LETTER FROM THE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

THERE’S A PERCEPTIBLE MOOD SHIFT HELMED by the weather as the once merciless sun mellows to a lemony twang as October gets ready to rock and roll. There’s something sweet about this time of the year as you know that celebratory rush, the smell of winter, is in the air.

In this issue Spice celebrates all things pleasant; the thrum of music, the clink of crystal, the joy of new, often expensive buys, and of course the anticipation of delicious food and fine spirits. Our cover story attempts to capture the nostalgia associated with festivals; from Diwali all the way to Holi. Chef Vineet Bhatia tells us why food has always evoked festival nostalgia and now, living far from home meant he went that extra mile to make festival time special. Similarly, designer Raghavendra Rathore, who is all about tradition shares his idea of a perfect Holi celebration, while Sotheby’s MD Gaurav Bhatia recounts why Durga puja holds special meaning in his life. Artist Sudarshan Shetty remembers the celebrations that defined his childhood and how they have evolved.

This is also the season of excess; for more reasons than one. The desire to splurge, be generous as you gift is also strong. Our experts tell you how to celebrate the season right and what to buy if you are looking to acquire a new set of wheels or that expensive single malt. What’s trending in the gift circuit? We all know Indian sweets have been trumped by chocolates and the like but this season seems to be all about healthy options as our columnist tells us. From jewellery pieces that are waiting to be picked up to the right wheels, we bring you a roundup of all that’s available this season and the ideal gift hamper recommendations as well.

Big launches, fancy eats, the best of gifting, you’ll find it all in Spice this season. Loosen those purse strings as you flip the pages.