MUMBAI: The Esports Foundation (EF) and JioBLAST have today announced a strategic partnership to launch India Rising: Road to EWC, a national competition pathway and a festival hosted in India ahead of the Esports World Cup 2026 (EWC), the world’s largest esports and gaming event. The future vision of the partnership beyond 2026 will be formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly develop the ecosystem, beginning with India Rising: Road to EWC as a long-term flagship property connected to EWC in India.

Delivered in collaboration with Jio (for use of its digital platforms) and Chess.com, India Rising will feature international nationwide open qualifiers for Chess, culminating in a grand finals held on LAN at the fan festival, with the winner advancing to the EWC 2026 Chess main event, held in Riyadh from August 11-15, 2026. While the 2026 edition introduces Chess as its inaugural competitive title, building on India’s global strength in the game, India Rising: Road to EWC is designed to scale in future years, expanding into multiple esports formats and fan-centric experiences as the platform continues to evolve. 

All titled Indian players will be invited to the closed qualifier section of India Rising, with more than 10,000 grassroots players across the country expected to sign up for open registration.

The festival will be held offline in Mumbai, where attendees can experience the India Rising Chess finals alongside creator programming, entertainment, and interactive fan experiences. Additional exhibition matches in VALORANT and Moba Legends: 5v5! will form part of the program, which will bring together competitive esports and live entertainment, featuring live music, cosplay, comedy, interactive gaming zones, and dedicated creator areas for fan engagement.

“The Esports World Cup’s purpose is to unite the global gaming community, and that means investing in regions shaping the future of the industry,” said Mohammed Al Nimer, Chief Commercial Officer of the Esports Foundation. “India is central to that vision. With hundreds of millions of players, it is home to leading chess talent, elite championship Clubs to digital platforms redefining how fans engage with esports. Through partnership with JioBlast, we are creating new opportunities for Indian players to compete at the highest level, while bringing the EWC closer to its fans in the country.”

Charlie Cowdrey, CEO, JioBLAST, said: “India has the second biggest gaming base and one of the most passionate gaming communities in the world, but what has been missing is a clear and credible pathway from India into the biggest global stages. Partnering with the Esports World Cup to build India Rising: Road to EWC will change that. Starting with Chess.com in 2026, this is about opening the door for Indian talent, building stronger connections between players, fans, and publishers, and creating an ecosystem that can grow with the market over time. We are proud to be building it with the Esports Foundation and are excited for what this will become in the future years together.”

India is one of the world’s leading Chess nations, led by a new generation of Grandmasters including Gukesh Dommaraju, Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu, Nihal Sarin, and Arjun Erigaisi. India was represented at the Esports World Cup 2025 by Sarin and Erigaisi, competing for S8UL and Gen.G, respectively, reflecting the country’s impact at the highest level of competition. India is one of the fastest-growing gaming markets globally, expected to surpass 500 million players in 2026, with player spending projected to exceed $1 billion. The market is predominantly mobile, with approximately 95% of players on mobile devices.

Avadh Shah, Country Director – India, Chess.com, said: “India is one of the most exciting chess communities in the world, with incredible depth of talent across both the grassroots and elite levels. We’re proud to partner on India Rising: Road to EWC to help create a truly open and competitive pathway for players across the country. We’re looking forward to delivering a world-class experience by combining our massive platform with the scale of Jio and the global stage of the Esports World Cup.” 

JioBLAST will lead the design and delivery of India Rising, including competition, festival, and content. The initiative establishes a structured route from grassroots participation in India to global competition at the EWC. Given India’s evolving regulatory ecosystem, JioBLAST continues to engage with regulators.

Chess returns to EWC this summer with a $1.5 million prize pool following its debut last year, where Magnus Carlsen (Team Liquid) won the inaugural title. The competition expands to a 21-player field, with a play-in stage and qualification routes including the India Rising pathway alongside Champions Chess Tour and Chess.com events.

Official Trailer Launch Film

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Curated by JioStar Consumer Products in partnership with ZaZoo Studios by Rajwa & Epiphany, the experience encourages teamwork, courage, and creativity through mission-based play. Children receive a PAW Patrol Passport and earn a completion certificate after finishing all zones, making it a rewarding and memorable family outing this season.

Event Details

Venue: Liberty Square, Phoenix Marketcity Pune

Dates: From 9th January 2026 onwards

Entry: Open to all families and children

Time: 2 pm onwards

Tickets: Available on BookMyShow (https://in.bookmyshow.com/events/paw-patrol-comes-to-pune/ET00474696)

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PUNE: The Health Film Festival, organized annually by the P. M. Shah Foundation and Vardhaman Pratishthan in Pune, will be held this year on Friday, December 12, and Saturday, December 13 at the NFDC – National Film Archive of India on Law College Road. This was announced by Adv. Chetan Gandhi, Director of P. M. Shah Foundation.

