Events
Indian films to premiere at Toronto International Film Festival 2023
Toronto International Film Festival 2023 has a stellar lineup of films. Here we are looking at the Indian films that are set to make their mark.
The Toronto International Film Festival is around the corner and as always, it has come with an Opportunity for us all to celebrate diverse cinematic experiences. The festival is known for bringing the finest pieces of cinema under the spotlight and there is an incredible lineup of Indian films that will be screened at the festival which makes us even more excited.
Here are some Indian films that are ready to make their mark on the festival
Punjab ’95
Section – Gala Presentations
A compelling story based on the life of human rights activist, Jaswant Singh Khalra. Directed by Honey Tehran, the film stars Diljit Dosanjh, Arjun Rampal and Geetika Vidya Ohlyan and uncovers stories of corruption and police encounters during Punjab’s period of insurgency.
Lost Ladies
Section – Centerpiece
Directed by Kiran Rao, Laapataa Ladies or Lost Ladies is a comedy that follows two young brides hilariously entwined in a dilemma of mistaken identities. The film is set in 2001 rural India and stars Pratibha Ranta and Nitanshi Goel.
VasuDhaiva Kutumbakam/ The World Is Family
Section – Tiff Docs
Anand Patwardhan has been making documentary films which explore the social political life in India. Through the documentary, Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, he traced how the lives of his parents were intertwined with India’s independence.
Thank you for coming
Section – Gala Presentations
Starring Bhumi Pednekar, Shehnaz Gill and Pradhuman Singh Mall, the film explores the life of Kanika Kapoor, a single girl in her thirties and her quest of finding true love and pleasure.
Kill
Section – Midnight Madness
The film has been directed by Nikhil Nagesh Bhat and produced by Karan Johar, Guneet Monga, Achin Jain and Apoorva Mehta. In the story, a train going for New Delhi becomes a battleground where two commandos are seen battling against an army of invading bandits. It’s a thrilling watch and stars Lakshya Lalwani, Tanya Maniktala and Raghav Juyal.
Sthal/A Match
Section – Discovery
Narrated by a girl named Savita, the film explores the tradition of arranged marriages in rural India and challenges some deeply rooted social evils and patriarchy as the girl fights for her agency. The film is the feature debut of Jayant Digambar Somalkar.
Dear Jassi
Section – Platform
Tarsem Singh Dhandwar made a comeback to feature films after 8 years with “Dear Jassi” which is believed to be based on the honor killing of 25- year-old Jaswinder Sidhu in the year 2000.
Also Read: Why did the cast of Oppenheimer leave the London premiere midway?
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Events
How Sacred Gatherings Are Becoming the New Social Scene for Gen Z, Millennials, and Modern Seekers
In an era where nightlife once revolved around loud clubs, expensive parties, and digital overload, a surprising cultural shift is redefining how people connect. Across urban hubs, wellness spaces, rooftop venues, and cultural festivals, Bhajan clubs, Kirtan nights, mantra circles, and spiritual social gatherings are emerging as the newest social trend.
From Mumbai to London, Delhi to Los Angeles, spiritual socializing is no longer limited to temples or traditional gatherings. It has evolved into a vibrant lifestyle movement blending music, mindfulness, fashion, community, and conscious living. What was once considered old-school devotion is now becoming modern, aesthetic, and socially magnetic.
The Rise of Spiritual Socializing in Modern Culture
Young people are increasingly seeking deeper, more meaningful experiences over superficial entertainment. Kirtan nights offer exactly that soulful music, collective chanting, emotional release, and a sense of belonging.
Unlike conventional party culture, these gatherings focus on inner peace, cultural roots, and emotional connection. The result is a powerful combination of spirituality and social wellness.
Bhajan clubs today often feature live fusion bands, candle-lit settings, ethnic dress codes, vegan food pop-ups, meditation zones, and even curated spiritual travel experiences. This blend of tradition with trend is making devotional spaces culturally cool again.

Why Bhajan Clubs Are Trending
1. A Break From Burnout Culture
With rising stress, anxiety, and digital fatigue, people are craving spaces that feel grounding. Bhajan and kirtan events provide a calming alternative where music heals instead of overwhelms.
2. Cultural Pride Meets Modern Aesthetic
Younger generations are reconnecting with Indian spiritual heritage in a stylish, contemporary way. Wearing handloom fashion, attending mantra festivals, and participating in sacred music circles is becoming both spiritually enriching and socially relevant.
3. Community Without Pressure
Unlike nightlife scenes often centered around status or indulgence, spiritual gatherings create authentic connection without social performance. People come to sing, meditate, network, and feel.
4. Influence of Wellness and Conscious Living
Yoga culture, Ayurveda, meditation apps, and spiritual influencers have all contributed to making spiritual socializing mainstream.

