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Let’s Rewind 2020

As we reach December, It's the end of the year 2020. This year was a boon and a bane to many and changed our lives. The city of pearls has also changed and grown in the last 11 months. Hyderabad witnessed quite a few blossoms of happiness from a beautiful cable bridge to a much-loved doughnut franchise moving to town. A lot has happened during this tedious time and we bring you the most loved and happening highlights of 2020, here’s the countdown.

- By Umera Riyaz

Lockdown Weddings This lockdown had us all tied to our homes but it didn’t stop love from blossoming into the hearts of those who desired it.

Nithiin Reddy And Shalini Kandukuri

Actor Nithin Reddy married his long term girlfriend Shalini Kandukuri in April. The wedding took place at the beginning of the lockdown in Hyderabad. The wedding was a jovial episode for the pair. The couple had an intimate ceremony at Taj Faluknama Palace with close friends and family.

Kajal Aggarwal And Gautam Kitchlu

Actress Kajal Aggarwal said yes to Gautam Kitchlu, an Entrepreneur in October. The couple had a small and intimate wedding with their innermost circle of friends and family. The wedding took place at Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai.

Rana Daggubati and Miheeka Bajaj

Actor Rana Daggubati tied a knot with his fiance Miheeka Bajaj founder of Dew Drop Design Studio in August. The wedding took place during the Lockdown and it was a joy-filled event for both the parties. The couple had a private ceremony at Ramanaidu Studios and were able to enjoy their wedding with family and friends.

Mozamjahi Market Restoration

In August Telangana government restored the famous landmark of Hyderabad, Moazzam Jahi Market. The landmark was built in 1935 by the last Nizam Mir Osman Ali Khan. The place was in poor condition since the past few years. This year the landmark was renovated and was inaugurated by Telangana Municipal Administration Minister K T Rama Rao.

Durgam Cheruvu Bridge

Hyderabad welcomed its latest landmark in September which was inaugurated by the Telangana Minister KTR. This is the longest bridge in Hyderabad and is also the first cable bridge of Hyderabad. The morning view from the bridge is eyepleasing and at night the bridge lights up into a melody of colours. The bridge has turned into a huge hot spot for Instagram.

Krispy Kreme

The international doughnut franchise finally made its debut at Hyderabad. The food branch opened its doors to fellow Hyderabadis in August. Krispy Kreme is now available at four locations Inorbit Mall, GVK Mall, Forum Sujana Mall and Sarath City Capital Mall. Their all-time best seller and our favourite is the original glazed doughnut. Gp treat your tastebuds something sweet!

Zomaland - Zomato food festival

This year in February the popular food app hosted its grand food festival Zomaland at GMR Arena, Hyderabad. It was a two-day food and entertainment carnival it had numerous food stalls, fun activities and games like a huge Ferris wheel and live performances. The festival had some special celebrities like singer and rapper Badshah, comedian Tanmay Bhat and rapper DIVINE at the event.

Numaish

Numaish also is known as Numaish Masnuāt-e-Mulki is an annual exhibition that takes place at the 26 acre land at Mallapally, Hyderabad. It is a state fair, where merchants from different states bring their commodities for sale. Numaish consists of food, clothes, household items, makeup, electronics and much more. Some famous local brands like Pista House and Masqati Dairy Milk can also be found at the event. Numaish takes place for 46 days in the city and is very dear to Hyderabadis.

Dalgona Coffee

During the mind-numbing lockdown, sweet and lovable Dalgona Coffee went viral on social media. Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat stories were overflowing with #dalgonacoffee. Food bloggers quickly jumped on this trend and started uploading videos on how to make dalgona coffee which had a high number of views too. The trend started in January when a South Koren actor Jung Il-woo made the drink. The hashtag #dalgonacoffee has more 5 lakh posts on Instagram.

Blind Ch3mistry

Blind Ch3mistry is a new cafe with delicious food and mouth-watering mocktails. This cafe has a fresh yet rusty ambience that can be enjoyed at both times, day and night. They have a wide range of Italian and Continental cuisine to choose from. They have a special section in their menu called “Experiments” where you can create your desserts.

