The traditionally low occupancy Diwali time has become a mega money-spinner for hotels in Noida and Delhi this year. Since the first ever Formula 1 Airtel Indian Grand Prix at Greater Noida is slated to take place on the festive weekend, has resulted in all nearby five-star hotels getting sold out. The three-day event, which takes off on October 28, has sent tariffs shooting up to Rs 40,000 a night in five-star properties in Mayur Vihar, Noida and Greater Noida. Hotel staff say teams and organizers have booked rooms for as long as a fortnight for the event, which is making its India debut.

As Noida gears up for the Indian Grand Prix, there are other reasons for celebrations. IT is said that international singer Lady Gaga will be performing live in Noida at closing ceremony of  Formula One Race on October 30. The news is confirmed by Arjun Rampal himself who is the co-owner of the LAP restrobar where the sensational Lady Gaga will be performing.

However with the good news comes some really disturbing news of Noida farmers who are involved in an ongoing tussle with the government bodies regarding land issues have decided to protest. It is said that the Yamuna Expressway farmers dealt a blow to the administration by holding a panchayat at Atta Gujran village and deciding to hold a dharna near the site where the Formula One Airtel Indian Grand Prix will be held. They plan to hold a protest at the site from October 22 - six days before the event - if their demands are not met by the Authority. This sure is a major dampener to the international event that is set to grab eyeballs all over.

As the days are going by, more and more hotels in Noida and East Delhi are fast filling up. It seems that the attention that Noida is getting is pushing the guests to book their stay with the hotels in Noida. Since F1 event is a prestigious one, there is a mad scramble for accommodations and some are even shelling out twice the normal rate just to book their stay so as not to miss out on this once in a life time opportunity.