Planning your next big escape for 2026? If breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural experiences, and picture-perfect moments are on your list, these 10 most beautiful countries in the world deserve a top spot in your travel diary. From turquoise beaches to snow-laden peaks, here’s an elaborated look at why each destination stands out and what makes them worth flying to in 2026.
Switzerland’s serene natural perfection
Snowy Alps, crystal-clear lakes, quaint wooden chalets and scenic train journeys define Switzerland’s charm. Whether you’re gliding through Jungfrau, exploring Interlaken, or taking the iconic Glacier Express, Switzerland offers unmatched tranquillity and cinematic landscapes. Perfect for honeymooners, families and solo wanderers who love slow, scenic travel.
Japan’s blend of tradition and modernity
Japan remains a traveller favourite thanks to its cherry blossoms, ancient temples of Kyoto, futuristic Tokyo skyline and calm countryside. In 2026, the country continues to stand out for its culture, cleanliness and hospitality. Don’t miss Mount Fuji views, bullet train rides, and street food markets. A must-visit for culture lovers and explorers.
New Zealand’s adventure paradise
Famous for its dramatic fjords, rolling green hills, glaciers and lakes, New Zealand is a dream for nature enthusiasts. Queenstown’s adventure sports, Milford Sound cruises, and Rotorua’s geothermal wonders make it an exhilarating destination. Ideal for thrill-seekers and road-trip lovers.
Italy’s timeless charm
Italy offers a perfect blend of art, architecture and food. Rome’s heritage, Venice’s canals, Tuscany’s vineyards and the Amalfi Coast’s coastal beauty make it irresistible. Great for history buffs, foodies and couples craving romance steeped in culture.
Norway’s magical northern lights
Norway’s fjords, waterfalls and Arctic sky views make it a showstopper. The Northern Lights in Tromsø, scenic drives through Lofoten Islands and peaceful fishing villages add to its appeal. A top pick for winter lovers and photographers.
Canada’s majestic wilderness
Canada is vast, clean and stunning with Banff’s turquoise lakes, Vancouver’s coastal charm and Quebec’s European flair. Spot wildlife, explore national parks and enjoy snowy adventures. Great for family vacations and nature-heavy itineraries.
Australia’s coastal and wildlife wonders
From the Great Barrier Reef to Sydney’s iconic harbour and the Outback’s red landscapes, Australia remains a favourite for 2026. Beach lovers, divers and wildlife enthusiasts will find endless experiences.
France’s art, romance and culture
Paris remains iconic, but France offers so much more lavender fields of Provence, the French Riviera’s glamour and snowy Alps. Ideal for romantic getaways and stylish vacations.
Iceland’s otherworldly scenery
Volcanoes, hot springs, black-sand beaches and glowing ice caves create a surreal experience. The Blue Lagoon and Golden Circle route make Iceland unforgettable for adventure lovers.
Greece’s sun-soaked islands
With blue domes, sunset cliffs, ancient ruins and island-hopping experiences, Greece is heaven for beach lovers. Santorini, Mykonos and Crete offer a mix of nightlife, culture and relaxation.
India is set to celebrate its 77th Republic Day on January 26, 2026, with an extraordinary diplomatic highlight two top European Union leaders will be the chief guests at the grand parade in New Delhi. For the first time, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and the President of the European Council, António Luís Santos da Costa, have been formally invited to attend the festivities, reflecting deepening strategic partnerships between India and the EU.
Who are this year’s chief guests
Ursula von der Leyen, a prominent German politician, has led the European Commission since 2019, playing a pivotal role in shaping policies for the 27-member bloc. Known for championing the EU’s Green Deal and digital transformation agenda, von der Leyen is widely recognised in global political circles. António Costa, a seasoned Portuguese leader, became President of the European Council in late 2024 after previously serving as Portugal’s Prime Minister for nearly a decade. Together, they represent the top executive leadership of the European Union, a unique choice for India’s Republic Day celebration.
Why their presence matters
Being a Republic Day chief guest is one of India’s highest diplomatic honours. Traditionally, India invites leaders whose countries are strategic partners, economic allies or share strong cultural ties. The presence of EU leaders this year goes beyond ceremonial respect it signals a historic strengthening of India-EU relations at a time when global economic and geopolitical dynamics are shifting.
India and the EU are currently in the final stretch of negotiating a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) that could reshape trade flows between the world’s largest democracies. Officials say this agreement is expected to be announced during the 16th India-EU Summit on January 27, a day after Republic Day, emphasizing cooperation in trade, investment, climate action, defence and technology.