SPECIAL | Bandhani & Siddhartha Daga

Bandhani & Siddhartha Daga opened its flagship store in Hyderabad on 31st October 2020. Bandhani is a Kolkata based brand house. An exclusive range of bridal, couture and prêt and is famed for its intricate Bandhej karigari and classic Indian wear. They support hundreds of small Indian craftsmen from all across the country. Over the years, the label Siddhartha Daga has become synonymous with modern silhouettes and drapes for the contemporary bride-to-be. The store is located at Avenue 4, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad.

Nine O Nine

Nine O Nine is a colourful and funky restaurant and bar, located at Khotapet. It has a charming ambience and its interiors are designed with elegance. They have luscious food to munch on. They offer live music and free parking. A fun place for an amazing night with friends.

These were some of the wonderful highlights Hyderabad 2020. We hope the coming year brings us much more exciting news and happiness. For now, that is a wrap Hyderabad. See you next year!

Sleigh-ing This Festive Season

The season of Joy and Giving is upon us, and we can already hear the Angels sing! With only a month to prepare for the celebrations, we have, in advance brought you gifts. We have here for you the choicest picks of movies, music, home décor, fashion, food and holiday gifting you can indulge in.

A Christmas Carol Legends like Jim Carrey and Gary Oldman, tell this tale of Ebenezer Scrooge, a spiteful and miserly man, who encounters three spirits on Christmas Eve. These spirits then show Scrooge the folly of his ways, prompt him to become a good man and to embrace the spirit of Christmas.

Klaus Klaus is an animated about how aselfish postman and a reclusive toymaker form an unusual friendship, delivering joy and happiness to a cold town and ending a life long family-feud. This movie perfect for the kids to enjoy and get into the spirit of Christmas.

The Christmas Chronicles Siblings Kate and Teddy Pierce hatch a scheme to capture Santa Claus on Christmas Eve. When the plan goes awry, the kids join forces with a somewhat jolly Saint Nick and his loyal elves to save the holiday before it's too late. Kurt Russell and team have done an amazing job with this one!

Jose Feliciano’s Feliz Navidad This month the song turns 50! A perfect opportunity to spread joy and pop with this musical masterpiece

Bruce Sprinsteen’s Santa Claus is Coming To Town You can never go wrong with this classic on the Christmas Eve.

Celine Dion’s Deck the Halls This melodic cover of the original is all you need for a perfect Christmas Evening and a cup of Hot Chocolate.

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania Known as the Christmas City of USA, Bethlehem shines during holidays. Guests can enjoy horse drawn carriages and se the country’s only live advent calendar, explore the German inspired Christmas market. The historic Hotel Bethlehem is a sight to behold with more than 35,000 Christmas lights on dozens of trees, 36 wreaths, two life-size Nutcrackers and a Gingerbread House. Every precaution and safety measures are taken care of.

Vienna, Austria Vienna is the perfect destination for Christmas holidays with the families or with a loved one. Multitude of Christmas Markets appear throughout the festive season. The aroma of baked goods fill the atmosphere and make the experience as authentic as it gets. The organizers have sought every safety regulation to make your stay not only enjoyable but also safe.

Dawki, Meghalaya Dawki is a lovely hill station to plan a family vacation this December, as the weather will chilly and the landscape will be foggy and aesthetic. Boating down the Umngot river, which is also known as the Dawki river, will be something to look forward to. Shopaholics can shop their hearts out at the Dawki market, located near the Burhill Waterfall which is a sight to behold.

Havelock, Andaman If the cold weather and chilly mornings bother you, then the Havelock Islands beaches are where you should be heading this December. The white sands, serene waters, lovely palm trees makes for a whole different “White Christmas” vibes. Try a host of water activities, indulge in fresh seafood, witness the lovely sunset at the beach and don’t miss out the moonlit beach walks at night.

