INDIAS CULTURAL INFLUENCE
PM in Manila: Aligning act east, Indo-Pacific & MAHASAGAR policies
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Manila for the ASEAN Summit, focusing on strengthening India's partnerships. The growing competition in the Indo-Pacific requires ASEAN countries to seek reliable collaborations with India. Maritime cooperation, educational exchanges, and renewable energy initiatives are critical areas for future collaboration.
November 2026 Hindu Festival Calendar: Diwali, Chhath Puja, Dev Diwali, Guru Nanak Jayanti and Other Important Dates
November 2026 features several important Hindu festivals, including Dhanteras, Diwali, Govardhan Puja, Gujarati New Year, Bhai Dooj, Chhath Puja, Tulsi Vivah and Dev Diwali. The month also includes Rama Ekadashi, Masik Shivratri, Kartik Purnima and Guru Nanak Jayanti. Check the complete November 2026 Hindu festival calendar for important dates, religious significance and observances across India.
Frontier Raas opens new store in Ahmedabad, Kangana Ranaut attends inauguration as Chief Guest
Indian ethnic and occasionwear brand Frontier Raas inaugurated its new store in Ahmedabad on November 1, 2026, marking another step in its retail expansion. Actor Kangana Ranaut attended the inauguration as the chief guest, alongside prominent business personalities, leading families and members of the city's fashion and cultural communities.
Coldplay, Post Malone and the concert economy: BookMyShow's Naman Pugalia on why India's live music boom is only getting bigger
Post Malone's concert in Guwahati attracted around 20,000 fans, which proved to be a monumental economic boost, generating an estimated ₹43 crore for the local area. Fans traveled from more than 200 cities, reflecting the event's significant impact on tourism. A report shows people increasingly favor experiences over possessions, underlining how concerts can create memorable moments and facilitate the discovery of new musical talents.
Beyond gold: What $340 billion in crypto flows says about India's investment preferences this Dhanteras
Gold remains central to Indian household savings, but high prices are pushing investors toward ETFs and digital gold instead of physical holdings. Crypto is emerging as a separate portfolio option rather than replacing gold, reflecting a broader shift toward digital ownership and diversification.
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India’s illegal gold imports surge 1,500% after tax hike
India's illegal gold imports surged dramatically in the third quarter of 2023, reaching 50 metric tons. This rise is attributed to the government's recent duty hike on gold and silver imports. The increase in informal shipments is linked to previous tax increases that incentivized smuggling and cash sales. Gold demand typically rises during major festivals, though year-on-year metrics indicate a decline.
The business of running a hospital: Balancing profitability, patient trust and scale
A hospital’s financial health depends on more than occupancy and revenue, requiring a careful balance of cost control, cash flow and patient trust.
ET Wealth Expo 2026| India's next investment mega trend is a $1.5 trillion wealth transfer: Ganesh Mohan
Speaking on the sidelines of ET Wealth Expo 2026 in Mumbai, Mohan identified intergenerational wealth transfer as one of the major socio-cultural mega trends unfolding in India. He believes the shift will go beyond the transfer of assets between family members and could trigger a fundamental change in investment preferences, with younger investors potentially moving towards financial assets, equities and more diversified portfolios.
Why Does Bengal Worship Kali on Diwali While Some Communities Pray to Hanuman on Kali Chaudas?
As Kali Chaudas approaches on November 7, 2026, one question stands out: why do some devotees worship Lord Hanuman for protection during this period, while eastern India is known for its grand celebrations dedicated to Goddess Kali? The answer lies in the regional traditions and the way different communities observe the days around Diwali.
What BJP is doing to blunt Opposition's 'vote chori' charge
SIR news: BJP has initiated a nationwide campaign called 'Loktantra Bachao, Arajakta Hatao' to counter opposition protests. Senior leaders will conduct padyatras in various states and challenge the opposition's claims. The campaign addresses the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, which is currently under scrutiny. BJP intends to engage with the public through targeted programs, social media, and public meetings.