What to expect at Republic Day 2026
The Republic Day parade is a 3-hour pageant of India’s military might, cultural diversity and technological progress. Held annually on Kartavya Path in New Delhi, the event features marching contingents from the Army, Navy and Air Force, traditional dance troupes, vibrant floats representing different states, and a spectacular flypast by Indian Air Force jets and helicopters. This year’s celebrations are expected to be especially grand, with international dignitaries, cultural performances and perhaps announcements linked to India-EU cooperation.
Lasting diplomatic importance
Inviting the Presidents of the European Commission and the European Council as chief guests underscores India’s expanding global relationships. Historically, chief guests have ranged from Indonesian and French presidents to leaders from ASEAN nations. The presence of EU leadership in 2026 highlights not only bilateral ties but also India’s growing role in shaping global economic and strategic frameworks.
In essence, Republic Day 2026 promises to be more than a celebration of India’s constitution it will be a powerful symbol of cooperation, shared values and a forward-looking global partnership.
Etihad Airways has officially been crowned the world’s safest airline for 2026, overtaking UAE’s flagship Emirates and surprising many in the global aviation industry. The rankings, released by AirlineRatings.com, evaluate over 320 airlines worldwide and highlight the carriers that demonstrate the strongest commitment to operational discipline, safety innovation and risk management. Etihad’s rise marks a defining moment in Gulf aviation, proving that safety leadership goes far beyond luxury and brand popularity.
Etihad’s strategic rise to the top
Etihad did not win the title overnight. Over the past few years, the airline has steadily invested in a young, technologically advanced fleet designed with built-in predictive monitoring systems. These aircraft constantly analyse performance and flag potential issues long before they escalate, giving engineers and pilots more control over flight safety. This modern approach, combined with strict maintenance schedules and internal audits, helped Etihad outshine competitors with older fleets or less proactive monitoring systems.
What makes Etihad the safest in 2026
One of Etihad’s biggest advantages is the airline’s exceptional operational consistency. Its pilots undergo extensive simulator-based training that covers emergency handling, severe turbulence navigation, weather disruptions and equipment failure scenarios. Cabin crew are also required to pass intense safety and crisis-response drills. This level of discipline ensures that Etihad’s entire team is prepared for real-time decision-making a factor that has played a key role in its zero-fatality and extremely low-incident performance.
How the safest airline is chosen each year
AirlineRatings.com follows a multi-layered evaluation model that moves beyond basic safety records. Experts assess fleet age, global regulatory compliance, maintenance quality, incident history, international safety audits and operational excellence. They also examine how well an airline incorporates upgraded cockpit tech, turbulence-avoidance tools, engine monitoring systems and crew training enhancements. Etihad scored exceptionally high in each of these criteria, surpassing even long-standing leaders like Qantas, Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific.
What the ranking means for travellers in 2026
For passengers, the 2026 rankings bring reassurance at a time when international travel is increasing rapidly. Etihad’s top position signals not only safe aircraft but a deeply rooted culture of preparedness and technological readiness. It sends a message that modern aviation prioritises prevention, prediction and proactive response over traditional checks alone. Interestingly, Indian airlines did not make it to the top list this year, highlighting rising global competition and the need for regional carriers to adopt more advanced safety frameworks.
Etihad’s achievement sets a powerful benchmark for 2026 proving that in today’s aviation world, innovation and safety leadership matter as much as comfort and global.
As 2026 approaches, Feng Shui experts have highlighted thoughtful gifting ideas rooted in ancient energy principles that can help bring abundance, personal growth and positive energy into homes and lives. These gifts are especially meaningful for housewarmings, celebrations and major life events combining aesthetics with the deeper intention of fostering good fortune.
Sacred roots of feng shui gifting for abundance
Feng Shui is a traditional Chinese practice that focuses on harmonising energy flow, or “chi,” within spaces to support wellbeing and prosperity. In gifting culture, objects that symbolise wealth, steady growth, protection and joy are chosen to enhance certain life aspects for recipients. Rather than just material presents, they act as energising tools that support intentions for a better year ahead in this case, 2026.
Meaningful gifts that attract wealth and growth
One of the most popular Feng Shui gifts includes wealth symbols like the Money Tree or figurines associated with prosperity, which are believed to invite financial stability and growth. Placing these symbols in key areas of a home or office such as the “wealth corner” far left from the entrance aligns with Feng Shui energy maps to draw in success.
