Meticulously brewed over 22 hours and expertly blended on-site, Bandarful invites you on a charmingly audacious journey through Kumaon’s golden grain fields, Chikmagalur’s sprawling coffee plantations, and fruit-laden orchards. The result is a cold-brew coffee liqueur as versatile as the playful primate that inspired its creation. Made with locally-sourced rice, pure Himalayan spring water, and medium-dark Arabica coffee beans from the foothills of the Western Ghats, each bottle is a joyous tribute to India’s rich terroir.

The narrative features our spirited head of operations in Kumaon, the merry local Langur, gracefully swinging through the canopy with his kin, venturing far and wide to handpick the robust, sweet coffee cherries for our brews. More than just a liqueur, Bandarful encapsulates boundless joy, honoring its origins and the vibrant community instrumental in its creation. Our beloved long-tailed raconteur, an integral part of local Kumaoni life, proudly takes credit for the birth of Bandarful, making it India’s first farm-to-bottle libation.

Speaking on the launch, Ansh Khanna, Co-Founder of Himmaleh Spirits, said, “Bandarful is a journey that captures the untamed essence of the country. With coffee culture becoming a big and serious affair, Bandarful stands out as an exquisite blend of high-quality coffee and spirit, making it perfect for both coffee aficionados and alco-bev connoisseurs. With every sip, we break free from the ordinary and invite you to swing into a world where life’s too short for boring drinks. Cheers to fun, cheers to Bandarful!”

“Bandarful is our ode to endless joy and celebrations! It’s crafted with the choicest coffee beans, a dash of Himalayan flair, and a recipe so hush-hush that it’s tucked away in the treetops. This artisanal coffee liqueur showcases Himmaleh’s commitment to high-quality, innovative products using only the finest local ingredients sourced sustainably. Get ready for an adventure as we turn sips into stories,” added Samarth Prasad, Co-Founder of Himmaleh Spirits.

Encased in a crystal-clear glass bottle with a distinctive bar-top neck, finding Bandarful on the shelf is like spotting a monkey in the dense jungle – unmistakable and full of character. Whether enjoyed over ice, neat, in a cocktail, as a dessert accompaniment, or as a post-dinner digestif, Bandarful promises a caffeine-infused celebration for your taste buds, bursting with wildly expressive and vibrant flavors.

India, why the serious faces? Get ready for a delightful surprise! Himmaleh Spirits proudly introduces Bandarful, a handcrafted cold-brew coffee liqueur that embodies untamed adventures, vibrant spirits, and a tribute to our beloved long-tailed Langur friends in the heart of Kumaon. After the success of their first offering, Kumaon & I, India’s premier Provincial Dry Gin, the distillery is set to revolutionize the Indian alcoholic beverage scene once again.

Meticulously brewed over 22 hours and expertly blended on-site, Bandarful invites you on a charmingly audacious journey through Kumaon’s golden grain fields, Chikmagalur’s sprawling coffee plantations, and fruit-laden orchards. The result is a cold-brew coffee liqueur as versatile as the playful primate that inspired its creation. Made with locally-sourced rice, pure Himalayan spring water, and medium-dark Arabica coffee beans from the foothills of the Western Ghats, each bottle is a joyous tribute to India’s rich terroir.

The narrative features our spirited head of operations in Kumaon, the merry local Langur, gracefully swinging through the canopy with his kin, venturing far and wide to handpick the robust, sweet coffee cherries for our brews. More than just a liqueur, Bandarful encapsulates boundless joy, honoring its origins and the vibrant community instrumental in its creation. Our beloved long-tailed raconteur, an integral part of local Kumaoni life, proudly takes credit for the birth of Bandarful, making it India’s first farm-to-bottle libation.

Speaking on the launch, Ansh Khanna, Co-Founder of Himmaleh Spirits, said, “Bandarful is a journey that captures the untamed essence of the country. With coffee culture becoming a big and serious affair, Bandarful stands out as an exquisite blend of high-quality coffee and spirit, making it perfect for both coffee aficionados and alco-bev connoisseurs. With every sip, we break free from the ordinary and invite you to swing into a world where life’s too short for boring drinks. Cheers to fun, cheers to Bandarful!”

“Bandarful is our ode to endless joy and celebrations! It’s crafted with the choicest coffee beans, a dash of Himalayan flair, and a recipe so hush-hush that it’s tucked away in the treetops. This artisanal coffee liqueur showcases Himmaleh’s commitment to high-quality, innovative products using only the finest local ingredients sourced sustainably. Get ready for an adventure as we turn sips into stories,” added Samarth Prasad, Co-Founder of Himmaleh Spirits.

