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Illuminate Your Diwali: Celebrate Festival of Lights at Taj 51 and St. James’ Court, London

Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Suites and Residences and St. James’ Court, A Taj Hotel, warmly invite everyone to join in the celebration of Diwali, India’s most cherished festival. This year, from Thursday, 31st October, to Friday, 1st November, guests are welcome to partake in a celebration that represents the victory of light, goodness, and knowledge over darkness. With vibrant decorations, festive meals, and the lighting of oil lamps (diyas), Diwali fosters community spirit and joy, marking a time of prosperity and new beginnings. A feature by columnist Riccha Grrover for Asian Lite International.

Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Suites and Residences and St. James’ Court, A Taj Hotel, invite you to immerse yourself in the spirit of Diwali with their exclusive offerings. Enjoy exquisite culinary experiences, luxurious accommodations, and thoughtfully curated hampers designed to make your celebration truly unforgettable. Relax in beautifully decorated spaces adorned with radiant lights and join them in honoring this luminous occasion.

DIWALI DINING Experience – THALIS from different regions

At TH@51, a specially curated selection of authentic Indian regional thalis will be available, allowing diners to savour the diverse flavours of India in a traditional setting. From aromatic curries to delectable desserts, each thali represents a different region’s culinary heritage. North Indian Thali features classics like Murgh Tikka Makhanwala and Dal Makhani, paired with butter naan and cumin-scented rice. The West Indian Thali includes the rich flavours of Murgh Tariwala and Undhiyu, complemented by Methi Thepla and Kabuli Pulao; For a Southern twist, the South Indian Thali offers dishes such as Erachi Milagu Roast and Kozhi Kulambu, served with Tamarind rice and Malabari bread; a Satvik Bhojan Thali is also available and includes the selection Aloo Dum Benarasi, Tawa Roti, Dahi Bhalla, and more.

Each thali is accompanied by papad, pickles, and a selection of Indian desserts like Gulab Jamun and Kesari Bhath. These speciality Thalis are available every day from 14th October until 12th November 2024.

INDIA UNVEILED BRUNCH

Guests can also enjoy the India Unveiled Weekend Brunchfrom TH@51, a brand-new culinary experience where Indian flavours meet brunch classics. The menu consists of Kheema Per Eedu, a Persian-inspired dish with lamb mince and eggs, and Goan Chorizo Pulao, a spicy rice dish topped with a fried egg. Guests can choose to pair these dishes with bottomless beverages, including Cobra Beer, Bellini, and signature cocktails like Masala 51, an Indian-inspired cocktail for two. For dessert, enjoy innovative options like Gulab Jamun Cheesecake and Masala Chai Crème Brulé. Indian Unveiled Weekend Brunch is available Saturday and Sunday from 12:30 until 4pm each weekend from 12th October until 24thNovember.

RADIANT DIWALI COCKTAILS

Celebrate Diwali with their exclusive festive cocktails at TH@51 and Hamptons Bar, inspired by vibrant Indian flavours. Sip on the indulgent Rasa Royale, the rich East India Reserve, the refreshing Konkan Breeze, or the bold Delhi Heart. Raise a glass and make your Diwali celebration truly memorable.

INDIAN JASMINE AFTERNOON TEA

Delight in the Indian Jasmine Afternoon Tea, inspired by rich Indian traditions and offering an innovative twist on the classic British afternoon tea. Available Thursday – Sunday at Kona Restaurant.

EXCLUSIVE HAMPERS AND GIFTING OFFERINGS

Explore the tradition of Diwali gifting with their exclusive hampers. Each one captures the essence of the festival, featuring handmade diyas and gourmet delicacies such as indulgent cashews and homemade sweets.

RADIANT DIWALI STAYS

This Diwali, guests can stay and celebrate with 15% off on accommodation with complimentary breakfast. Additionally, enjoy 10% off at select restaurants, where you can dine their Diwali-themed Indian Thali at TH@51. On November 1st there will be a fireworks display in the courtyard to celebrate Diwali. Witness the breathtaking sparkles and become part of the festive excitement!

DIWALI ON THE SQUARE

Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Suites and Residences will be the hospitality partner for Diwali on the Square again this year. Celebrate Diwali on 27th October at Trafalgar Square for this special festival of lights.

At Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Suites and Residences and St. James’ Court, A Taj Hotel, Radiant Diwali offerings will be available 12th October until 14th November inclusive.

Taj 51 Buckingham Gate, Suites and Residences

Five-star heritage hotel perfectly positioned close to Buckingham Palace and Mayfair and just a stroll from London’s greatest landmarks. Taj 51 Buckingham Gate, Suites and Residences is unlike any other 5-star luxury hotel in London. For regular and occasional visitors to the Capital of capitals, the hotel offers a wider choice of suites and residences than any other in London, providing guests with more space and flexibility to accommodate families, state delegations or executives travelling on business.