Plants also play a vital role in Feng Shui gifting.
Houseplants such as jade plants, lucky bamboo and money trees are associated with growth, fortune and harmony. Their vibrant greenery not only brightens interiors but is also believed to purify energy and strengthen life momentum. These plants are especially recommended for spaces where career focus or financial goals are a priority.
Thoughtful charms for home harmony and positivity
Beyond plants and wealth symbols, small decorative items like Feng Shui bells, crystal trees or other charms often included in auspicious gift sets can help balance energy and bring serenity to daily life. When gifted with intention, these items become more than décor; they act as reminders of support, encouragement and positive beginnings.
How to choose and use feng shui gifts with real impact
The true power of a Feng Shui gift lies not just in the object itself, but in its placement and intention. Experts advise gifting items that align with the recipient’s personal journey for example, a prosperity plant for someone starting a business, or a symbolic charm for someone seeking peace and balance. Placing these items thoughtfully in specific zones wealth, relationship, health or career areas of a home or workspace enhances their effectiveness in drawing positive energy.
As we step into 2026, combining tradition with personal intention through Feng Shui-inspired gifts offers a meaningful way to celebrate new beginnings, deepen relationships and invite abundance, growth and harmony into the year ahead.
The Sacred Amritsar presented by Sleepwell returns to the holy city from 20–22 February. At Qila of Gobindgarh, it will bring together powerful voices in music and mystic poetry for an immersive cultural experience rooted in reflection and spirituality. Set in the heart of Amritsar, the festival will feature an exceptional line-up including Kailash Kher, Usha Uthup, Anirudh Varma Collective and the Kutle Khan Project, among many others, blending folk, devotional and contemporary sounds.
The evening will celebrate the timeless resonance of mythological verse and melody. The Sacred Amritsar promises time that honour India’s rich spiritual and musical traditions. The festival is produced by Teamwork Arts.
The Sacred Amritsar is a tribute to the timeless verse of mystic poets who have articulated emotion, longing, and devotion through the ages. The festival has welcomed some of India’s finest performers, thinkers, artists, poets, and 5000+ people from the city have attended the festival. Having celebrated three editions, it is the city’s largest festival and through soulful musical performances, enriching discourse, specially-curated heritage experiences, and temple tours, the festival has a range of sublime offerings that instill a feeling of sukoon.
The world of pickleball has long been dominated by American and European brands, but an Indian startup is making waves worldwide. Meet SUPR Strokess – a homegrown brand that’s redefining performance and value in high-end pickleball equipment.
Founded in 2024 by tech entrepreneur Hemant Jani, SUPR Strokess – a premium pickleball paddles brand by Strokess Sporting Solutions – is redefining performance and value in the global pickleball market, showcasing world-class Made-in-India innovation.
Born on the Court: How SUPR Strokess Started
The story began in an unexpected way – during a corporate tournament where Hemant first experienced pickleball. What started as a casual game turned into a deep passion and quickly evolved into a business idea. At the time, the Indian market lacked premium domestic options for pickleball paddles, with most players relying on expensive imported gear.
“I saw a huge gap,” says Hemant. “Why should Indian players pay a premium for foreign brands when we can design and build world-class paddles right here – without compromising on quality?”
And thus, SUPR Strokess was born – with a mission to build Made-in-India, globally competitive pickleball paddles at accessible prices.
Meet the Founders and Visionaries Behind SUPR Strokess
Strokess Sporting Solutions, the parent company behind SUPR Strokess, was founded by four passionate individuals who bring together their love for racquet sports and unique strengths across tech, sports management, operations, and entrepreneurship – united by one goal: to put India on the global pickleball map.
Hemant Jani, a tech entrepreneur with 13+ years of experience in scalable SaaS platforms, merged his passion for racquet sports and Indian innovation to create SUPR Strokess – a brand built for global performance and proudly made in India.
Heth Gandhi brings hands-on sports industry experience from working with IPL’s Rajasthan Royals, BCCI tournaments, and sports analytics platforms like Wyscout. His transition from ground operations to data analytics, paired with his passion for racquet sports, made him instrumental in shaping the brand’s sporting ethos.
Parth Patel, with a background in operations and logistics and a Master’s degree in the field, combines strategic precision from his supply chain experience with a mission-driven approach to bring quality and consistency to pickleball gear in India.
Prithviraj Barad is a serial entrepreneur with ventures in manufacturing, retail, and sports infrastructure. As the force behind Right Angle and Vadodara’s largest pickleball court – 3rd Shot by Strokess – he brings a business mindset that blends design, community, and scalability.
