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Crowds gather for Cambodia's annual water festival

Crowds gathered along the riverfront in Phnom Penh for the annual dragon boat race, a highlight of Cambodia's three-day annual water festival. Tens of thousands of spectators thronged the riverfront in the Cambodian capital Phnom Penh Sunday for an annual dragon boat race -- the centrepiece of the kingdom's three-day water festival, cancelled during the Covid pandemic. Around 300 boats, their crews dressed in matching bright T-shirts, strained for the win as they dipped their colourful paddles into the Tonle Sap river with the royal palace behind them. Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni, Prime Minister Hun Manet, his father Hun Sen and senior government officials looked on as the yearly extravaganza began, with crowds urging the canoes over the final line. Concerts, parades of lantern floats bedecked with colourful neon lights -- each representing a government ministry -- and fireworks are all part of the three-day festival that will last until Tuesday. "I am happy that we can meet to celebrate the water festival," 38-year-old rower Hom Phos told AFP. “I am so excited because it is our national festival.” The festival was last held in 2019, after which it was halted during the pandemic. "During the Covid pandemic, everyone was worried about it, and we were not happy. But now we are happy again," fellow rower Yorn Vorn, 45, told AFP. The festival marks the end of the rainy season when the Tonle Sap river, which joins the mighty Mekong River in front of the Royal Palace, reverses flow. Health authorities are also expected to distribute 80,000 condoms and 20,000 packages of lubricants for free to oarsmen and visitors during the festival to raise awareness about HIV and AIDS prevention. The celebrations turned deadly on the last day of the festival in 2010, when more than 350 people were killed in a stampede on an overcrowded bridge after panic spread over rumours it was about to collapse. Then Prime Minister Hun Sen described the disaster as Cambodia's worst tragedy since the Khmer Rouge's 1975-1979 reign of terror, which killed up to a quarter of the population.

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Kashmir to likely get first direct train from Jammu soon

The Indian Railways is on the brink of a significant accomplishment as it’s nearing completion of the Udhampur-Baramulla rail link project. Once completed, it will seamlessly connect the Kashmir Valley with the rest of the country. Work on this project is progressing rapidly, with more than 95 percent of the 272 km Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link project (USBRL) has been finished. Once operational, this direct train service will reduce travel time between Srinagar and Jammu from six hours to a mere 3.5 hours, which will provide a substantial relief for commuters.The USBRL project holds economic promise as well, which will facilitate transportation of goods via train. Particularly, the conveyance of horticulture items, such as apples and various agricultural products from Jammu and Kashmir is expected to benefit the local economy significantly. The ambitious USBRL project involves intricate construction across challenging Himalayan terrain, featuring numerous tunnels and bridges. Vinod Kumar, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Northern Railways, expressed confidence that the project would be completed as scheduled, with an inauguration planned for December 2023 or January 2024. Also, there are reports that the government is planning to introduce Vande Bharat Metro train service between Jammu and Srinagar. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw revealed plans for a Vande Bharat Express train maintenance facility in Central Kashmir’s Budgam district. Once the rail network is completed, the Vande Bharat Metro will be launched.The USBRL project stretching over 119 km in length, will feature 38 tunnels, with the longest being T-49 at 12.75 km, marking it as India's lengthiest transportation tunnel. The initiative also encompasses 927 bridges, including the iconic Chenab Bridge, the world’s highest steel arch rail bridge at 359 meters above the Chenab River. In a bid to enhance connectivity, the Indian Railways plans to introduce three additional Vande Bharat Express trains designated for Jammu and Kashmir during the fiscal year 2023-24. The launch date remains unspecified though. Existing stations will be utilized initially, with the possibility of establishing more stations as per demand.Presently, Jammu and Kashmir boasts over 36 railway stations, with notable ones in Baramulla, Sopore, Hamre, and various others, contributing to the region's burgeoning rail infrastructure.

