PUNE: The grand annual event of ‘Mass Marriage’ at Punyadham Ashram was held on November 30^th, 2025. It was indeed a heartwarming experience for all who had the opportunity to witness these 18 couples, including 9 visually impaired couples, hailing from different parts of Maharashtra, tie the knot at a special ceremony organized by Punyadham Ashram for the underprivileged section of our society, that too without any expense or dowry. This is the 10^th year that this unique function has been organized, and to date, over 165 couples coming from humble families have been wedded in a grand celebration.

The excitement, energy, and anticipation of over 2500 people at the venue were infectious, with all the hustle-bustle of wedding arrangements, the sounds of shehnai, floral decorations, and festive atmosphere everywhere in Punyadham.

The brides looked radiant in Gold-Red sarees, beautifully adorned jewelry, and the grooms smartly dressed in ‘Sherwanis, phetas & mojris’. The baraat procession of the grooms entered with all the baraatis dancing, while the brides’ families eagerly waited to welcome them. Finally, after the grooms joined their respective brides in the beautifully decorated mandap, the learned pandits started chanting the wedding rituals. The marriage ceremony was performed ia n traditional Maharashtrian antarpat, followed by the pheras and the kanyadaan ceremony, in the presence of esteemed guests.

“Every year, Punyadham Ashram organizes a mass marriage ceremony of girls whose families cannot afford the expenses of an elaborate wedding. The girls are supported to fulfil their dreams of having a beautiful wedding ceremony with their families & friends. This unique institution is trying to bring about a change in the mindset of the populace by discouraging the custom of dowry”, said Maa Krishna Kashyap, Chairperson, who has made ‘Service to God through Service to Humanity’ her mission in life!

The day became even more special with the gracious presence of eminent personalities who came to bless the couples. President CA Sadananda Shetty, Secretary Ghanshyam Zawar, Trustee Ganesh Kamthe, along with renowned philanthropist Smt. Mamata Sindhutai Sapkal, Vijay Soni, Vishwanath Todkar, and renowned personalities Mahadev Babar, Gafoor Pathan, Virsen Jagtap, Sangita Tai Thosar, Jalinder Kamthe, and Vasant More were also present to bless the newlyweds.
 

After all the traditional rituals, it was time for the Chairperson Maa Krishna Kashyap, President Sadananda Shetty, the Trustees, and the special guests to bless the young couples with gifts and trousseau, consisting of household items, dinner sets, cookers, blankets, new sarees, and salwar-kameez sets, to help the newlyweds start their married life. “Our best wishes are with these couples and hope they find true happiness and togetherness in life”, said Maa Kashyap.

It was a delightful sight to witness those couples who were married a few years ago come together to celebrate this special occasion. The guests were then treated to a lavish Maharashtrian lunch, which was enjoyed thoroughly by all.

The whole credit for this immensely noble initiative goes to Maa Krishna Kashyap, who meticulously planned this massive event, which was perfectly executed. Without her dedicated support, gracious presence, and inspiration, none of the activities of Punyadham Ashram would be possible.

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These aren’t just rings. They’re part of your private language. Symbols of a bond so personal, only you two know the story they hold.

The collection draws inspiration from the unspoken gestures that define real connection, the quiet understanding and shared rhythm between two people. Each design in this collection reflects a quiet intimacy, the kind of love that finds meaning in shared glances and familiar silences.

Crafted in 95% pure platinum, these bands stand for a connection that is unwavering and true, mirroring the strength and resilience of the metal itself. From entwined motifs that symbolize two paths becoming one, to dual-tone details that capture the contrast and harmony within every relationship, Platinum Love Bands brings together artistry and emotion in equal measure. Sleek lines, soft curves, and diamond accents create pieces that feel both contemporary and timeless, echoing the evolving expressions of modern love.

Couples can choose from an array of exquisitely crafted platinum love bands from the new season’s collection, each reflecting their rare and unique love language.

RHYTHM OF US

Some bonds don’t fall into place — they find their rhythm, slowly, deeply, truly. These Platinum Love Bands are a reflection of your bond — different in many ways, yet always drawn back to one another. Inspired by waves, they capture your journey — a love that moves, grows, and flows, yet always comes home.

US UNTIL INFINITY

Every love story has its own path; these Platinum Love Bands reflect the unspoken promise between you — to stand by each other, through all of life’s turns. Designed with an infinity symbol that completes when placed together, they capture a love that’s infinite, enduring, rare.

LOOPED IN LOVE 

There’s a quiet kind of comfort in being understood without saying a word. These Platinum Love Bands capture that rare connection — where your hearts speak to each other through glances and gestures. Designed as a flowing spiral for her and a matte-finished band for him, they reflect how two people can be beautifully different, yet perfectly in sync.