Inside the Technology and Innovations of SUPR Strokess
SUPR Strokess currently offers Gen 3 Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddles, built with cutting-edge materials including Kevlar + T700 Raw Carbon on a honeycomb core and dual thermofoam edgeguard – a design made for performance, control, and durability.
Coming Soon:
Sports Apparel
Paddle Accessories
Smart Paddle Technology (in development)
Unique Selling Points (USPs):
Designed by players for real performance
Built with advanced carbon fusion technology
100% Made in India, matching international quality standards
Built for Indian and global consumers seeking high-performance without compromise
These paddles are not just high-performance – they’re designed, tested, and improved by players who know the game inside and out.
Designed for Every Player
SUPR Strokess targets both beginner and professional pickleball players aged 18 to 50 across India, the US, UK, and Canada. The brand especially caters to:
Competitive players
Fitness communities
Corporate tournaments
Recreational athletes looking for pro-grade gear
Key Milestones and Growth Highlights
In just the first 60 days after launch, SUPR Strokess sold over 100 paddles, built a loyal customer base, and was featured in startup sports gear newsletters. By the end of the first quarter, the brand had crossed 200+ paddle sales.
In Gujarat, they have also established a manufacturing plant and formed partnerships with local pickleball clubs for testing and feedback.
Self-Funded with a Big Vision for the Future
SUPR Strokess was born out of personal conviction – not external capital. Founded and bootstrapped by Hemant Jani, the brand reflects his belief in the power of Indian ingenuity and self-reliant entrepreneurship. With no backing but a bold vision, Hemant invested his time, resources, and passion into crafting a product that competes with the best in the world.
From hand-selecting materials to overseeing product design, every step was driven by a relentless pursuit of quality, performance, and design elegance. The result is not just a high-performance paddle – it’s a statement of what’s possible when purpose meets persistence.
Turning Challenges into Opportunities
Building a premium sports gear brand from India wasn’t easy. Early challenges included:
Import dependency for specialized raw materials
Educating consumers on quality over price
Finding high-skill testers for a relatively new sport in India
But SUPR Strokess turned these obstacles into learning opportunities.
“The biggest lesson? Real feedback beats theory. And authenticity builds trust,” says Hemant.
Meet the Team Behind SUPR Strokess
At the heart of SUPR Strokess is a small, passionate team driven by innovation, agility, and a shared love for racquet sports. The culture here isn’t corporate – it’s collaborative, fast-paced, and deeply mission-oriented.
We believe in:
Craftsmanship over shortcuts
Design with a purpose
Being Indian and world-class at the same time
We’re creating more than products – we’re shaping a culture where sport meets lifestyle, and where Indian excellence inspires players worldwide.
Future Plans and Ambitions of SUPR Strokess
SUPR Strokess, also known as “Strokess Sporting Solutions” is just the beginning. The larger vision is to build a complete sports lifestyle brand around racquet sports – starting with pickleball and expanding into tennis, padel, and beyond.
The goal: to blend elite sports performance with designer aesthetics and luxury merchandise, setting a new benchmark for what an Indian sports brand can represent globally.
This includes:
Premium paddles engineered for precision and power
Designer sportswear crafted for performance and everyday wear
Luxury gear and accessories that elevate the experience of every athlete
At the same time, projects like 3rd Shot by Strokess – Vadodara’s premier pickleball court and the first DUPR-affiliated club in the city – are helping build a strong, community-driven sports culture.
Through events, training, and grassroots programs, the brand is not only selling equipment – it’s building a movement.
Media Coverage and Industry Recognition
Featured in Passionate in Marketing for leading the Gen Z pickleball wave in India with premium paddle designs
Recognized by She Owns It, where founder Hemant Jani was profiled for his leadership in building India’s most trusted pickleball paddle brand
Cited on Wikipedia in “T700 Raw Carbon Fiber Material: Elevating Pickleball Paddle Performance” by Lukman Mansuri (February 4, 2025), highlighting SUPR Strokess’ role in advancing pickleball paddle technology
India’s Pickleball Game Changer
SUPR Strokess is building India’s presence in the global pickleball market with a clear vision – deliver world‑class pickleball paddles made in India for players everywhere. With innovation, quality, and passion at its core, the brand aims to become a trusted name for pickleball athletes worldwide.