India-Brazil bilateral trade set to reach $20 bn with focus on critical minerals, AI, defence: Envoy
Brazil's Ambassador to India highlighted growing trade relations, expecting bilateral trade to reach USD 20 billion soon. The partnership encompasses critical sectors such as defence, energy, and pharmaceuticals, promoting economic engagement. Both nations aim to deepen cultural ties, celebrating the centenary of musician Antonio Carlos Jobim in 2027. Recent political visits strengthened commitments toward technological and economic cooperation in multilateral forums.
As Ranbir Kapoor's Ramayana Draws Attention, Discover the Sacred Chhath Puja Connection With Lord Rama and Sita
Chhath Puja is one of the most sacred festivals dedicated to the Sun God, but its connection with the Ramayana adds another layer of religious significance. According to popular beliefs, Lord Rama and Goddess Sita observed Sun worship after returning to Ayodhya from their 14-year exile. As Ranbir Kapoor's portrayal of Lord Rama in the upcoming Ramayana brings renewed attention to the epic, here is the lesser-known story connecting Chhath Puja, Goddess Sita and the sacred tradition of offering Arghya to the Sun.
CRC Group and Delhi Times host “Let’s Bring Back the Joy of Reading” in New Delhi
CRC Group, in partnership with Delhi Times, held a dynamic event to stress the significance of reading amidst digital distractions. Authors, educators, and prominent business figures shared valuable perspectives on fostering a reading culture in younger audiences. Two enlightening panel discussions delved into the impact of evolving reading habits on education and personal growth.
Ramayana jewellery decoded: The story behind 4,500 pieces inspired by Indian art and temples for Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi and Yash
Ramayana Part 1, directed by Nitesh Tiwari, will be released worldwide on November 5. The film features a cast including Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, Yash, and Ravie Dubey. Creative Head of House of Amrapali, Tarang Arora, recently discussed the extensive jewellery designs in an exclusive chat with ET Digital. The project involved the creation of over 4,500 jewellery pieces influenced by traditional Indian art and temples. Read on!
First look inside Varanasi’s Rs 450 crore international cricket stadium offers views of trishul-shaped floodlights, crescent-shaped roof and near-complete damru media centre
Varanasi’s new international cricket stadium, built across 31 acres at a cost of around Rs 450 crore, is nearing its competitive debut. With trishul-shaped floodlights, a crescent-shaped roof and a damru-inspired media centre, the 30,000-seat venue is preparing for domestic matches as the possibility of hosting IPL games in 2027 emerges.
British food, tea and even the royal family: Viral video shows what would vanish if everything not British disappeared
A humorous video titled 'Proper Britain here we come' explores the implications of removing everything foreign from British life. As familiar foods and cultural icons vanish, the mockery reveals surprising international roots, culminating in the shocking ancestry of the initial instigator. This satire highlights the deep connections between British culture and global influences, questioning the notion of pure national identity.
Easier visas draw Indian travellers, but Japan and Europe show experiences still matter
In 2026, visa-free entry and simplified visa processes are shaping the travel preferences of Indian tourists. Popular searches have revealed that travellers are particularly drawn to Thailand, Vietnam, and Japan. Malaysia is actively working to enhance its appeal for Indian visitors through easier accessibility and budget-friendly options. Meanwhile, Japan persists as a favoured choice, boasting rich cultural experiences despite existing visa challenges.
India’s ‘dear friend’ is back in power in Brazil, and a $30 billion trade opportunity is on the table
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Brazilian President-elect Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on his re-election, pledging to deepen the India-Brazil Strategic Partnership. Bilateral trade rose 25% to $15.21 billion in 2025, with Lula setting a target of $30 billion.
Rehearsing for Utopia
The Kochi-Muziris Biennale promotes public engagement through art workshops, student exhibitions and community initiatives. However, questions remain about whether people have a genuine say in its governance. Drawing comparisons with the Venice Biennale, curator Premjish Achari argues that art festivals must embrace transparency, shared decision-making and greater public participation.