TWIN FLAMES

Like two distinct energies in perfect sync, these Platinum Love Bands celebrate a connection where differences deepen the love you share. Each ring features a flame-shaped motif — a symbol of your individual spirit, dancing in harmony. A love language of being deeply connected like twin flames — destined to be together.

 THE LASTING EMBRACE

Like a shared rhythm between two hearts, these Platinum Love Bands mirror a love that needs no words. Designed with overlapping swirls, these love bands reflect the strength of a quiet presence, the kind that lifts you up by saying, “you’re never alone.” A love language of silently but surely being there — in it together.

BLENDED IN LOVE

Like two imperfectly perfect pieces that fit together, these Platinum Love Bands are a reflection of you two — different in many ways, yet coming together to create a world that’s uniquely yours. Designed with a dual-tone ridged finish that symbolizes this union of two strikingly bold entities, they beautifully fit together. A love language where nothing is hidden — where openness and appreciation for each other build a true sense of belonging.

IN PERFECT SYNC

In every step, every thought, every action, you move in perfect harmony. These Platinum Love Bands reflect this harmony. Designed with a dual-tone finish and clean, structured lines that are almost identical — just like the way you see the world, together. Where every dream is shared, choices are woven together, and every moment is lived hand in hand. A love language of being true partners.

Whether it’s the wave-like forms of Rhythm of Us, the enduring promise behind Us Until Infinity, or the intuitive connection of Twin Flames, each pair of couple bands is a quiet expression of love, commitment, and belonging.

And there’s no better metal to honour that bond than platinum — a precious metal born of the stars, found in only select locations across the world, and cast in uncompromising purity of 95%. Unmatched in strength, naturally white, it never fades, and holds every stone with unequalled security. Just like the love it celebrates — enduring, resilient, and one of a kind.

The latest collection of Platinum Love Bands is available across leading jewellery retail stores in the country and online on: https://platinumdaysoflove.com/

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Set on a serene private island in the middle of Udai Sagar Lake, framed by the Aravalli hills, Raffles Udaipur offers a setting that feels at once cinematic and deeply personal. From majestic multi-day affairs to soulful, intimate unions, every celebration is imbued with the signature Raffles grace, care, and attention to detail.

said Rajesh Namby, General Manager, Raffles Udaipur.

With the recent unveiling of Raffles Udaipur Lakeshore, the hotel has seamlessly expanded its offering, now catering to celebrations of every scale. The addition of expansive manicured lawns and new event spaces along the lakeside has elevated the property’s capacity, making it a truly versatile canvas for destination weddings — whether opulent or understated.

The hotel’s dedicated wedding curators, bespoke culinary journeys, and legacy of service ensure that every occasion at Raffles Udaipur is not just memorable but deeply meaningful.

This recognition at WOW Awards Asia 2025 stands as a tribute to the hotel’s continued evolution as a modern palace of celebration, where heritage meets imagination and every moment is worthy of a story.

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For couples planning their weddings between December 1, 2024, and January 15, 2025, Courtyard by Marriott Pune Chakan presents a thoughtful blend of tradition and modern luxury with ten unique inclusions to make every moment unforgettable. The hotel extends its signature hospitality by offering two complimentary suites for the bride’s and groom’s families for two nights, ensuring unmatched comfort throughout the celebrations. The couple is treated to a dedicated suite on their wedding night, complete with sparkling wine and a special chocolate amenity, providing an indulgent retreat after the festivities.

To further commemorate the special union, the hotel offers a complimentary stay during the couple’s anniversary month, including breakfast on a weekend, evoking nostalgia and celebrating the journey together (blackout dates apply). Pre-wedding arrangements are thoughtfully catered to with a complimentary wash-and-change room for pre-wedding shoots on weekends and a chauffeur-driven car service for two days, adding ease and convenience to the preparations. Guests are welcomed warmly with the hotel’s signature “Shaadi Ka Ladoo” in their rooms, a sweet blend of tradition and hospitality.

Culinary experiences at Courtyard by Marriott Pune Chakan add another layer of delight. A chef-crafted two-layer wedding cake becomes a centerpiece of the celebrations, while a traditional Sajjan Goth for 15 guests during the wedding lunch honors heritage and brings families together. Guests can also enjoy a 15% discount on food and beverages, ensuring each dining experience is as memorable as the occasion.

