Gayathri Kallukaran is a Junior Journalist with Eastern Eye. She has a Master’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from St. Paul’s College, Bengaluru, and brings over five years of experience in content creation, including two years in digital journalism. She covers stories across culture, lifestyle, travel, health, and technology, with a creative yet fact-driven approach to reporting. Known for her sensitivity towards human interest narratives, Gayathri’s storytelling often aims to inform, inspire, and empower. Her journey began as a layout designer and reporter for her college’s daily newsletter, where she also contributed short films and editorial features. Since then, she has worked with platforms like FWD Media, Pepper Content, and Petrons.com, where several of her interviews and features have gained spotlight recognition. Fluent in English, Malayalam, Tamil, and Hindi, she writes in English and Malayalam, continuing to explore inclusive, people-focused storytelling in the digital space.
The International Yoga Festival 2025 commenced on Sunday (9) at Parmarth Niketan with a sacred Ganga Aarti ceremony on the banks of the holy Ganges. Uttarakhand chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated the event, which also featured soulful kirtan performances and inspiring talks by spiritual leaders.
Inaugration Ceremony of International Yoga Day 2025Parmarth Niketan
The week-long festival, attended by participants from over 100 countries, focuses on yoga, meditation, and holistic well-being. This year’s edition emphasises mindfulness, global harmony, and the transformative power of yoga. The opening day set a serene tone for the event, which includes a diverse lineup of yoga sessions, workshops, and cultural programmes.
“This festival is a testament to India’s spiritual heritage and its role in promoting global unity,” said Chief Minister Dhami during his inaugural address.
Sacred Ganga Aarti ceremony on the banks of the holy GangesParmarth Niketan
Held annually in Rishikesh, often referred to as the yoga capital of the world, the event brings together renowned yoga masters, spiritual guides, and wellness practitioners. Parmarth Niketan, with its tranquil setting by the Ganges, provides an ideal venue for this global gathering.
The festival will run until 15 March 2025, offering attendees an opportunity to deepen their practice, connect with like-minded individuals, and experience India’s rich spiritual traditions.
Diwali celebration tomorrow kicks off business with ticketed workshops and networking.
Model taps into growing demand for inclusive, heritage-focused experiences.
Platform targets not just south Asians seeking cultural connection, but everyone.
Creating cultural belonging
Priyanka Patel, curator of The Empowered Desi, a new events platform for south Asians seeking cultural connection, is here with a Diwali celebration on Saturday (18) at Fargo Village in Coventry. The venture was born from personal experience – Patel felt "isolated and neglected" growing up without many south Asian friends. Spotting a gap in the market, she's now building a business around creating inclusive spaces for south Asians regardless of religious or regional background.
Diwali-themed , Paint N Sip event in Coventry marks the venture's next partnership with local business Sugar and Spice, Patel is offering a ticketed experience featuring diya decorating workshops, Indian grazing boards with chai, and jewellery stations where guests can take home jhumkas and bangles. The Diwali format combines cultural celebration with networking opportunities, with south Asian attire preferred.
Empowerment through experience
I couldn't talk about the festivals we celebrate, the type of Indian food we have, and also the clothes we wear for special occasions," Patel told BBC."I felt that I couldn't express my individuality, which in turn affected my confidence and self-worth." She realised that lack of cultural belonging represented an untapped market.
The business model centres on experiential events that blend tradition with social connection. The first workshop held on September (20) focused on bento cake decorating, a trendy format paired with south Asian networking. Patel aims for attendees to "feel empowered and inspired."
With South Asian Heritage Month highlighting the importance of cultural spaces, The Empowered Desi positions itself at the intersection of community building and commercial viability. Patel's betting that others share her experience and are willing to pay for a sense of belonging.
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