Encased in a crystal-clear glass bottle with a distinctive bar-top neck, finding Bandarful on the shelf is like spotting a monkey in the dense jungle – unmistakable and full of character. Whether enjoyed over ice, neat, in a cocktail, as a dessert accompaniment, or as a post-dinner digestif, Bandarful promises a caffeine-infused celebration for your taste buds, bursting with wildly expressive and vibrant flavors.

The event “Opera Italiana is in the Air” is set to take place at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool on Saturday, June 1st, just before National Italian Day. The free concert, running from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM, promises a memorable evening of Italian opera.

Amidst a renewed interest in Italian opera within mainstream culture—highlighted by Beyoncé featuring a famous Italian aria in her song “Daughter” and the viral spread of the “Opera Challenge” on TikTok with over 300 million posts—this genre is adapting and connecting with younger generations. The event is designed to make opera more accessible and enjoyable, breaking down traditional barriers like cost and dress codes.

The line-up for the evening includes notable performers such as tenor Antonio Poli, soprano Ewa Plonka, and baritone Anthony D. Anderson. Poli has graced stages across Europe and with the Lyric Opera of Chicago. Plonka is currently performing in the lead role of Turandot at the Washington National Opera, and Anderson, a rising star from Washington, D.C., has recently completed his Masters in Voice at the University of Maryland’s Maryland Opera Studio Program. The performance will feature beloved arias, particularly celebrating the work of Puccini on the centennial of his passing.

“It should be the mission of every artist to want to share this music,” says Maestro and Founder Alvise Casellati. “For over 400 years, opera was considered ‘pop’ music and only very recently wrongly perceived as music for the elite. In its purest form, it is sheer entertainment for everyone.”

In addition to entertaining, the event underscores the therapeutic qualities of music, which has been shown to aid in healing by alleviating stress, reducing anxiety, and managing pain. Casellati emphasizes this aspect, aiming to bring these benefits to hospital settings. Accordingly, a special performance is planned at Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C.

“I cannot think of a higher cause for music than its healing and therapeutic powers,” Casellati says. “I am thrilled with our collaboration with music therapy departments at hospitals in New York City and now with Children’s National Hospital, one of the county’s top hospitals for pediatric care.”

This event offers a perfect opportunity for both opera aficionados and newcomers to enjoy world-class music in a picturesque setting, encouraging attendees to bring a lawn chair or simply sit on the steps and soak in the atmosphere and the music.

The Saudi Red Sea Authority (SRSA) has made a significant move to enhance coastal tourism by issuing its first marina operator licenses. This initiative aims to establish robust operational and technical procedures for marinas, elevate the quality of services provided to tourists, and promote sustainability. This step is expected to have a profound impact on tourism, positioning the Red Sea as a premier global destination.

First Licenses Issued

In a recent press release, SRSA announced that it had granted the first three licenses to operators of tourist marinas, including Al-Ahlam Marina in Jeddah and Jazan, and Red Sea Marina in Jeddah. These licenses are part of SRSA’s mandate to regulate and develop marine tourism activities, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030. The issuance of these licenses marks a crucial step in the Kingdom’s efforts to foster a thriving coastal tourism sector.

Goals and Objectives

The primary goals of this initiative include:

• Operational and Technical Procedures: Establishing comprehensive procedures to ensure smooth marina operations.
• Quality of Services: Enhancing the services offered to tourists and visitors.
• Environmental Preservation: Ensuring the marine environment is protected and promoting sustainability.
• Regulation of Marine Activities: Regulating the operation of marine watercraft to maintain safety and efficiency.
• Facilitation of Coastal Tourism: Making it easier for tourists to enjoy the coastal attractions of Saudi Arabia.

These efforts are designed to create a sustainable and attractive environment for both local and international visitors.

Field Visits and Compliance

SRSA has conducted field visits to tourist marinas in Jeddah, Jazan, Al Laith, and Yanbu. These visits provided technical, administrative, and consultative support to marina operators and ensured compliance with international standards. The readiness of facilities to accommodate visitors was thoroughly assessed, ensuring that all marinas meet the high standards required for a top-tier tourist destination.

Private Sector Collaboration

The private sector has played a strategic role in implementing the improvements recommended by SRSA. The collaborative efforts between SRSA and private marina operators underscore a shared commitment to developing the coastal tourism sector in Saudi Arabia. This partnership is vital for the continuous enhancement of facilities and services.

Significance of the Initiative

The issuance of these licenses represents a major milestone in the development of coastal tourism in Saudi Arabia. SRSA’s dedication to creating a secure and favorable environment for marine tourism activities highlights its commitment to making the Red Sea a leading global tourist destination. This initiative is expected to attract a significant number of tourists, boosting the local economy and showcasing Saudi Arabia’s coastal beauty to the world.

