MAM
Mangaldeep lights up Ayodhya’s record glow with an AR of devotion
MUMBAI: Who says faith and technology don’t mix? This Diwali, ITC Mangaldeep proved that devotion can go digital and dazzlingly so. As part of the Ayodhya Deepotsav 2025, the brand turned prayer into pixels with an Augmented Reality (AR)-powered campaign, enabling devotees across India to virtually light Diyas and become part of Ayodhya’s record-breaking glow.
The grand spectacle in Ayodhya, hosted by the government of Uttar Pradesh, set a new Guinness World Record for the Highest Number of Oil Lamps Lit, an awe-inspiring 26,17,215 Diyas, surpassing last year’s total of 25,12,586 Diyas. But beyond the numbers, this Deepotsav stood out for how it united hearts across distances, one click, one flame, one prayer at a time.
Through Mangaldeep’s AR-enabled microsite, devotees from every corner of India could light a virtual Diya that corresponded to an actual lamp in Ayodhya on 19 October. What began as a modest plan to light 1 lakh Diyas quickly turned into a wave of faith when over 1.3 lakh virtual Diyas were lit prompting the brand to mirror that devotion on the ground by lighting 1.3 lakh real Diyas as well.
Adding to the sacred ambience was the Mangaldeep Khushboo Path, where 25 five-foot incense sticks and 25 Maha Havan Cups filled the air with divine fragrance, creating a multisensory experience that blended spirituality with spectacle.
“At ITC Mangaldeep, we believe devotion is timeless, though the way we experience it continues to evolve,” said ITC Divisional CEO of matches and agarbatti division Rohit Dogra. “This year’s initiative not only united millions of devotees across India digitally but also became a part of history as Ayodhya achieved a Guinness World Record. It’s a step forward in making devotion immersive, inclusive and meaningful in today’s digital era.”
The government, too, lauded the initiative. Ayodhya district magistrate Nikhil Tikaram Funde I.A.S noted, “We are delighted to have ITC Mangaldeep join the Deepotsav celebrations. Their digital effort allowed devotees nationwide to participate, reinforcing the spirit of unity and devotion that Deepotsav stands for.”
As the sacred city shimmered under millions of flickering flames, Mangaldeep’s AR-driven participation marked a new chapter in how technology can transcend geography turning faith into an experience that’s as collective as it is personal.
From app to aarti, the campaign embodied a rare harmony of the ancient and the avant-garde showing that in today’s India, even a Diya can have a digital soul.
Brands
Malaika Arora launches Maejoy accessories brand with Myntra partnership
New label debuts with 250 plus handbags and lab grown diamond jewellery.
MUMBAI: When style meets sparkle, a new brand is ready to take centre stage. Actor and entrepreneur Malaika Arora has launched a lifestyle accessories label called Maejoy, developed in collaboration with Exceed Entertainment and Myntra Jabong India Private Limited (MJIPL), the B2B wholesale arm of Myntra. The brand enters the market with a debut collection of more than 250 styles spanning handbags and lab grown diamond jewellery, two categories that continue to define everyday personal style for modern consumers.
The handbag lineup includes crossbody bags, structured shoulder bags, bucket bags, totes, backpacks, clutches and workwear inspired designs. The pieces are crafted using materials such as synthetic leather, raffia, braids, satin, rhinestones and metallic finishes.
Alongside the bags, Maejoy has introduced a jewellery range featuring lab grown diamond rings, earrings, pendants, bracelets and tennis bracelets. The pieces are set in 925 sterling silver bases with gold, silver and rose gold tones, and include diamonds certified by IGI and GCI.
Positioned as a premium yet accessible accessories label, Maejoy is built around the philosophy “The Joy of Being Me”, aiming to blend aspirational fashion with everyday usability. The brand’s positioning centres on three pillars: authenticity, empowerment and accessibility.
Arora described the venture as a natural extension of her long association with fashion and personal style.
“Maejoy is a labour of love. Throughout my career, whether on screen, in business or through personal style, I have always believed fashion should feel empowering yet effortless. The Joy of Being Me celebrates individuality while making global fashion trends more accessible,” she said.
MJIPL, CXO and head of house of brands Suman Saha said the brand brings together Arora’s style perspective with a strong opportunity in the accessible premium accessories segment.
“Maejoy combines Malaika Arora’s distinctive style sensibility with fashion forward designs that we believe will resonate strongly with consumers looking for elevated yet wearable accessories,” he said.
Exceed Entertainment CEO Afsar Zaidi added that building celebrity led brands requires balancing authenticity with market viability.
“Malaika commands respect both as a fashion icon and a businesswoman. Bringing her creative vision together with Myntra’s brand building expertise creates a strong foundation for Maejoy,” he said.
The collection is available exclusively on Myntra through its website and mobile app, making the brand accessible to millions of shoppers across India as it steps into the competitive lifestyle accessories space.