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Winter Wonderland: Hong Kong lights up festive season with array of activities

From November 24 to January 1, Hong Kong WinterFest, organised by the Hong Kong Tourism Board, will take place at Harbourside Lawn West of Art Park at West Kowloon Cultural District. In the lead up to Christmas, the expansive harbourside precinct will also buzzing with after-dark live entertainment and tasty treats. WestK Nightscapes will see t district come to life over three weekends in November, with free live music across various stages and special offers at the precinct’s restaurants, cafes and food trucks to fuel the re under the stars.The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) has announced the launch of ‘WinterFest’, where visitors and tourists will get a chance to experience the festive atmosphere in Hong Kong with spectacular Christmas decorations. These holidays, fans worldwide can join beloved characters including Elsa and Anna from Frozen, BE@RBRICK, and Le Petit Prince in Hong Kong to celebrate the festive season. Beyond these iconic figures, the city offers myriad ways for visitors of all ages to immerse themselves in the festive ambience, promising a season filled with enchantment and joy. Puneet Kumar, Director – South Asia and Middle East, Hong Kong Tourism Board extended a warm invitation to Indian visitors to get ready for the festive atmosphere in Hong Kong with an array of exciting events, spectacular Christmas decorations, and lighting installations at the Hong Kong WinterFest!“Our visitors from India will encounter magical activities at top attractions, enjoy prestigious offers and privileges from top-tier shopping malls, have exclusive dining experiences at classy hotels and restaurants, take themed tours and itineraries, and more! To top it all off, join the Hong Kong New Year Countdown Celebrations to ring in the new year and have an unforgettable holiday with your loved ones,” he said. Hong Kong Disneyland debuts “TheWorld of Frozen”, the first of its kind in the world Hong Kong Disneyland has unveiled “The World of Frozen”, the world’s first and largest Frozen-themed land. In this enchanting realm that brings iconic characters and scenes from the beloved Disney film to life, visitors can discover the magic of Arendelle’s best-known locations, including North Mountain and the Bay of Arendelle, all idyllically backdropped by the rugged terrain of Lantau Island. “The World of Frozen” is home to a range of immersive experiences including multi-sensory boat ride “Frozen Ever After”; “Wandering Oaken's Sliding Sleighs”, a charming carnival coaster that guides guests through the picturesque Arendelle Forest; and “Playhouse In The Woods”, a theatrical experience set deep in Arendelle Forest where the audience can become part of the story. Harbourside Happenings: “Marine Pyrotechnics” decorates Hong Kong’s skyline with Christmas icons From 24 November to 1 January, Hong Kong WinterFest, organized by the Hong Kong Tourism Board, will take place at Harbourside Lawn West of Art Park at West Kowloon Cultural District. A show-stopping marine pyrotechnic display will light up Hong Kong’s skyline with colourful Yuletide motifs for over eight evenings in December (9, 10, 16, 17, 23 –26 December), including Christmas Eve and Christmas night. The not-to-be-missed photo spot of the Christmas Town, the 20-metre, 6- storey giant Christmas tree decorated with glistening lights and a gorgeous star tree topper, will be a striking complement to the dazzling skyline of the Victoria Harbour while exuding peace and hope.In the lead up to Christmas, the expansive harbourside precinct will also be buzzing with after-dark live entertainment and tasty treats. WestK Nightscapes will see the district come to life over three weekends in November, with free live music across various stages and special offers at the precinct’s restaurants, cafes and food trucks to fuel the revelry under the stars.Joyeux Noël! Le Petit Prince celebrates at Ocean Park Hong Kong The beloved French literary icon, who this year celebrates his 80th anniversary, will bring his beloved rose to Hong Kong to share the joy of Christmas. Guests can also follow in Le Petit Prince's footsteps, discover light projections, and stroll down the charming “Le Petit Prince Light Alley” for a heartwarming holiday experience that will enchant the whole family. A very Disney Christmas Harbour City Hong Kong is set to dazzle this Christmas with an unmissable collaboration between MEDICOM TOY and Disney in “Disney100 CHRISTMAS LOVE 2000 per cent BE@RBRICK UP”. As part of Disney's 100th-anniversary celebrations, 100 unique 2000 per cent Disney-themed BE@RBRICK figurines will be on display throughout the lifestyle precinct, including 53 brand-new designs and over 10 Christmas-clad figurines. All figurines will be available for sale, with proceeds benefiting the Hong Kong Blood Cancer Foundation to add a heartwarming touch to this holiday extravaganza. The AIA carnival returns to Central Harbourfront Winter extravaganza at the AIA Carnival in Hong Kong is returning from 21 December, 2023, to 25 February, 2024. A beloved Hong Kong tradition, the carnival promises thrilling rides, exciting games, and interactive installations – including attractions that have never before been seen in the city – as well as over 1 million plush toys. The carnival atmosphere will be further elevated with street performances, delectable food stalls, and awe-inspiring live entertainment on Center Stage.