The 101st edition of Progressive Laconia Motorcycle Week® is set to take place in New Hampshire from June 8-16. Anticipated attendance exceeds 300,000 participants, gathering at Weirs Beach and other locations across the state. This event, which began in 1916, holds the distinction of being America’s oldest motorcycle rally. Attendees can look forward to traditional activities such as rides, gypsy tours, and the Peter Makris Memorial Run, along with the Ride to Bentley’s and Gunstock Amateur Hillclimb. New additions this year include the Tower Street Hillclimb and activities at Beans and Greens Farm and Biergarten.

Additionally, this year introduces a new racing schedule at the nearby New Hampshire Motor Speedway due to track preparations for the NASCAR weekend on June 21-23. This change has prompted the 101st Annual Loudon Classic® to occur during the rally’s opening weekend, while the Vintage races have been relocated to Canaan, N.H.

“We’re excited to be hosting the 101st Annual Loudon Classic^® on June 8 to kick off Motorcycle Week at NHMS,” says New Hampshire Motor Speedway Executive Vice President and General Manager David McGrath. “Riders will be competing for their piece of the record-breaking $250,000 purse, and we’ll also have vendors and demo rides set up all week through Saturday, June 15.

Vendors will populate Weirs Beach, particularly along Lakeside Avenue, which will be closed to car traffic for the duration of the event. Live entertainment will be available throughout the week at various venues including NazBar & Grill, Tower Hill Tavern, Looney Bin Bar & Grill, The Big House, Sucker Punch Saloon, Weirs Beach Drive In, and High Octane Saloon. These spots will host bike shows, contests, and various other motorcycle-related festivities.

“We try to up our game each and every year,” says Progressive Laconia Motorcycle Week^® Deputy Director, Jennifer Anderson. “In reality, most people come to this event to ride and while we can take part in organizing destinations, we can’t take credit for what New Hampshire already provides: incredible scenery.”

Laconia Motorcycle Week® extends its gratitude to all sponsors, especially Progressive, AMSOIL, and American Iron Outfitters, as well as the State of New Hampshire for their significant financial contributions to the rally each year.

Georgetown/Scott County Tourism is set to host its grand 50th anniversary celebration in the heart of Downtown Georgetown, featuring an array of free entertainment including live music, food stalls, and creative activities for the entire family.

Free Live Music on Saturday
Join the festivities at Party on the Square, taking place in Downtown Georgetown on May 25th from 7 to 10 pm! Experience an evening of energetic performances by The Players Club, one of Ohio’s top party bands, ready to kick off a summer filled with community spirit. The event will offer more family fun than ever before, including a lego play area by Green Blanket Media, intricate balloon designs by Party Animal Balloons, and mobile performances by Ezra Papp. Visitors can also design their own hats at the Kylico Traveling Hat Bar and savor a variety of delicious foods and beverages from local favorites like Bringin’ the Heat BBQ, Taqueria Garcia, Trindy’s, Country Boy Brewing, Chinkapin Brewing, Spotz Gelato, and Cotton Candy Creations. Additionally, raffle prizes will be awarded to participants of the Horsey Hundred bike ride.

50 Years of Welcoming Visitors
As it marks its golden jubilee, Georgetown/Scott County Tourism remains committed to showcasing the best of the Bluegrass region. This milestone is celebrated by inviting tourists to explore the diverse attractions, culinary delights, and cultural experiences offered in Georgetown & Scott County, Kentucky. The Party on the Square is a tribute to the community and heralds the start of another half-century of tourism and festivities.

The Party on the Square is a festive, no-cost event for all, happening rain or shine from 7 to 10 p.m. at the historic square in Downtown Georgetown, renowned as the original site where the Baptist minister Elijah Craig distilled bourbon in Kentucky.

This celebration is supported by Georgetown/Scott County Tourism, Celebrate Georgetown, Commonwealth Credit Union, Distinctive Living – Avery Bussell, Realtor, Georgetown Community Hospital, and Whitaker Bank.

The Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC/ Visit Maldives) recently organized a familiarization trip with Amilla Maldives for prominent Indian influencer Niki Mehra. The purpose was to let her experience the luxurious and romantic offerings of the Maldives from May 3rd to May 6th, 2024.

Niki Mehra, known for her modeling, fashion sense, beauty content, and travel influence with over half a million followers, explored the Sunny Side of Life during this trip. She highlighted the destination’s luxury and romantic experiences, showcasing them on her social media platforms.

The trip not only served as a promotional opportunity for the Maldives through Niki Mehra’s social media but also aimed to boost growth in the luxury travel and honeymoon market, positioning the Maldives as a premier honeymoon spot for Indian travelers. India has consistently been a strong market for the Maldives, ranking 6th with 46,970 tourists as of May 13th, 2024.

MMPRC, in its commitment to increasing arrivals from India, has planned various marketing activities like joint campaigns, familiarization trips, event participation, and more. These efforts aim to showcase the captivating beauty of the Maldives to attract even more Indian travelers.