2.0, welcoming guests through an immersive glittering tunnel into a vibrant festive world. The experience features candy-adorned Christmas trees, European-themed chalets, and festive carts offering seasonal collectibles, gifting options, and Christmas treats, alongside Insta-worthy installations such as Pune’s tallest teddy bear.

A key highlight this year is the presence of a Finnish Santa, offering guests the opportunity to interact and capture memorable photographs, lending an authentic international charm to the celebration. The Wonderland also hosts a festive performance stage with live music, carol singing, and scheduled acts, creating a lively atmosphere throughout the evening.

Families and younger visitors can explore gaming and creative activity zones by Time Zone, Fun City, Play N Learn, and Hamleys, offering engaging play experiences and entertainment. Additional attractions such as themed mascots, caricature artists, and tattoo art stations ensure all-day engagement for visitors of all ages.

Commenting on the launch, Anshuman Bharadwaj, Senior Centre Director, Phoenix Malls [Pune], said, “At Phoenix Marketcity Pune, our focus is on creating immersive festive experiences that go beyond shopping. Phoenix Christmas Wonderland 2.0 at Liberty Square brings together décor, entertainment, and interactive elements to offer families and friends a truly memorable way to celebrate the season.”

Event Details

• Dates: 12th to 28th December 2025
• Venue: Liberty Square, Phoenix Marketcity Pune
• Time: 5:00 PM onwards
• Tickets: Starting at ₹299
• Booking Link: https://tinyurl.com/PhoenixChristmasWonderland

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Christmas Brunch by the Poolside
Celebrate the spirit of Christmas with a festive poolside brunch at Karma Lakelands, designed for those looking to indulge in great food, entertainment, and a relaxed atmosphere. The brunch features a lavish buffet filled with seasonal favorites, paired with live singing and fun-filled games, making it a perfect gathering for families and friends.
Priced at INR 3000 + taxes per person

This delightful brunch promises a memorable celebration, with delicious dishes and activities that capture the true essence of the holiday season. 

Christmas Joy Retreat Stay Package
This Christmas, treat yourself to a magical retreat at Karma Lakelands with the Christmas Joy Retreat. Nestled in the heart of nature, this holiday package offers an unforgettable experience, brimming with festive activities, seasonal delights, and family-friendly fun. From a special Christmas brunch to exciting adventures, your stay will be filled with moments you’ll cherish forever.  

Inclusions:

• A warm welcome drink to kickstart the festive magic
• A delectable Christmas brunch with all your holiday favorites
• A guided Karma Experience Tour to explore the resort’s hidden gems
• 20% off at the serene Spa for pure relaxation
• A thrilling golf session with the Guinness World Record holder
• Scenic boating experience (subject to availability)
• Interactive pizza-making and cocktail/mocktail crafting session
• 15% off at AK’s Cocktail Bar for a stylish unwind
• Special holiday-themed activities for children during brunch
• Applicable for all room categories

Indulge in the magic of the season with an unforgettable stay at Karma Lakelands, where the beauty of nature meets the warmth of Christmas cheer. Book your Christmas Joy Retreat today and create cherished memories with your loved ones. For more information and bookings, call +91 95 9994 4988. and for updates on upcoming events, visit the Karma Lakelands website. 

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PUNE: Kopa, Pune’s premier luxury lifestyle destination nestled within Koregaon Park, is proud to unveil Pune’s first-ever Christmas Carnival, ‘Wintershire,’ inviting kids and families to immerse themselves in a world of wonder and joy till December 31st, 2023.

At the heart of Kopa’s Wintershire, stands a magnificent 28-foot-tall Christmas tree, setting the stage for a series of enchanting Christmas activities for one and all, organized through a collaboration with Crossword, Kitsters, and Pizza Express. Crossword is hosting a Christmas Library, especially for kids featuring storytelling, snowman building, and Peppa Pig activities while Kitsters offers Christmas Doodling, Wooden Ornament Making, Mug Marbling, and Bottle Light Painting, and Pizza Express is curating a special kids’ Christmas menu consisting of chocolate treats and doughballs. Kids can capture pictures with Santa Claus using Augmented Reality or Video Reality booths providing an immersive way to interact.