Adv. Chetan Gandhi also mentioned that this is the 14th year of the festival, and 31 selected short films and documentaries from more than 145 short films and documentaries from India and abroad will be screened during this festival. The organizers have also informed that the Health Film Festival is free, and entry will be given on a first-come, first-served basis only.

The 14th Health Film Festival will be formally inaugurated on Friday, December 12, at 2 pm in the presence of Padma Shri Dr. Ravi Kannan R, a Padma Shri awardee and director of the Cachar Cancer Hospital and Research Center, Assam, who has revolutionized cancer treatment in the region. This will be followed by the screening of short films and documentaries from 3 pm. The next day (Saturday, December 13), those interested will be able to watch short films and documentaries from 10 am, and then the festival will conclude at 4 pm. The closing ceremony and prize distribution ceremony of the winners will be presided over by well-known actress Renuka Daftardar. Awards will be given to the best short films and documentaries on this occasion.

Giving more information about the festival, Adv. Chetan Gandhi said, “Like every year, this year too, we are organizing the 14th Health Film Festival in association with P. M. Shah Foundation and Vardhaman Pratishthan, and we have received a spontaneous response from the contestants this year as well. This year, more than 145 short films and documentaries from across the country and abroad have registered their participation for the festival, and out of these, the attendees will get the opportunity to watch a select 31 short films and documentaries. These include topics such as mental health, child health and child sexual abuse, women’s health issues, organ donation, cancer, social health, cleanliness, health issues of senior citizens, etc.”

Along with India, entries for the festival have come from countries all over the world, including Dubai, Australia, Germany, America, Pakistan, Algeria, England, Bangladesh, Senegal, Philippines, France, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, South Africa, Serbia, and Iran. The selection process of all these documentaries and short films has been done by renowned critic and social activist Anuja Deodhar, Dr. Leena Borude and social activist Neeta Mehta. Adv. Gandhi also informed that even though the short films and documentaries screened in the festival are in different languages, they will have English subtitles.

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The festival at the National Museums of Kenya addresses the growing plastic pollution crisis by demonstrating practical, culturally rooted solutions that create jobs, reduce environmental harm, and cut the billions governments spend on clean up, incineration, and health costs associated with throwaway plastic culture.

KEY EVENTS:

1. MEDIA BRIEFING

Date: Friday, November 14, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Venue: National Museums of Kenya, Nairobi

2. REFILL AND REUSE FESTIVAL DETAILS

Day 1 – Policy Dialogues
Date: Friday, November 14, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Program Highlights:

• Media Briefing
• Panel Discussions
• Refill and Reuse Exhibition

Day 2 – Public Festival: “Experience, Refill, Reuse: A Sustainable Lifestyle for All”
Date: Saturday, November 15, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Target Audience: General public, families, schools, artists, innovators

Program Highlights:

• Hands-on refill stations and zero-waste exhibitions
• Children’s upcycling art competitions
• Live music performances and poetry sessions
• Storytelling circles and interactive refill challenges with prizes
• Demonstrations of traditional African reuse practices

Admission: Free and open to the public

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Day 1, November 14, will bring headline performances from international chart-toppers The Script and Jason Derulo, with dance and entertainment icon Nora Fatehi adding a high-energy set to the opening night. The day will also feature a strong line-up of local artists such as Dappest & adL, Zephyrtone, Walter Wahlang, Khasi Bloodz, Prismer, ALIVE, Larger Than 90, Bending Waves, and others, giving the audience a blended experience of mixed global and local talents.

The second day of the festival, November 15 will feature international heavyweights Tyga and Aqua, alongside a headline experience by global producer DJ Diplo and more of the Northeast’s finest artists such as Meba Ofilia, Girish & The Chronicles, Ahaia, G Hills Finest, Finding Mero, Dalariti, ARIUS, and more, including a specially curated Tribute to Zubeen Garg, acknowledging his contributions to the music world and to the region.

Beyond the main stages, the festival this year will also include other activities, including the Cherry Blossom Arm Fight, Karaoke Contest, Mechanical Bull, Zipline, Graffiti Contest, Cherry Blossom Cosplay Competition, and other attractions. Visitors can also explore a wide range of local food stalls, craft displays, and merchandise booths that capture Meghalaya’s creative spirit and culinary diversity. Organisers have also put in place advanced event technologies and fan experiences to make the festival both secure and more immersive.