St. James’ Court London, A Taj Hotel

St. James’ Court, A Taj Hotel, London is a discreet Victorian masterpiece, typifying the concealed charm of one of Britain’s finest luxury hotels. Crisp and elegant, with the signature Taj warmth, St. James’ Court strives to make each visit more pleasurable and memorable. Located in central London SW1, the hotel is footsteps from Buckingham Palace and St. James’ Park, perfectly positioned to explore London, for business or pleasure. With four restaurants, including Michelin-starred Quilon, the award-winning afternoon tea restaurant Kona, The Hamptons Bar and TH@51 restaurant, Bar and Courtyard as well as conference rooms and banqueting suites, St. James’ Court Hotel is sure to be your favourite London hotel.

ALSO READ: Flavors of Light: A Diwali Feast at Bombay Brasserie, Dubai

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India News

Taj city’s political ‘josh’ is high

The Samajwadi Party is buoyed up as reports suggest that the Muslim votes are not expected to split this time…reports Brij Khandelwal

As mercury dipped further to intensify the continuing cold wave, the heat generated by the election euphoria, ahead of the Assembly polls, has brought a welcome relief to the people on the streets here.

The mist shrouding announcement of lists of candidates by different political parties, has now dissipated. The field is all set and the early dissenters have either backtracked or have been offered palliatives. Agra goes to polls on February 10. Though the nomination process started on January 14, so far no papers have been filed.

Local poll observers see an intense three-cornered contest. The Bharatiya Janata Party is pitted against the Bahujan Samaj Party and the Samajwadi Party, though the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party are also in the fray. For the nine Assembly seats in Agra Divison, the caste and religious formations have already been drawn with little scope for breach of past voting patterns.

The BJP, however, is hoping that a sizeable segment from each vote bank will deviate and support its candidates, because of the good performance of the Yogi Adityanath government, as can be assessed from the spectacular numbers of beneficiaries of welfare schemes.

The Samajwadi Party is buoyed up as reports suggest that the Muslim votes are not expected to split this time. In the past the fragmentation of the minority votes has helped the main party in the contest.

“Initially the BSP supremo was seen a little detached and indifferent to the state Assembly polls, causing fears that the Dalit votes could go to the main opposition party, but Bahenji was not sitting idle, but was doing her electoral homework, as is clearly evident from the candidates being fielded. The BSP will definitely put up a good show this time and prove to be the game spoiler for Akhilesh Yadav,” said experienced poll watcher Nandan Shrotriya.

BJP supporter and a river activist Dr Devashish Bhattacharya said “all the nine seats will go to the BJP with bigger margins. The ‘josh’ is high and the Hindutva Tsunami will sweep all obstacles, once the campaign picks up momentum.”

In neighbouring Mathura and Firozabad districts, the choice of candidates is helping the BJP and the groundswell of support is surprising the poll managers of the party.

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India News

Taj, other ASI monuments reopen after 2 months

The Archaeological Survey of India has in a circular announced reopening of monuments from June 16…reports Asian Lite News.

The Archaeological Society of India (ASI) said that the Taj Mahal and other monuments protected by it and remained closed for visitors for the last two months due to the pandemic will reopen on June 16.

 With some respite on the Covid-19 pandemic front, after steep decline in numbers, the district authorities are all set to welcome domestic tourists to the historical monuments in Agra.

In the wake of alarming rise in the number of Covid patients, the Taj and other monuments were shut down for visitors, two months ago.

The Archaeological Survey of India has in a circular announced reopening of monuments from June 16.

“During the closed period, mud pack treatment will be applied to the main dome of Taj Mahal while conservation of minarets in the monument will be done. The old stones of pietra dura art at the royal gate will be changed and the gate itself will be given a new look,” ASI’s superintending archaeologist (Agra circle) Vasant Kumar Swarnkar said.

 The tourism industry captains in Agra have welcomed the decision and have asked for resumption of international flights. Hoteliers have also demanded sops and a special package to help the industry steer out of the crisis. “At least some relief can be considered in taxes and electricity bills,” said senior hotelier Surendra Sharma.

Hotels in Agra have been either shut or partially opened since March 2020. The Covid-19 pandemic has virtually crippled the hospitality and travel industry, which have been demanding special schemes and sops to ease the pangs from continued shut down.

Though the reopening of the monuments would help to some extent, but until international flights were resumed, there could be no positive turn around, feel the hoteliers.


Workers in PPE suits sanitise the Qutub Minar monument area after the Archaeological Survey of India allowed reopening of all monuments in Delhi.

The 17th century monument of love, the Taj Mahal attracted more than seven million tourists annually, before the pandemic.

District officials indicated that visitors to the monuments would need to take appropriate precautions before they are allowed entry. Care would be taken to ensure there was no crowding. Initially tickets would be issued online.

For the past one week, there has been a welcome decline in the daily numbers of Covid-19 patients. In the past 24 hours only six cases were reported.

Health department officials said the city’s medical infrastructure had been streamlined, and necessary follow up measures were being taken in the rural areas.

ALSO READ-Taj Mahal to reopen as Covid cases fall

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