As words and ideas flowed across venues at the Vedanta presents Jaipur Literature Festival 2026, music found its own powerful voice with the opening of the First India News Jaipur Music Stage (JMS) at Hotel Clarks Amer. The inaugural evening set an evocative and energetic tone for three days of live performances that promise to mirror the diversity, depth and dynamism of India’s contemporary music scene.
The curtain rose with Soumik Datta | Travellers, an immersive sonic journey by the internationally acclaimed sarod virtuoso and recipient of the 2025 Eastern Eye ACTA Award for Music. Known for pushing the boundaries of classical tradition, Datta wove together the rich, resonant tones of the sarod with ambient soundscapes, field recordings, spoken word and layered sound design. Part of his seven-month ‘Melodies in Slow Motion’ tour across India, Travellers drew the audience into a contemplative world—one that blurred the lines between performance, memory and movement.
As the night progressed, the mood shifted seamlessly from introspection to exuberance with the arrival of the Vasu Dixit Collective. Celebrated for their distinctive Electronic-Folk sound, the ensemble delivered a high-octane performance rooted in Kannada and Hindi musical traditions. Led by singer-composer and filmmaker Vasu Dixit, the Collective breathed contemporary life into the verses of saint-poets such as Basavanna and Kabir, blending folk philosophy with modern rhythms and electronic textures. The result was a set that was both deeply rooted and refreshingly current, striking an instant chord with the audience.
Together, the opening performances captured the essence of the Jaipur Music Stage—where tradition converses with experimentation, and heritage finds new expression through modern sound. With such a compelling start, JMS has firmly positioned itself as a vibrant cultural companion to the literary conversations unfolding at JLF 2026.
The Pink City witnessed a rare blend of military might, cutting-edge technology and vibrant culture as the Indian Army celebrated its 78th Army Day in Jaipur, taking the grand parade out of Delhi and straight into the heart of Rajasthan.
The celebrations began on a solemn note at Prerna Sthal, where Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan and Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi laid wreaths to honour the nation’s fallen heroes. Senior officers from the Indian Air Force and Navy joined the tribute, reinforcing the spirit of jointness in India’s armed forces.
For the first time ever, the Army Day Parade was conducted outside a cantonment, transforming Mahal Road into a spectacular military arena. With this, Jaipur became the fourth city after Bengaluru, Lucknow and Pune to host the prestigious parade, and the South Western Command hosted the event for the first time.
As the reviewing officer, General Upendra Dwivedi took the salute and awarded Sena Medals (Posthumous) to the Next of Kin of five Bravehearts, drawing emotional applause from the packed stands. More than one lakh citizens lined the route, turning the parade into a powerful symbol of public trust and pride in the Indian Army.
The march-past featured over 30 participating entities, including elite contingents from the MADRAS and RAJPUT Regiments, Regiment of Artillery, Scouts units and NCC Girls. Stealing the spotlight were the Bhairav Battalion contingents from RAJRIF and SIKH LI, making their debut as symbols of the Army’s transition towards lean, agile and high-impact warfare formations.
The sky roared in approval as LCH, ALH, WSI and Apache helicopters thundered overhead, while the participation of the Nepal Army Band added a diplomatic and cultural dimension, reflecting the deep-rooted military ties between India and Nepal.
On ground, the parade turned into a rolling exhibition of India’s growing indigenous combat power. From T-90 and Arjun tanks to BrahMos, Pinaka, ATAGS, Dhanush, Akash air defence systems, robotic mules, armed drones and counter-UAS platforms, the display showcased the Army’s preparedness for future battlefields. Several systems that proved their mettle during Op Sindoor were also part of the showcase.
Precision motorcycle stunts, disciplined Army Canine displays, and thematic tableaux on Operation Sindoor and the Army’s Decade of Transformation kept spectators enthralled. Adding local colour, Rajasthan’s Kalbelia and Gair folk dances and the thunderous Chenda performance by the MADRAS Regiment highlighted India’s cultural diversity.
Addressing the occasion, COAS General Upendra Dwivedi underlined the Army’s transformation into a future-ready, technology-enabled and self-reliant force, stressing that indigenisation is now a strategic necessity and technology exists to empower — not replace — the soldier.
The celebrations culminated with a grand Shaurya Sandhya at Sawai Mansingh Stadium, attended by Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh, the Governor and Chief Minister of Rajasthan, senior military leaders and thousands of citizens. The evening featured a 1,000-drone show, enactment of Op Sindoor, traditional martial arts and the inauguration of Naman Centres, leaving Jaipur illuminated with patriotism long after the final salute.