While Polo Ground will serve as the central venue for the Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival, visitors can also explore the Japan Arena at Ward’s Lake, which celebrates the cultural bond between Meghalaya and Japan. The arena will feature Japanese art, music, cuisine, and traditional performances, offering visitors a glimpse into Japan’s rich heritage. It also highlights the longstanding friendship and cultural exchange between India and Japan, reflected in the blooming cherry blossoms that symbolize renewal and harmony. Ward’s Lake, with its scenic beauty, provides the perfect backdrop for this cross-cultural experience.

As pink blossoms paint Shillong’s hills, the Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival 2025 invites everyone to experience this extraordinary fusion of nature and music, ranging from world-renowned international acts to the very best talent from Meghalaya and the Northeast, and a cultural blend celebrating the spirit and beauty of the state and the entire Northeast region.

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The festival brings together a handpicked line-up of leading local and outstation coffee brands, offering premium tasting sessions, limited-edition small-batch blends, and direct conversations with master roasters and baristas shaping India’s vibrant coffee scene. Participating breweries include Forest Farmer Coffee Roaster, Theka, 90 ml Coffee, 7 Elements Coffee Roaster, 1 Dollar Moffee, Soil, Creamer Coffee, Budhani Coffee, Gandhi Coffee, Colombian Brew Coffee, Cophi, and Kori Matcha House. Visitors can also explore interactive workshops such as latte-art sessions, coffee-cupping experiences, and advanced brewing techniques to deepen their understanding of the science and craft behind every cup.

To complement the caffeine buzz, Coffee Fest at KOPA will host a curated selection of F&B stalls from Boba Boutique, Café Melt, Hungry Goons, Zorko, Potato Twisters, Rustic Oven, and 1 Dollar Moffee,  along with special counters for coffee merchandise and “Everything Brewed.” Live performances will keep the energy flowing through the weekend, headlined by Shantanu Dudame, the voice behind the hit song from URI, alongside Aanchal & The Party on November 15, followed by Hrivibe and DJ Talam on November 16.

Elevating Pune’s coffee experience further, the festival introduces Coffee Rave, a breakthrough trend redefining nightlife with a coffee-only energy. With techno beats, a rooftop vibe, and zero alcohol, it offers a fresh social culture where coffee fuels the night. Hosted at the KOPA Mall rooftop, Coffee Fest at KOPA welcomes all enthusiasts for a nominal entry fee, uniting Pune’s growing community of coffee purists in one iconic celebration.

The visitors will also receive a complimentary gift hamper from Colombian Brew Coffee, making this two-day festival an unmissable blend of aroma, energy, and experience.

Location: Rooftop, KOPA Mall

Date: November 15 – 16, 2025

Timings: 4 PM – 10 PM

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This year’s announcement introduces an array of authors, thinkers, and artists who represent a rich variety of perspectives and disciplines. The confirmed names include Senior Physicist at CERN Geneva Archana Sharma; former Chief Economic Adviser to the Government of India Arvind Subramanian; Nobel Prize-winning economist Esther Duflo; Nobel Prize-winning economist Tanya Talaga; former Taoiseach of Ireland Leo Varadkar; noted art historian and curator Debra Diamond; editor of Private Eye and renowned satirist Ian Hislop; celebrated poet and novelist Jeet Thayil; Booker Prize-winning author Kiran Desai; award-winning nature poet Alice Oswald; art critic and broadcaster Andrew Graham-Dixon; bestselling novelist Ashwin Sanghi; pathbreaking writer Kunzang Choden Roder; historian and biographer Narayani Basu; acclaimed nutritionist and author Rujuta Diwekar; award-winning writer and chronicler of the Himalaya Stephen Alter; disability rights activist and writer Tarini Mohan; literary advocate and publisher William Sieghart; and Telugu feminist writer Volga.

Namita Gokhale, Co-Director of the Jaipur Literature Festival, shared: “Come January, the greatest literature festival on earth returns to Jaipur! It provides a crucial cross-fertilisation of ideas and literary narratives in our fractured world. The multilingual lineup of writers and speakers is as diverse and eclectic as ever, showcasing the best of recent writing from across the Indian languages and the globe. With themes that are classic, radical, and timeless, the 19th edition of our festival provides windows to many worlds and glimpses into the future.”

William Dalrymple, Co-Director, added: “This year we present one of our most extraordinary line-ups since the festival began, including many of the world’s most celebrated writers, thinkers, poets and satirists. Do not miss Jaipur ’26- it’s going to be completely astonishing.”

Sanjoy K. Roy, Managing Director of Teamwork Arts, said: “The Jaipur Literature Festival is more than an event; it’s a celebration of free expression, diversity, and the power of narrative to build bridges. As we approach our 19th edition, we’re proud to offer a platform where voices from around the world can engage, inspire, and transform audiences through the art of storytelling.”

