Earlier this week, I received a message from the official India Local Guides WhatsApp handle about the Holi celebration and a hint to support local shops.
Although the suggestion was about a sweet shop, I got the drift.
We do not buy sweets from the market, and instead prepare them at home, especially for festivals.
So I decided to share my experience about two local businesses that I supported during Holi 2026.
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Priyam Novelties for colors and pichkari.
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Hotel Shivanjalli for community Holi celebrations.
Priyam Novelties
I have been shopping here for more than 15 years.
The service is super excellent.
They have a great selection of gifts, toys, games, stationery, and seasonal items.
The owners are very kind, gentle, and helpful.
Prices are a bit high, but the quality of goods is very good.
Good parking is available in front of the shop.
This year, their storefront was studded with a wide range of Pichkaris and colors.
Hotel Shivanjali
Shivanjali Hotel has been our GoTo place for post-Holi celebrations every year 
I have been visiting here for more than 20 years, living on the Pashan-Baner Link road.
The entrance is attractive, and the interiors are ultra luxurious.
The food is the best quality in Pashan Baner areas
the seating is comfortable.
The service is excellent.
They have reserved parking. Aample streetside parking is also available.
We had papad, pakoda bhajji, and snacks. All food items were tasty.
They have a great seating arrangement both indoors and on the terrace.
The service was top-notch, and their snacks were high-quality too
They had accessible washrooms, accessible staircases, and accessible parking as well.
They used glass and metal cutlery, avoiding one-use plastic, thereby showing their commitment to sustainability.
I hope this helps their business grow with these gestures of support, receommendations and reviews… 
