Brands
Sunrise spices up Bengal’s Pujo with festive stories
MUMBAI: When it comes to Durga Puja, Bengal knows how to bring the drama, devotion and dazzle, and ITC’s Sunrise Spices is adding its own flavour to the festivities. The brand has launched Sunrise Pujor Satkahon, a pan-state initiative in collaboration with over a thousand Puja committees, to celebrate not just the grandeur of Kolkata but the pulse of every para across West Bengal.
The campaign is designed to capture the soul of Pujo, blending tradition, community spirit and cultural pride into a vibrant tapestry of stories. Committees across districts are invited to submit write-ups detailing their Pujo themes, community involvement and the cultural significance of their celebrations. These stories will be judged in a three-phase process: storytelling and community votes will shortlist the top 250 entries, a pandal showcase and jury scoring will decide the top 50, and on-ground audits will identify the top five winners on Navami. The festivities will culminate in a celebrity-led Sindoor khela on Dashami, marking a colourful grand finale.
Beyond the contest, the top 250 entries will feature in a special coffee table book, immortalising the stories, rituals and artistry of pujos across the state. Sunrise Pujor Satkahon aims to preserve and highlight the diversity of Bengal’s festive heartbeat, celebrating everything from iconic urban pandals to lesser-known rural gems.
“Durga Puja is not just a festival; it is the soul of Bengal,” said Sunrise Spices business head Piyush Mishra. “Through Sunrise Pujor Satkahon, we are thrilled to honour the rich traditions of every para, celebrating the unity, creativity and cultural pride that make Bengal’s Pujo truly unique.”
With this initiative, Sunrise Spices is ensuring that every Pujo, big or small, finds its moment in the spotlight, creating a collective archive that captures the joy, devotion and artistry of one of India’s most beloved festivals. Every para, every story, every heart is invited to be part of the celebration.
Brands
Jubilant FoodWorks faces Rs 47.5 crore GST demand, plans appeal
Tax authorities flag alleged misclassification of restaurant services
MUMBAI: Jubilant FoodWorks Limited has landed in a tax tussle after receiving a GST demand of Rs 47.5 crore from the office of the additional commissioner of CGST and central excise in Thane, Maharashtra.
The order, issued under the provisions of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017, relates to an alleged incorrect classification of certain services under the category of restaurant services. According to the tax authorities, this classification resulted in a short payment of goods and services tax for the period between the financial years 2019-20 and 2021-22.
The demand includes Rs 47.5 crore in GST along with an equal amount as penalty, in addition to applicable interest. The order was received by the company on March 13, 2026.
In a regulatory filing to the BSE Limited and the National Stock Exchange of India Limited, the company said it disagrees with the order and believes its arguments were not adequately considered.
The company is preparing to challenge the decision and plans to file an appeal. It added that once the redressal process is complete, the demand is likely to be dropped.
Despite the sizeable figure attached to the notice, the company said it does not expect any material impact on its financials, operations or other activities.
The disclosure was signed by Suman Hegde, EVP and chief financial officer, who confirmed that the company received the order at 19:06 IST on March 13 and has already initiated steps to contest it.
The development places the quick service restaurant major in the middle of a tax debate that could hinge on how certain restaurant-linked services are classified under GST rules. For now, the company appears ready to take the matter from the tax office to the appeals desk.
