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
Hyundai Venue crosses 1 lakh bookings, adds HX8 Diesel AT variant
New top-spec automatic diesel trim brings ventilated seats, OTA updates and paddle shifters.
MUMBAI: Hyundai Venue just hit the jackpot and upgraded the prize because when you cross 1 lakh bookings, you don’t just celebrate, you throw in paddle shifters and ventilated seats for the ride. Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) announced that the all-new Hyundai Venue has achieved 1 lakh bookings, cementing its strong position in the compact SUV segment. To mark the milestone and further enhance customer choice, the company introduced the new HX8 Diesel Automatic (AT) variant.
The HX8 Diesel AT is powered by the proven U2 1.5L CRDi diesel engine paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. It adds a host of premium comfort, safety and convenience features, including:
- Ventilated front seats
- Dual-tone leatherette seats with VENUE branding
- Electric 4-way driver seat adjust
- Controller Over-the-Air (OTA) updates
- Hyundai Bluelink connected car technology
- Electric parking brake with auto hold
- Rear disc brakes
- Ambient lighting on crash pad and central console
- Drive mode select (Eco, Normal, Sport)
- Traction control modes (Sand, Mud, Snow)
- Paddle shifters
HMIL, managing director & CEO Tarun Garg said, “We are delighted that the new Hyundai Venue has crossed 1 lakh bookings, reaffirming the strong trust Indian customers place in our brand. The introduction of the new HX8 Diesel Automatic variant further strengthens the Venue lineup, offering customers the perfect blend of diesel efficiency, torque-rich performance and effortless convenience.”
Backed by Hyundai’s extensive sales and service network, the Venue continues to appeal to buyers seeking a feature-rich, comfortable and future-ready compact SUV. The new variant reinforces HMIL’s focus on delivering advanced technology, safety, comfort and value while adapting to evolving customer preferences.
In a segment where bookings are the real horsepower, Hyundai isn’t just counting milestones, it’s handing drivers an automatic upgrade that makes every journey feel like the victory lap.
