GECs
Zee Media Diwali Festival further strengthens ties between India and Mauritius
MUMBAI: Festival of Diwali holds a special significance for people not only in India but also in Mauritius, where Zee Media celebrated the festival of light with great fervour on October 19. The event, Zee Media Diwali Festival Season 2, was attended by thousands at the Bus Terminus, Quatre Bornes showcasing cultural integration of both the nations at its apex. The celebrations were also broadcast on Zee Media's TV & Digital platforms – Zee News and Zee Business channels.
Mauritius has a majority of Indian origin people, of which 80 per cent follow Hinduism. Almost all Hindu festivals are celebrated with great fanfare on the island nation, but Diwali celebration is very special, as residents here mark the occasion remembering Lord Ram’s victorious return. On the day of Diwali, which is pronounced as ‘Divali’ in Mauritian creole, people place clay oil lamps in front of their homes, turning the island into a fairyland of flickering lights.
After morning prayers, Mauritian Hindus share sweets with one and all. The preparations of the festival start well in advance. Like Indian traders, business community in Mauritius also consider this day very auspicious to tally their accounts for the previous year, to step into the new year without any financial burden. Notably, Ministry of Arts and Culture of Mauritius organised several concerts during Diwali for which they invited famous Bollywood singers to perform.
On this day, tourists flock the most popular village Triolet, in North Mauritius to see the celebration, as the place is well known for its elaborate decorations and fireworks.
This year in Mauritius, Zee Media took unique initiative to celebrate "Zee Media Diwali Festival Season 2" and the event was made special by singer Abhijeet Bhattacharya who enthralled the audiences with some of his iconic songs "Chaand Taare" from Yes Boss and the title song from Main Hoon Na. Punjabi sensation Guru Randhawa set the stage on fire with 'High Rated Gabru'. The song has also been part of a recent Bollywood film. Guru Randhawa quoted, “That’s the biggest show in Mauritius last night. Thanks everyone for coming and singing loud with me. Can’t wait to be back.”
Performances from Sanket and Nainika of 'Dance India Dance' stars, and Sugandha Date, winner of 'Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Little Champ' added further to musical environment of the show. Zee Media Diwali Festival was hosted by Zain Imam, who said, “Happy to be part of ZEE Media Diwali in Mauritius Season 2. 19th of October at Quatre Bornes in the paradise island Mauritius.”
Here are some highlights of Zee Media Diwali in Mauritius – https://www.zeebiz.com/india/news-zee-media-diwali-festival-lights-up-mauritus-guru-randhawa-sets-stage-on-fire-112863
GECs
Asianet Television Awards 2026 celebrates women power in Malayalam TV
“She is the Colour” theme honours icons as ceremony airs on March 14 and 15 at 7 PM.
MUMBAI: If television lights up living rooms, this year Asianet decided to let women provide the colour. The Asianet Television Awards 2026 turned the spotlight firmly on women empowerment with the theme “She is the Colour”, celebrating the strength, resilience and achievements of women who continue to shape society and the Malayalam entertainment industry.
The ceremony honoured several distinguished personalities whose journeys have left a lasting cultural imprint. Among them was legendary playback singer Vimala Varma, widely recognised as the first Malayalam playback singer. The evening also paid tribute to Padma Shri awardees Devaki Amma and Vimala Menon for their exceptional contributions in their respective fields.
Leading women from the Malayalam film industry were also recognised during the event, including actor Shweta Menon, who currently serves as president of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists, and National Award winning actor Surabhi Lakshmi.
The awards ceremony brought together a glittering lineup of actors and industry figures, including Jayasurya, Vijay Babu, Asha Sarath, Lena, Esther Anil, Anumol, Akhila Bhargavan, Sarayu Mohan, Prajod Kalabhavan, Gayathri Suresh, Sabumon Abdusamad, Swasika, Tini Tom, Sijoy Varghese, Kailash, Veena Nandakumar, Sabareesh Varma, Ansiba Hassan and Dinesh Prabhakar. Kishan Kumar, executive vice president Malayalam at JioStar, was also present at the event.
Beyond individual recognitions, the awards celebrated excellence across Malayalam television, acknowledging artists and technicians whose work continues to drive the industry forward.
The evening also offered plenty of spectacle, with elaborate dance performances, stunt acts and comedy skits performed by popular television and film personalities, turning the ceremony into a full fledged entertainment showcase.
Viewers will get to watch the celebrations when the Asianet Television Awards 2026 air on Asianet on March 14 and 15, Saturday and Sunday, from 7 pm onwards, bringing the star studded tribute to homes across Kerala and beyond.