Research: Navigating the Business Risks of Changing Pro-America Sentiment
U.S. firms increasingly operate in a marketplace where “Made in USA” is no longer a neutral provenance claim but a charged political signal. A new study analyzing 5,355 companies over twenty years found that pro-America marketing has increasingly shifted from pride-based patriotism to grievance-fueled, us‑versus‑them nationalism. While this can create upsides—new customers, loyalty, pricing power—it also exposes companies to narrative capture, boycotts, and legal scrutiny. To avoid risk, companies must examine their exposure along two axes: domestic embeddedness and symbolic intensity. Leaders must align operations and symbolism, set clear guardrails, and proactively manage meaning drift before others define their loyalties.
Anushka Sharma, Virat Kohli attend Krishna Das' Mumbai kirtan: Check venue, dates, and cities of the American singer's India Tour. When and where to watch him perform on social media
Recently, Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli graced a kirtan led by Krishna Das in Mumbai, embodying their spiritual side. The couple actively engaged in the concert, joining in clapping and chanting, expressing their devotion. Krishna Das kicked off his India tour on October 23 in New Delhi, with upcoming performances scheduled in Pune, Ahmedabad, and Bengaluru throughout early November, aiming to spread messages of love and peace through his music.
UNESCO adds three Indian sites to Tentative List, from Andaman volcanoes to Chhattisgarh’s Sirpur: What makes them significant?
UNESCO has added three Indian properties to its World Heritage Tentative List: the Karst-mud-volcano Complex of Baratang, the Andaman Subduction Volcanoes and the Sirpur Cultural and Archaeological Landscape. Located in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Chhattisgarh, the sites represent India’s geological diversity and archaeological heritage. Tentative-list inclusion is a preliminary step, not final World Heritage recognition.
Nagaland gets its first five-star hotel as Polo Hotel Kohima opens, boosting state’s hospitality offering
Polo Hotel Kohima has recently been inaugurated as Nagaland's first five-star hotel to boost local tourism. The hotel aims to create job opportunities and support local businesses through employment and sourcing local products. It features Naga architectural traditions and offers a diverse culinary experience with a focus on Naga cuisine. The property is strategically located to cater to visitors attending cultural events like the Hornbill Festival.
Creation is a movement from a wound
Art is an essential medium for personal and communal expression, shedding light on our cultural identities. The Kochi Biennale epitomizes social interaction and community involvement. Despite often facing limited resources, emerging artists manage to produce impactful works that reflect their creativity and resilience. The author highlights how art fosters self-awareness and enhances societal understanding, demonstrating its transformative potential in today's divided world.
India accuses Pakistan of propaganda at UN, invokes ‘Form 47 government’
India's First Secretary at the UN, Raghoo Puri, criticized Pakistan's diplomatic efforts during a recent dialogue. He highlighted the challenges facing Pakistan, such as economic issues and human rights violations. Puri emphasized that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India while rejecting Pakistan's claims. He noted the significant contributions of minority communities to India's development and governance.
When India celebrates Navratri, Karachi dances too: How Pakistan's garba nights echo Gujarat's beats
Karachi’s Gujarati-speaking communities continue to celebrate garba during Navratri, weddings and social gatherings, preserving cultural traditions across the India-Pakistan border. From traditional folk songs to Bollywood favourites, the dance brings people together across generations and communities. A new garba night planned for October 25 aims to encourage participation across religious backgrounds and create a shared space for celebration.
Norway named best among National Geographic's world travel map for 2027; Indian city among the top
National Geographic has named destinations for exploration in its Best of the World 2027 list, which includes Jaipur, which will celebrate its 300th anniversary in 2027, providing a unique opportunity to explore its cultural heritage. The city is all set to host the Jaipur Literature Festival, drawing around 400,000 attendees from around the world. Visitors can explore Jaipur’s historic buildings, markets, and craftsmanship, which reflect rich traditions.
Valmiki Jayanti 2026: How Maharishi Valmiki Composed the Ramayana and Why It Still Matters
Valmiki Jayanti 2026 will be observed on October 26, honouring Maharishi Valmiki, the sage traditionally credited with composing the Sanskrit Ramayana. Explore the traditional account of how the epic originated, why it continues to influence Indian culture and literature, and 10 timeless lessons on truth, duty, courage, compassion, leadership and personal transformation that remain relevant in modern life.
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