For moments of relaxation amidst the festivities, the hotel’s Nilaya Spa offers a 15% discount on its services, providing an indulgent escape for the couple and their families. Adding to the seamless experience, a dedicated team ensures that every detail of the celebration is executed flawlessly, allowing families and couples to focus on what truly matters—cherishing time together.

These thoughtful inclusions reflect the hotel’s dedication to creating a stress-free and memorable celebration, allowing families and couples to focus on what matters most cherishing their time together. Courtyard by Marriott Pune Chakan provides a balance of luxury and care, making every moment of the wedding experience truly unforgettable.

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“Our journey in the culinary field is fuelled by a deep-seated love for food, which is evident in our work. Be it a bespoke catering event or a simple delivery, we ensure each meal is a memorable experience. We are Two Mad Cookks”, smiles Joravar.

And after many requests from loyal customers, they have ventured into the wedding catering business. They have already serviced multiple destination weddings at Panchgani, Mumbai, Kamshet, and Lonavala, with 200-400 pax at each event. That’s not all – at one wedding, they even went out of their way to source a favorite brand of ice cream that the bride and groom requested. “Anything to make it a special day for our clients”, says Joravar.

“We aim to extend our knowledge and experience to a wider audience and be a part of your everyday life and your small, large, very large, and very large celebrations. We take great pride and passion in catering. Be it 10 people at your house or 35000 people at a corporate gig, we do it all with equal enthusiasm and zest”, beams Priyanka.

Two Mad Cookks celebrates their 4^th anniversary on 1^st December and they are very grateful to their valuable customers, who have made their venture a success. And with their continued passion for dishing out culinary treats day in and day out, naturally, the Two Mad Cookks will always be a foodie’s delight!

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MUMBAI: Raymond Lifestyle Ltd. (“RLL”), whose shares will be listed on the bourses on September 5, 2025, is on its way to towards the largest-ever retail expansion by adding 900 new outlets over three years. The Raymond Group’s lifestyle business entity is eyeing a 15% Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) to attain around 7% market share in the fast-growing Men’s-Wear wedding market by 2027.

Raymond, which will now have two listed entities following the demerger of its retail and lifestyle businesses, is focused on unlocking shareholder value by creating specialized businesses. Backed by a legacy of nearly a century, Raymond enjoys the position as the largest brand in the Indian men’s -wear wedding market, estimated at around Rs 75,000 crore. RLL, which is set to emerge among the top three global fabric suppliers by the end of this year, has sales of Rs 2550 crore from the wedding business in FY’24, which includes Raymond’s wedding and ceremonial attire, and Ethnix, its Indian ethnic wear offering.

Underscoring RLL’s role in further cementing itself in the rapidly expanding lifestyle segment, Gautam Singhania, Chairman and Managing Director, of Raymond Group, said, “The demerger aims at unlocking shareholder value by creating a focussed lifestyle business entity. Raymond Lifestyle will sharpen its strategic focus in this fast-growing sector to become among the top three global fabric suppliers by the end of this year. The global scenario presents significant opportunities, particularly the challenges in China and Bangladesh and trade agreements with the UK, EU, and Australia.”

Highlighting RLL’s massive expansion plans, Sunil Kataria, CEO, of Raymond Lifestyle, said, “The Raymond brand enjoys an iconic status in the Indian Wedding Men’s-Wear market. With Raymond Lifestyle, we are all set to embark upon the largest-ever retail expansion with 900 new outlets over three years, alongside launching new categories such as sleepwear and innerwear. Several other categories are also in the pipeline. When it comes to our existing brands, Ethnix has already established its distinct position in the market, and we plan to nearly triple our physical presence with an additional 300 Ethnix stores in the next three years. We believe that we can achieve unparalleled growth in this wedding segment, significantly consolidating our position as the dominant market leader.”

As a focused, pure-play consumer business, RLL is pursuing a three-pronged strategic approach of strengthening the core of branded textiles, accelerating the growth of apparel garments, and building new categories such as ethnic wear, innerwear, sleepwear, and international retail. RLL is focused on enhancing the distribution presence in the country and plans to set up over 650 Exclusive Brand Outlets (EBOs) over the next three years.

Speaking about RLL’s growth plans, Amit Agarwal, Chief Financial Officer, of Raymond Group, said, “In the next three years, we anticipate Raymond Lifestyle doubling its EBITDA to over ₹20 billion. We are also looking towards a 12–15% sales growth in the lifestyle sector. The aim for Raymond Lifestyle would be to capture around 7% market share in the dynamic Men’s-Wear wedding market by 2027.”

Raymond is the 10th strongest brand in India, and the only fabric and apparel brand as recognized by Brand Finance. Guided by the enduring legacy of “The Complete Man”, Raymond has always epitomized the values of trust, quality, and excellence. RLL is set to carry this legacy forward, continuing to define men’s fashion with the same timeless elegance.