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Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade: Festive spectacle of balloons, bands and Santa kicks off the holiday season in New York

Snoopy, SpongeBob, and a melody of marching bands painted the skies and streets of New York City during Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade.Beloved characters like Snoopy and SpongeBob SquarePants soared through the skies above New York City on Thursday and bands marched along the streets below as the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade ushered in the holiday season. The parade started on Manhattan's Upper West Side making its way alongside Central Park in front of big crowds and a national television audience before ending in front of Macy's flagship store on 34th Street. Among the big names performing is Cher, who just released her first Christmas album. The Oscar-, Emmy- and Grammy Award-winner has a prime spot — performing just before the arrival of Santa Claus, which marks the end of the parade. Other celebrities and musical groups taking part include Jon Batiste, Bell Biv DeVoe, Brandy, Jessie James Decker, Pentatonix and Miss America 2023 Grace Stanke. The parade also includes performances from the casts of some Broadway shows. The parade was briefly disrupted when about a half-dozen protesters in jumpsuits covered in fake blood glued themselves to the street just in front of a float carrying characters from the fast food giant McDonald's. They carried a banner that said “Free Palestine” and “Genocide then. Genocide now" and were taken into custody. The parade continued as police worked. New balloons debuting this year include Leo the lizard, a character from a Netflix film, who is more than 40 feet (12.5 meters) tall, as well as ones that have been there before — like SpongeBob, coming in at 44 feet (13.4 meters). Some characters, like Snoopy, have been in the parade for many years, but this year's balloon is a new Beagle Scout Snoopy version — celebrating the 50th anniversary of his first appearance in the Peanuts comics. The parade isn't just about what's going on in the skies, though. At street level, the procession includes more than two dozen floats, interspersed with marching bands from around the country and a number of clown crews among the 8,000 people participating, organizers said. Thousands lined the streets in coats on a chilly, sunny morning. Children were on the shoulders of their parents, shouting as characters like Bluey and Big Bird from Sesame Street passed by. Terri Brown, her husband and their children, ages 3, 5 and 8, were groggy after the 30-mile (50-kilometer) drive from Westfield, New Jersey. But their faces lit up as the parade started. “I’ve always wanted to bring them here since I used to come as a kid,” Brown said. “I’m happy it’s good weather.” Ross Greenstein drove 10 hours from Michigan to catch the parade with his daughter, who is studying law in New York, as well as his wife and two other children. Before Thursday, he had only seen the parade on TV. “I grew up every Thanksgiving, waking up and jumping on the couch and watching the parade,” Greenstein said. “We came to see the parade for the first time in my life and it feels very surreal." This is the 97th time the parade has been held since 1924. The broadcast is hosted by Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb and Al Roker from “Today” and airs on NBC.President Joe Biden and his wife Jill called NBC during the parade. The president told Al Roker that people should take a moment to be thankful to live in a country with so much. “We’re the greatest nation in the world. We should focus on that. We should focus on dealing with our problems and stop the rancor,” Biden said.

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Guru Nanak Jayanti long weekend ideas: 6 exciting getaways to explore