Another highlight of ‘Wintershire‘ is the magnificent Gingerbread house offering children a delightful taste of the season’s warmth and sweetness. Within this enchanting setting, kids can relax by the fireplace on rocking chairs, enjoying delicious cookies.

Amidst the festive cheer, Kopa introduces an exciting line-up of new eateries and brands. Pune’s first-ever Shott, a gaming and entertainment zone, and Hamleys Play, a haven for children’s imagination, offer a vibrant space filled with interactive and engaging activities. Kopa has also recently welcomed brands like Brooks Brothers, Chilli’s, Kyma, and Heads Up for Tails. Furthermore, global brands like True Religion, Michael Kors, and Tira Beauty are all set to launch later this month, ensuring there’s something for everyone this holiday season.

The Village at KOPA Mall elevates festive spirits through a variety of renowned restaurants, forming a culinary paradise for visitors. With a delightful mix of eateries like Pizza Express, KYMA, Chilli’s, Doolally, Socials Koregaon, and Punjab Grill, each place contributes its distinct essence to the holiday atmosphere.

Additionally, Kopa proudly boasts the distinction of being the only pet-friendly mall, and Wintershire is designed to accommodate both customers and their furry friends. And of course, what’s Christmas without a visit to Santa? Guests can meet and greet the jolly man himself and drop off their heartfelt letters in his mailbox.

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Time: 12.00 pm-4.00 pm

Brunch Price: Rs. 3500 per person

Venue: The Backwaters, Kochi

This is the season to enjoy a Christmas brunch with The Backwaters, Kochi. The vibrant suburban island village of Panangad, Kochi is known for its picturesque dining experience with a fusion of traditional Kerala cuisine and global flavors. The culinary team has meticulously crafted a menu that harmonizes traditional festive favorites such as Roasted Beetroot, walnut, and feta salad to start with, followed by Roast Turkey Breast or Chicken Roast with Cranberry sauce, Chicken Sausage macaroni cheese stuffing, thyme Pan gravy which is accompanied by Rosemary paprika roasted potatoes or Olive oil & Garlic Mash potatoes and without the Christmas plum cake with custard & Caramelised Strawberries no Christmas meal is ever complete.

Amid serene waters and the lively local culture, The Backwaters sets the stage for a joyous holiday celebration, offering an ambient setting for a Christmas Day brunch, a delightful journey of festive merriment.

‘The Backwaters’ is nestled within the vibrant suburban island village of Panangad, Kochi, and offers a unique blend of global flavors and rustic Kerala cuisine that promises an immersive dining experience set amidst the tranquil waters and vibrant local culture. Set in a waterfront location, The Backwaters merges seamlessly with nature, offering more than just great food. For those with a sense of adventure and a love for the great outdoors, this place is a paradise. Guests can catch their fish, kayak, sail, or enjoy a traditional dining experience on a rice boat.  

The space is Owned by OC Thomas & Anuja Thomas of Rainforest Luxury Resort Athirapally & Olam On The Lake, Kochi, in collaboration with restaurateur Twinkle Keswani and renowned Chef Rohan D’Souza.

The post Celebrate Christmas at The Backwaters appeared first on NRI News.

The program started with Street Carnival where more than 25 children comprising tiny tots to youngsters participated. This was followed by a dance performance by ladies of the Society.

The Carol singing by different groups of children led by Sarah and her husband Mr. Vaidhyanathan and orchestrated by ONE CHURCH, PUNE/KHARADI was the highlight of the evening.

The finale of the evening was the entry of Santa enacted by a prominent resident of the society Ashutosh and the festivities ended with live Music organized by Mr. Bablu Maitrey, a resident of the society.

The program was anchored by Mr. Manish Joshi and the organizing members consisted of Priya Sharma, Manish Joshi, Avinash Dalal, Era Moitra, Shweta Agrawal, Monica, Ritika, and Jeroo.

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