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Here are five compelling reasons why diamonds make the perfect family gifts this wedding season.

1 Inherent Preciousness & Symbolism

Diamonds have long been associated with love, strength, and endurance. Their timeless beauty and remarkable resilience make them a perfect representation of a strong and everlasting commitment. They symbolize the endurance of a relationship & their inherent preciousness makes them an ideal gift for someone whose bond you cherish for a lifetime.

2 Capturing Milestones and Memories

Weddings are milestones in a family’s journey, filled with joy, laughter, and happiness. Gifting diamonds tangibly encapsulates these priceless moments. Each time the family member wears the natural diamond gift, it becomes a cherished keepsake that transports them back to the moment of that wedding, evoking emotions and memories that will be cherished for a lifetime.

3 Heirloom Value

Like most high-value jewelry, diamonds have been considered treasured family heirlooms, passed down from one generation to the next. As time goes by, these precious gifts acquire sentimental value that extends beyond their quantifiable worth. A diamond ring worn by a grandmother, for example, carries the legacy of enduring love and serves as a solid connection to the family’s history. Such heirlooms become symbols of love, tradition, and the continuation of a strong bond between generations. Imagine the precious memory a diamond gift would hold for that family member.

4 Personalized and Meaningful Expression

Whether it’s a unique piece of jewelry crafted with intricate details or a custom-designed pendant or ring, selecting and gifting a diamond becomes a personal expression of the bond you share with that family member. The effort, emotion & thought that goes into selecting that precious gift is treasured by the receiver, creating that meaningful experience.

5 Emotional Significance

Beyond the symbolism and material worth, diamonds hold emotional value and are associated with special milestones. By gifting a diamond during the family wedding, you are creating a lasting memory. Diamonds can evoke emotions and create a sentimental connection, making them an ideal gift for such a special occasion.

The significance of a diamond lies not only in the object itself but also in the emotions and memories it generates. Diamonds truly embody the essence of love, beauty, and lasting connections, making them the perfect gifts. Their timeless elegance symbolizes the eternal bond shared among family members. By gifting diamonds, you not only celebrate the occasion but also create lasting memories that will be treasured for generations to come. Embrace the sparkle and significance of diamonds as you honor your family’s love and unity on this special day. Let these precious gems serve as a tangible reminder of the enduring bond and cherished moments that define your family’s journey together, making life brilliant, concludes Toranj.

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The 3-day exhibition, featured handcrafted creations, showcasing the perfect blend of tradition and contemporary design, providing a unique shopping experience for jewelry enthusiasts and brides-to-be alike. The exhibition showcased jewelry for every generation and every occasion. The range consists of wedding jewelry (gold and diamond) daily wear and festive creations that are apt not just for the season but also for office, and parties and used as regular wear. PMJ Jewels is well known for its timeless designs, handcrafted wedding collections in gold, all types of precious metals, diamonds, uncut, polki, and the rarest of gemstones – ruby, sapphire, and emerald.

Shri.MVV Satyanarayana, Member of Parliament, Visakhapatnam, the esteemed chief guest at the event, expressed his admiration for the collection, stating, “I am truly honored to be a part of this splendid exhibition by PMJ Jewels. It’s heartening to witness a brand that continues to uphold the cultural legacy of our country and state through its artistic creations. PMJ Jewels in the city of Vizag with such a unique collection also helps people to choose the right jewellery for any occasion.”

Shri. Kayala Venkata Reddy, Maritime Board Chairman, speaking during the unveiling ceremony said, “It is a privilege to inaugurate PMJ Jewels exhibition at Vizag. All jewelry enthusiasts should visit such exhibitions which have exclusive designs for half saree functions and weddings too.“

Hyder Ali, AP State Head of PMJ Jewels, said, “We are overwhelmed by the positive response we received from the attendees. The sheer diversity and quality of the pieces on display reflect our commitment to providing our customers with the best of Indian jewelry and fashion. We want to help and advise our customers to select the right jewelry for their special occasions like half saree functions and weddings. The designs which were displayed at the exhibition are of the finest quality and available at affordable prices.“

Anand Jilagam, Vizag Head, PMJ Jewels, “We are delighted to have MVV Satyanarayana Garu and Kayala Venkata Reddy Garu, inaugurate our half saree and wedding jewellery exhibition at Vizag. This event signifies the convergence and the artistry of PMJ Jewels. We look forward to creating memorable experiences for our customers in Vizag and beyond, as we continue to set new benchmarks in the world of fine jewelry.“

Each piece at the exhibition is hand-made by experienced Karigars and comes with the PMJ guarantee of craftsmanship, value, and unique design sensibilities. Many renowned celebrities and loyal customers attended the 3-day exhibition at Vizag. The Novotel Varun Beach served as the perfect venue, offering a luxurious ambiance that complements the elegance of PMJ Jewels’ creations.