Kirtan Nights: Where Music Meets Healing
Kirtan is especially resonating because it combines live music with emotional energy. Whether it’s traditional Hare Krishna chants, Sufi-inspired bhajans, or indie devotional fusion, these nights often feel like concerts with soul.
For many attendees, it’s not strictly religious it’s experiential. The repetitive rhythms, sacred sounds, and group participation can feel meditative, euphoric, and deeply therapeutic.
Fashion, Travel & The Spiritual Lifestyle Boom
This trend is also influencing fashion and travel industries.
Spiritual fashion including flowy ethnic wear, handcrafted jewelry, sustainable fabrics, and temple-inspired aesthetics is becoming increasingly popular.
Travel brands are curating retreats around spiritual festivals, river aartis, yoga villages, and kirtan experiences. Destinations like Rishikesh, Vrindavan, Varanasi, Bali, and Dharamshala are becoming social wellness hotspots for modern travelers.
Social Media’s Role in Making Spirituality Trendy
Instagram reels of ecstatic chanting, moonlit kirtans, aesthetic temple decor, and spiritual retreats have transformed devotional culture into shareable lifestyle content.
This visibility has made spirituality feel more accessible, fashionable, and community-driven especially for those who may never have engaged traditionally.
Is This Just a Trend or a Cultural Shift?
While some may see it as a phase, the rise of Bhajan clubs and spiritual socializing reflects something deeper: a generational desire for purpose, grounding, and authentic connection.
People are not abandoning social culture they are redefining it.
Where previous generations sought escape, this generation increasingly seeks alignment.
Bhajan clubs, Kirtan nights, and spiritual socializing are shaping a new social era where devotion meets design, mindfulness meets music, and culture meets connection.
This movement proves that spirituality is no longer confined to rituals it is becoming a lifestyle, a community, and for many, the new definition of modern social luxury.
As the world searches for deeper meaning, spiritual gatherings may just be the future of social culture.
Events
Top 10 Best Dressed Female Politicians in the World
In today’s modern political landscape, style is more than just appearance it’s a powerful form of communication. The world’s most influential women leaders are not only shaping policies but also redefining fashion in politics. From tailored power suits to culturally rooted ensembles, these women command attention with both their words and their wardrobe.
Giorgia Meloni
Italy’s Prime Minister is known for her polished and sophisticated style. She often opts for well-tailored blazers, neutral tones, and minimal accessories exuding quiet confidence and authority.

Jacinda Ardern
Even after stepping down, Jacinda Ardern remains a global fashion inspiration. Her understated elegance, monochrome outfits, and effortless styling reflect authenticity and relatability.

Kamala Harris
Known for her iconic pantsuits and pearls, Kamala Harris blends professionalism with modern relatability, making her a global style icon.

Sanna Marin
Sanna Marin continues to influence global fashion with her minimalist yet bold styling, redefining contemporary political aesthetics.

Nirmala Sitharaman
Known for her graceful sarees, Nirmala Sitharaman represents Indian tradition with a modern touch. Her wardrobe reflects simplicity, authority, and cultural identity.

Hina Rabbani Khar
Known globally for her luxury handbags and refined outfits, she is one of the most stylish politicians from Pakistan.

Maryam Nawaz
Maryam Nawaz is admired for her elegant traditional wear and graceful public appearances.

Kaja Kallas
Kaja Kallas is known for her sleek, modern European style favoring clean lines and contemporary silhouettes.

Mette Frederiksen
Her Scandinavian minimalism, neutral tones, and sharp tailoring reflect understated elegance and leadership.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
AOC brings boldness to political fashion with statement outfits and relatable styling that resonates with younger audiences.

The best dressed female politicians in the world are proving that leadership and style go hand in hand. Whether through traditional attire or modern power dressing, these women are setting global fashion benchmarks while leading nations and inspiring millions.
Also Read: Minimalism vs Maximalism: What’s Trending in Lifestyle (2026)
Beauty
Harsh Chaudhary & Tarushi Dobhal Crowned Mr & Miss Uttarakhand 2026
Dehradun, April 12, 2026 — The grand finale of Mr & Miss Uttarakhand 2026 was held with great enthusiasm at Hotel Regenta, drawing participants and audiences from across the state. The event was presented by Maya Devi University and organised by Himalayan Buzz in association with Dharma Creation.
Tarushi Dobhal was crowned Miss Uttarakhand 2026, while Harsh Chaudhary secured the title of Mr Uttarakhand 2026, emerging as the top talent of the evening. Vanshita Kandpal and Lokpal Pokhriyal were honoured as Miss Uttarakhand Model of the Year and Mr Uttarakhand Model of the Year, respectively.
In the runners-up categories, Neha Mahara and Prakash Rana were declared 1st Runners-up, while Shivam Bhatt and Lata Koranga earned the titles of 2nd Runners-up.

The competition saw participation from across Uttarakhand, with 36 finalists selected through auditions conducted in Dehradun and Haldwani. Contestants underwent professional grooming sessions and took part in various sub-contests, showcasing their talent, confidence, and personality. Several subtitles and awards were also presented during the event.
The judging panel comprised notable personalities, including Kshitiz Doval (Founder of UNHU), Tushar Shahi (Mr Uttarakhand 2026), Rahul Gupta (Founder of Vastukar Associates), Seema Kashyap, and Lavanya Ahuja (Founders of The Frontrow Couture), along with restaurateur Aneesh Virmani and Aniruddha Raithwan (Founders of AAR Hotels).
During the event, Dr Tripti Juyal Semwal, Vice President of Maya Devi University, addressed the audience, highlighting the institution’s vision and its commitment to empowering youth through platforms like this.
This edition marked the 10th anniversary of Mr & Miss Uttarakhand by Himalayan Buzz, celebrating a decade of promoting talent, fashion, and youth empowerment across the region.
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