Hello December Ikea’s home décor never fails to bring along the festive spirit along with a unique touch. This year their adorable red and pink tealights and Lantern tealight holder take the cake. It has simple yet an aesthetically pleasing effect on the ambience. They also have an LED block candle set that suits the occasion perfectly.

Instagram: @ikea.india

Hello December! Not just a warm greeting, but also one-stop shop for all your dinner table adornments. Sustainable and ethically sourced these products are exquisitely handcrafted for the December collection. From the quintessential Christmas Pinks and Greens, along with some patterns, Love is what your dinner table is going to be adorning this festive season. A curated selection of dinner sets and gift boxes, with love for you.

IKEA

Instagram: @hellodecember.in

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The Maeva Store

If you are going for a simple and subtle then head themaevastore.com. They have the most elegant décor and ornaments for you. A simple joyful wreath, white ball candles and white candle holders are some of their classy collection.

Instagram: @themaevasore

Website: www.themaevastore.com

Wicks and Roses Any work done with Love will always prosper, and so Wicks and Roses is something you look forward to when looking around for decorations. Thanks to the lockdown, Amulia and Apoorva finally found time to what they love the most, spreading smiles through the warmth of their handmade candles. Their candles are made with utmost love and care, and are a perfect accompaniment to your Christmas decorations.

Instagram: @wicks_and_roses

DELECTABLE EATS THIS SEASON Ruheen’s Kitchen

If you’re looking for some home-baked goodness, then Ruheen’s Kitchen is the place for you. Feast upon yummy dry fruit plum cakes, indulge in delectable cakes and if you are looking to mix things up, her fusion desserts are just scrumptious. The ingredients used are all of premium quality, and the working station is hygienic. Don’t forget to try out her “Qubani Pie’, it’s exquisite.

Instagram: @ruheenskitchen

Baker in the Valley This pandemic has been a blessing to Esha and Swarna, as they realised their passion for baking, that gave us Baker in the Valley. They started with baking for family and friends, which then boomed into a full-fledged home-baking profession. Their hampers were an instant click and an immediate hit with the clients. For Christmas, their doing a baked goodies hampers that include succulent plum cakes, adorable Christmas themed cupcakes and flavoursome ginger breads. Their baking is purely vegetarian and hygienic.

Instagram: @bakerinthevalley

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The Westin

Westin is offering a range of festive activities, so that you’re sorted for the whole month of

December. They have the traditional Ginger

Bread House making on the 4th, but we are also very excited for the Music Brunch by the pool on the 13th of December. And, of course no celebration is complete without a Christmas

Eve Dinner and Christmas Brunch at Prego, on the 24th and 25th. The dining will be Christmas themed, complete with music, lighting and decorations. So, head over there for a cheerful meal with your loved ones.

Instagram: @westinhyderabad

Address: Raheja IT Park, Madhapur,

Hyderabad.

BE PARTY READY

Make up and Nails Get party ready with perfect look and trendy nails this season. Nails by Tanya Bansal is your one stop place for getting you look done this season. A specialized makeup and nail artist, Tanya is a professional and her work is immaculate. For the festive season she has a lot of offers on nails extensions, gel polish and nail art. She uses premium products like Glam, NSG and even Cnd Shellac, so you can be concern free about the quality of work.

Instagram: @nailsbytanyabansal

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Max Fashions - Sweater season is here! Nothing’s more perfect than a hot cup of chocolate and a warm fuzzy sweater this winter season to complete your evening. So if your looking for something trendy in the winter collection, then head over to Max. Instagram: @maxfashionindia

Myntra- If you don’t want to step out for shopping this season, then get on Myntra and shop your heart out with their new classy winter collection of casual and colourful bomber jackets, knitted sweaters and cardigans.

LimeRoad- Scarf it up this season with LimeRoad’s new collection of scarves and stoles. Scarf can play an important role in accessorizing your look for the evening, so explore a range of beautiful woollen scarves and ethnic stoles to complete your outfit this festive season. Instagram: @limeroad