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The Mass Marriages ceremony is a noble initiative of Punyadham Ashram, which aims to support the neediest section of society by organizing weddings for girls whose families cannot afford the expenses of an elaborate wedding. The event is organized without any expense or dowry, and it is trying to bring about a change in the mindset of the populace by discouraging the custom of dowry.

The excitement, energy, and anticipation of over 2000 people at the venue were infectious, with all the hustle-bustle of wedding arrangements, the sounds of shehnai, floral decorations, and the festive atmosphere everywhere in Punyadham. The brides looked radiant in Gold-Red sarees and beautifully adorned jewelry, and the grooms smartly dressed in ‘Sherwanis, phetas & mojris’. The groom’s baraat procession came in with all the baraatis dancing, and the brides’ families eagerly awaited to welcome the grooms.

Finally, after the grooms joined their respective brides in the beautifully decorated mandap, the learned pandits started chanting the wedding rituals. The marriage ceremony was performed in traditional Maharashtrian antarpat, followed by the pheras and the kanyadaan ceremony, in the presence of esteemed guests.

The day became even more special with the gracious presence of eminent personalities, including Ex-mayor of Pune- Prashantdada Jagtap, Former M.L.A Mahadev Babar, Kondhwa P.I Corporator-Nandatai Lonkar, Nagar Sevika Sangitatai Thosar, Corporator-Gafur Pathan, and many more.

After all the traditional rituals, it was time for the Chairperson Maa Krishna Kashyap, President Sadananda Shetty, the Trustees, and the special guests to bless the young couples with gifts and trousseau, consisting of household items, dinner sets, cooker, blankets, new sarees, and salwar-kameez sets., to help the newlyweds start their married life.

“Every year Punyadham Ashram organizes Mass Marriage of girls whose families cannot afford the expenses of an elaborate wedding. The girls are supported to fulfill their dreams of having a beautiful wedding ceremony with their families & friends. This unique institution is trying to bring about a change in the mindset of the populace by discouraging the custom of dowry”, said Maa Krishna Kashyap, Chairperson, who has made ‘Service to God through Service to Humanity’ her mission in life!

It was heartwarming to see couples who were married a few years ago come together to celebrate this special occasion. All the guests were treated to a lavish Maharashtrian lunch, which was enjoyed thoroughly by all.

The whole credit for this immensely noble initiative goes to Maa Krishna Kashyap, who meticulously planned this massive event, which was perfectly executed. Without her dedicated support, gracious presence, and inspiration, none of the activities of Punyadham Ashram are possible.

Punyadham Ashram’s annual Mass Marriages ceremony was a grand success, and it marked another milestone in the institution’s noble initiative to support the most needy section of society. The event was a heartwarming experience for all who witnessed it, and it showcased the power of love, compassion, and community spirit.

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SOTC’s MICE Team was recognized for innovative product development that reassured and inspired corporates to travel once again. The Company built & leveraged strong partnerships & alliances to deliver distinctive experiences to its MICE corporates.

SOTC has successfully managed multiple large MICE groups ranging from 500 to over 1300 each to Switzerland, Australia, New Zealand, Vietnam, and Phuket in 2022.

The Company’s MICE team successfully demonstrated innovation, agility, and digital astuteness in consistently leveraging technology – ensuring seamless delivery of contactless, scalable, secure solutions to its corporate customer.

Mr. S D Nandakumar, President & Country Head – Corporate Tours, SOTC Travel said, “We are truly honored to be selected as the MICE Travel Agency of the Year – International Travel at The Economic Times MICE & Wedding Tourism Awards. At SOTC Travel, we aim to deliver superior experiences to our corporate MICE customers and this prestigious award acknowledges our leadership in the sector and recognizes our efforts towards revival and growth post the challenges of the pandemic.

With more corporates displaying increased interest to organize incentive trips for their key growth contributors, we witnessed high demand among India Inc. and seized the opportunity to successfully manage multiple mega groups ranging from 500 to over 1300 to various destinations. Additionally, we leveraged technology to deliver seamless, contactless, and secure solutions to our MICE corporates while also reassuring them of their safety during their travel.

We are grateful to our customers for investing their trust in us and inspiring us in our continuous service. We dedicate this award to them!”

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