Priya Agarwal, Director, Vedanta Resources, said: “At Vedanta, our partnership with the Jaipur Literature Festival reflects our belief that when creativity and conversation come together, they can shape a more connected and compassionate world. As the Festival enters its 19th edition, we are proud to support a platform that celebrates diverse voices and the timeless power of storytelling to drive progress.”

Alongside its literary sessions, Jaipur Literature Festival 2026 will present a diverse programme including the much-loved Heritage Evenings, set against the historic backdrop of Jaipur, featuring music, poetry, and performance. The Jaipur Music Stage will showcase leading Indian and international musicians in performance alongside the festival. The industry-focused Jaipur BookMark (JBM) will once again provide a premier platform for publishers, agents, authors, and other stakeholders to network and collaborate. Now in its 19th year, the Jaipur Literature Festival remains committed to being an accessible, inclusive space where writers, thinkers, and audiences come together to celebrate ideas and the universal love for stories.

For further information on the festival, please visit: https://jaipurliteraturefestival.org/

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WHEN: 29, 30& 31 August 2025 from 10 am to 7 pm (Artist interaction 4 pm to 7 pm)

WHERE: Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute, Law College Road

ABOUT: ‘Poonah-Revisiting Pune’ is a photography exhibition by 19-year-old Adi Anand Chordia. The exhibition offers a visual journey into Pune’s rich heritage through over 150 handpicked photographs, selected from 5000+ raw images clicked by Adi. It features Pune’s old temples, traditional wadas, historic markets, and colonial-era architecture – all seen from the eyes of a young photographer trying to capture and preserve the art, culture & heritage of the city

ENTRY: FREE

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Held on Saturday, August 9, 2025, the free festival transformed the picnic grove into a bustling hub of tradition, music, and modern flair. From 9:00 AM to 7:30 PM, families, seniors, children, and volunteers reveled in a colorful blend of performances, games, food, and cultural showcases.

“This wasn’t just an event — it was a celebration of unity, culture, and community spirit,” said Jassie Parmar, Founder of Desi Junction.

A Festival of Traditions and Togetherness

The day began with Langar Sewa, a complimentary community breakfast, followed by a heartfelt opening ceremony at 10:30 AM. Elders from across India — Delhi, Mumbai, Andhra, and more — symbolically kicked off the festivities, joined by Chaudhary Singh Sahab, an ex-minister from Uttar Pradesh who flew in from India.

“This program unites people from all Indian states, showcasing India’s diversity in America,” Singh Sahab told the cheering crowd.

With free entry, free parking, shuttle service, and free ice cream for kids under five, inclusivity remained at the heart of Summerfest.

Music, Dance, and Patriotic Pride

Cultural performances set the tone. Students of Gandharv Mahavidyalaya North America opened with Kathak and Hindustani classical music, while kids from Payel’s Vocal Studio moved audiences to tears with stirring patriotic songs.

The Dance Dhamaka competition turned the grove into a Bollywood stage, with children and youth dazzling judges like Amit Chakraborty, who recently performed with Bollywood star Hrithik Roshan.

Winners included:

• Chicago Dance Varsity (Kids Category)
• Ashke Bhangra Group, Arthi’s Dance Academy, and Shelzar Dance Company (Youth & Adults)

Evening highlights included a Sundowner Dance Party and a high-energy Bollywood Antakshari finale that had the crowd singing classics together.

Games, Fashion, and Community Spirit

From tug-of-war and lemon spoon races to scavenger hunts and Antakshari rounds, families played for prizes including free tickets to concerts by Falguni Pathak, Badshah, and Kanwar Grewal.

The Saree Fashion Walk drew loud cheers as pageant winners and brand ambassadors — including Sara Bongale (Mrs. Midwest Universe) and Nirali Desai (Miss India Illinois) — showcased elegance and cultural pride. Participants even received complimentary salon treatments, adding a modern touch to the traditional showcase.

Food stalls serving golgappe, momos, and chaat kept energy high, while vendors offered clothing, jewelry, and festive deals.

Voices of Pride and Partnership

“Summerfest 2025 is our biggest and most successful yet,” said organizers Safalya Pani and Bhairavi K Thakkar, crediting over 30 volunteers and community partners.

Suresh Bodiwala, Chairman and Founder of Asian Media USA, extended congratulations, adding:
“Events like this strengthen the bonds of the Asian diaspora in America, and we are proud to highlight them.”

About Desi Junction

For more than 24 years, Desi Junction has served Chicagoland’s South Asian community with cultural festivals, concerts, expos, and family gatherings. Driven by volunteers, its mission is to connect people through music, dance, food, and tradition.

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