From the enchanting Taj Mahal in Agra to the historical forts of Jaipur, celebrate Guru Nanak Jayanti 2023 long weekend by exploring these top six destinations. Guru Nanak Jayanti 2023: The auspicious festival of Guru Nanak Jayanti, also known as Guru Nanak's Prakash Utsav, is just around the corner to celebrate the birth of the first Sikh Guru, Guru Nanak. It is one of the most important days in Sikhism and marks the birth anniversary of the first of the ten Sikh Gurus and founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak Dev Ji. It is observed annually on the full moon day of the month of Kartik or Kartik Purnima. This year it will be celebrated with great pomp and enthusiasm throughout the Sikh community on Monday, November 27. As the festival falls right after the Saturday-Sunday weekend, it transforms into a long weekend, providing a perfect opportunity to plan your much-awaited getaway. If you're not sure where to go, don't worry, we're here to help. Check out six amazing destinations to make the most of your long weekend. Getaways for Guru Nanak Jayanti Long Weekend 1. Amritsar, Punjab Situated in the centre of Punjab, Amritsar is the home of the highly venerated Golden Temple, an architectural and spiritual marvel. Encircled by a holy pool, the shimmering gold building provides a peaceful space for introspection and prayer. A trip to Jallianwala Bagh also serves as a moving reminder of the sacrifices made during a terrible period in Indian history. 2. Rishikesh and Haridwar, Uttarakhand Twin cities Rishikesh and Haridwar, located along the Ganges River and revered for their spiritual significance, are tucked away in the Himalayan foothills. Visit Haridwar for the captivating Ganga Aarti, when the riverbanks come to life with the glow of lamps. The "Yoga Capital of the World," Rishikesh, provides exhilarating experiences like river rafting and trekking in addition to spiritual encounters. 3. Srinagar, Jammu, and Kashmir The summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, Srinagar, is well known for its tranquil lakes and stunning scenery. A trip to the well-known Dal Lake offers the chance to take a shikara ride and spend time on a traditional houseboat. Mughal gardens, such as the lovely Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh, are also scattered across the city, highlighting the rich history of the area. 4. Delhi-Agra-Jaipur (Golden Triangle) Take a cultural tour of Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur, often known as the Golden Triangle. Agra is the location of the renowned Taj Mahal, a representation of unending love. The Amber Fort in Jaipur is a reminder of the magnificence of Rajput building design. A taste of India's rich history and varied cultural legacy can be had with this itinerary. 5. Goa Goa is a great place to unwind and have fun because of its immaculate beaches and exciting nightlife. While the evenings are alive with the intensity of beach parties, the sandy sands beckon travellers to relax and soak up the sun. Try exhilarating water sports like jet skiing, banana boat rides, and parasailing to give your beach getaway a bit of adventure. 6. Kullu-Manali, Himachal Pradesh Himachal Pradesh's Kullu and Manali, set against the spectacular background of the Himalayas, provide a scenic escape. Admire Manali's breathtaking scenery, which includes snow-capped mountains, verdant valleys, and flowing rivers. Offering thrilling experiences like paragliding, river rafting, and trekking, this place appeals to both nature lovers and thrill-seekers.

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Imphal: UFO spotted over the airport; all that we know so far

A few days ago, flight services in Imphal were disrupted due to an untoward situation. As per the news reports, an unidentified flying object (UFO) was sighted in the skies, which caused delays for three flights and the diversion of two planes. This incident was reported to the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) by an official which later prompted the Indian Air Force Eastern Command to spring into action. As per Airport Director Chipemmi Keishing, the UFO sighting occurred within Imphal's controlled airspace, leading to the diversion of two flights and the delay of three departing flights. Normalisation of flight operations took approximately three hours, which was done after receiving clearance from the competent authority.Imphal, situated in Manipur, one of the seven sister states in northeast India, shares domestic borders with Nagaland, Mizoram, and Assam. Additionally, it shares an international border with Myanmar to its east. The UFO, visible with the naked eye and reportedly moving westwards of the airfield, prompted the diversion of the Kolkata to Imphal Indigo Airlines flight, rerouted to Guwahati after a 25-minute holdup. The delayed flights experienced disruptions for at least three hours during the UFO sighting.In response to the incident, the Indian Air Force (IAF) deployed two Rafale fighter jets from a nearby air base to search for the UFO, equipped with advanced sensors for low-level flying over the suspected area. However, the search yielded no findings. The IAF Eastern Command activated its Air Defence response mechanism based on visual inputs from Imphal airport, however, the small object was not seen after the initial sighting.Reports further add that the concerned agencies are currently analysing videos captured by the witnesses to gather more details about the UFO incident. As investigations start to unfold, the authorities will shed light on this mysterious event that briefly disrupted the skies over Imphal.

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