Freedom spirit in the air

Hyderabad International Airport is done up with patriotic images and scenes bringing in the spirit of freedom, city hotels devised a special menu for the independence week and the day; brands are promoting the Independence Day look – After all freedom has to be celebrated in style

In probably the first of its kind initiative GMR Rajiv Gandhi International Airport brings in the patriotic fervour with ‘Azaadi ki Udaan’: The entire airport has been decorated in the Indian tricolours and there are several 3D model doves to signify the freedom that this day symbolises. The landmark events of the freedom struggle such as Jallianwala Bagh massacre, and the Dandi march, are explained through the artistically designed standees and tableaux that commemorate the events.

Legendary freedom fighters such as Mahatma Gandhi, the martyred trio of Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev, the incomparable heroism of Subhash Chandra Bose, are all remembered and celebrated. There is also a standee that highlights the First War of Indian Independence in 1857. The unflinching bravery of Mangal Pandey which was the spark that ignited this fire occupies a special position. The airport will have the special display till August 21.

Festivals are always a great time for city hotels to come up with newer themes and food festivals. Evidently, the celebrations for the 67th Independence Day are already on. Hotel Westin Mindspace salutes the nation with a gourmet delight. The hotel is offering a special buffet dinner to go with the occasion.

Steffan Dawson, Executive Chef talks about conceptualizing the Independence Day menu, “Buffet will have oriental, continental and Indian menu, but the emphasis will be on popular regional Indian cuisine. And we try to bring in the colours of India, be it salads or desserts – Let’s say if there is palak, we try to add saffron and tomato to bring in the colours of Indian flag. We will have European desserts, but we will try to emphasise on Indian sweets fusing the western style – like stuffed gulab jamun.”

The palace hotel of the Taj group, Taj Falaknuma on the other hand is celebrating independence day by hosting an exclusive dinner with a historical walk of the palace, marching band from the Indian army and an exclusive screening of a never seen footage on Mahatma Gandhi by the legendry Walter Cronkite along with the viewing of exclusive memorabilia on the independence struggle from the Peace Truth Ahimsa Museum. Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre’s ‘India On a Platter’ (August 16 - 25) at ‘The Square’ is timed for the occasion. While the other hotels and restaurants are still planning the big day, the consumer brands, not to be left behind are devising promotions for the occasion. And that includes promoting the right look for the day like the clothes and accessories brands, AND & Global Desi which is promoting trendy clothes in a mix of tri-colour hues and earrings, clutches and lipstick to go with it.

They says: For that quintessentially Indian look, choose from a nude or white anarkali that can be paired with emerald coloured statement earrings. You can also flaunt a pair of Ink-blue drop earrings for the same outfit and pair it with a hand-painted green box-clutch. Complete this look with a coral lipstick to wear all the colours of the national flag!