Army Day 2026 in Jaipur was not just a parade — it was a powerful message of resolve, readiness and rising national strength
Family debt is a burden that many households carry, but few rarely discuss openly. When people face severe financial hardship – job loss, unexpected medical bills, rising rent – they often turn to the most accessible lifeline, which is family. Borrowing from parents, siblings and extended relatives can provide immediate relief with more flexible payback options and no worries about creditworthiness. However, it can also put a massive strain on relationships between family members.
Studies have found that as much as 33% of people owe money to family and friends. A third of us have also lent money to a friend or family member in the last year. However, this practice of lending to relatives and friends is often considered a taboo subject of conversation, with few of us talking about it except with those who it involves. As a result, the scale of the issue and what it means for society has been largely ignored.
The generational divide
While people of all ages can experience debt, there is currently a generational divide when it comes to family debt. Gen Z and millennials increasingly rely on support from Gen X and boomer parents to bridge the wealth gap created by rising costs of living, stagnant wages and precarious work.
Much of this debt is small and to fund emergencies, but many young people are also having to borrow larger amounts of money simply to afford to move out. Buying property almost always relies on family support: in many regions, very few young people can afford a down payment for a mortgage on their own. This pushes families into tough choices with many parents raiding retirement savings or tapping into home equity to help children have a chance of getting on the property ladder.
This has a widespread impact on the ability to build and inherit wealth. As financial expert Alex Kleyner notes: ‘debt, in this sense, is not purely a personal issue. It’s a societal one shaping everything from consumer behavior to long-term patterns of wealth transfer’.
Young people who cannot rely on their parents for financial help are often now forced to delay milestones like moving out, marriage and having kids. Meanwhile, older generations are entering retirement with less money for themselves and less wealth to hand out – with more individuals delaying retirement and selling assets to financially cope.
The solution to family debt
Both individual and societal changes are necessary to reduce growing reliance on family borrowing. Financial education needs to be increased from a young age – individuals need to learn about budgeting, credit and long-term planning early to prevent crises and build resilience. At the same time, communities need to come together to provide solutions like credit unions, down payment assistance programs and employer-back housing initiatives.
Access to affordable housing is meanwhile key to reducing reliance on borrowing for down payments. This is something that only government policy can change. Increasing access to financial aid for those in debt can also provide another lifeline to turn to – this includes debt relief options with low or no fees, and advisors that can also act as counsellors to reduce fear of judgement.
Makar Sankranti, the ancient Hindu harvest festival that marks the Sun’s transition into Capricorn and the beginning of longer days. Known by different names in different regions—Uttarayan in Gujarat, Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Magh Bihu in Assam and Lohri in parts of North India—the festival was observed with traditional rituals, festive foods and community gatherings.
From vibrant kites dotting the skies of Gujarat to bonfires lit in northern states and elaborate harvest feasts in the south, the celebrations honoured farmers, nature and new beginnings. Families prepared seasonal sweets such as til-gud laddoos and pongal dishes, symbolising prosperity and harmony.
Political leaders and public figures extended festive greetings, highlighting the spirit of unity and goodwill associated with the occasion. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis urged people to exchange “sweet words along with sweets,” reinforcing the festival’s message of harmony. Cricketer Sachin Tendulkar shared a message noting how different regions celebrate the harvest in their own unique ways—through fire, sky and food—bringing people together. Former India captain Anil Kumble, actor Pawan Kalyan and several other celebrities also joined in wishing people across the country.
Social media was abuzz with festive posts, images of colourful kites, traditional dishes and family celebrations. Alongside the joy, environmental voices called for eco-friendly celebrations, encouraging the use of safe kite strings, reduced waste and sustainable practices.
Rooted in centuries-old traditions, Makar Sankranti continues to connect communities across regions, blending faith, culture and the shared joy of harvest, renewal and togetherness.
As the harvest season unfolds across the country, different regions mark it in their own way… with fire, the skies, and food. It’s a time that brings people together in celebration. Warm wishes for Makar Sankranti, Lohri, Pongal, Uttarayan, and Magh Bihu.
Greetings to all on the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti. As we share tilgul, may our words and actions be filled with sweetness and harmony.
संक्रमण नवसंकल्पांचे, संक्रमण नवसृजनाचे, संक्रमण सकारात्मक परिवर्तनाचे… मकर संक्रांतीच्या सर्वांना हार्दिक शुभेच्छा! तिळगुळ घ्या,… pic.twitter.com/WWggdGxfZC