PRIVACY POLICY

Effective Date: 01 Jan 2026 


1. Introduction 


Deorhi Sacred Journeys (“Deorhi”) is a curated spiritual travel vertical operated by Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. (“BCCL”, “we”, “us”, “our”). 


This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, store, and protect personal data when you interact with Deorhi, whether you are a participant, a family member booking on behalf of a participant, or otherwise engage with our journeys, communications, or services. 


By using our services, you agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy. 


2. Applicability 


This Policy applies to: 


  • Residents of India and Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) 


  • Individuals whose personal data is shared with us by family members or caregivers for the purpose of planning or participating in a journey 


It covers information collected through: 


  • Our website, digital forms and via email  


  • WhatsApp and other messaging platforms 


  • Telephonic or in-person interactions 


  • Journey documentation and post-journey engagement 


 


3. Information We Collect 



3.1 Personal Identification Information 


We may collect: 


  • Full name 


  • Age and gender 


  • Phone number and email address 


  • Residential address 


  • Government-issued identification (such as Aadhaar or Passport) 


  • Billing information (PAN, GST) 


This information is required for identity verification, travel coordination, safety, and regulatory compliance. 


 


3.2 Health & Wellness Information 


We may collect: 


  • Medical conditions 


  • Mobility limitations 


  • Medication details 


  • Emergency contact information 


Deorhi journeys are designed for all kinds of participants, including senior citizens. Health and wellness information is essential to ensure participant safety, reduce physical strain, enable emergency preparedness, and design journeys that are supportive and dignified. 


This information is stored digitally and may be used to support future journeys, unless deletion is requested. 


 


3.3 Preferences & Journey-Related Information 



We may collect: 


  • Travel and accommodation preferences 


  • Dietary requirements 


  • Communication preferences 


Such information is retained on a consent basis and used solely to enhance comfort, continuity, and experience quality. 



4. Information We Do Not Collect 


We do not intentionally collect or store: 


  • Financial card or banking details 


  • Biometric data 


  • Religious lineage, caste, or sect identifiers 


 


5. Photographs, Videos & Audio Recordings 


During journeys, we may capture photographs, videos, or audio recordings of participants for the purpose of: 


  • Private sharing with participants and their families 


  • Documenting rituals, blessings, reflections, or group experiences 


Such content may be used for Deorhi storytelling, communication, or marketing only with explicit consent. 
Participants may decline consent at the time of capture or withdraw consent at any later stage. Withdrawal of consent will not affect participation in the journey. 


 


6. Use of Information 


We use personal data to: 



  • Plan, organize, and deliver journeys 


  • Ensure safety and medical preparedness 


  • Communicate journey-related information 


  • Provide post-journey follow-ups and invitations to future journeys (with opt-out options) 


  • Meet legal, regulatory, and compliance requirements 


 


7. Sharing of Information 


We share personal data strictly on a need-to-know basis, internally or with trusted third parties, including: 


  • Hotels and accommodation providers 


  • Transport and airport assistance partners 


  • Medical or emergency service providers, where required 


Only the minimum information necessary is shared to enable delivery of services. 


 


8. Payments 


Payments for Deorhi journeys are processed through secure third-party payment gateways. 
We do not store debit card, credit card, or banking details. Only transaction references are retained for accounting and compliance purposes. 


 


9. Website Usage, Cookies & Technical Data 


When you visit our website, we may automatically collect limited technical information such as IP address, browser type, device information, pages visited, and cookies or similar tracking technologies. 


This information is used solely to improve website functionality, understand user interactions, enhance security, and prevent misuse. 
You may control or disable cookies through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may affect certain website features. 


 



10. Data Storage & Security 


We implement reasonable technical and organizational safeguards to protect personal data, including secure cloud storage, restricted internal access, and confidential handling of sensitive and health-related information. 


While no system can guarantee absolute security, we take data protection seriously and regularly review our safeguards. 


 


11. Data Retention 


  • Government-issued identification documents are deleted after completion of each journey 


  • Health and wellness information is retained only as long as necessary or until deletion is requested 


  • Preferences are retained for a fixed period with consent 


  • Media content is retained as per consent terms or until consent is withdrawn 


 


12. Data of Minors 


Deorhi Sacred Journeys is primarily designed for adult and senior participants. 


In limited circumstances, personal data of minors may be incidentally collected, such as where family members or grandchildren appear in photographs or documentation. In such cases, data is collected and used only with the consent of a parent or legal guardian and handled with additional care. 


 


13. Automated Decision-Making 


We do not use automated decision-making or profiling that produces legal or similarly significant effects on individuals. All journey design, health considerations, and participant interactions are guided by human judgment, care, and discretion. 


 


14. Legal Disclosure 


We may disclose personal data where required to do so by applicable law, regulation, court order, or governmental authority, including for legal compliance, fraud prevention, or protection of rights. 


 



15. International Data Transfers 


For NRIs and international participants, personal data may be processed or stored in India or other jurisdictions where Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. or its service providers operate. Appropriate safeguards are applied in accordance with applicable data protection laws. 


 


16. Your Rights 


Subject to applicable laws, you may: 


  • Access your personal data 


  • Request correction or deletion 


  • Withdraw consent 


  • Object to certain processing 


  • Request data portability (where applicable under GDPR) 


Requests may be made using the contact details provided below. 


 


17. Data Breach Notification 


In the unlikely event of a personal data breach, we will take reasonable steps to contain and mitigate the impact and notify affected individuals and relevant authorities as required under applicable law. 


 


18. Legal Compliance 


This Privacy Policy complies with: 


  • Information Technology Act, 2000 (India) 


  • Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 (India) 


  • General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), where applicable 


 


19. Governing Law & Jurisdiction 


This Privacy Policy shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of India. 
Courts in Mumbai shall have exclusive jurisdiction over any disputes arising from or relating to this Policy. 


 


20. Contact & Grievance Redressal 


For questions, concerns, or requests relating to this Privacy Policy or your personal data, please contact: 


Trishla Selarka  
Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. 
Email: deorhi@timesofindia.com 


 


21. Updates to This Policy 


We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The latest version will always be available on our website with the effective date clearly indicated. 


 


Our Privacy Promise 


At Deorhi, privacy is part of dignity. 
Your personal information is handled with the same care, respect, and responsibility with which we design every sacred journey.