The 25th edition of Nagaland’s 10-day long Hornbill Festival culminated on Tuesday with a grand closing ceremony at Naga heritage village, Kisama, which featured a colourful fusion of the state’s folk songs and dances. Cultural presentations and performances by several groups showcased a mesmerising blend of traditions, music and dance. The silver jubilee edition of the famous tourism festival drew visitors from across the world. Addressing the closing ceremony, the state's Tourism Minister Temjen Imna Along highlighted the spirit of unity and prosperity that the event represented for the people of Nagaland. “Under the dynamic leadership of our Honorable Chief Minister, we have seen the Hornbill Festival grow from a tribal celebration to an event that resonates with unity, spirituality and collective prosperity,” he said.He also stressed the importance of the international participation with the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan and Peru as country partners and Sikkim and Telangana as state partners of the festival. “These collaborations were celebrated for fostering stronger international ties and cultural exchange,” the minister said. Cultural performances at Hornbill Festival Throughout the 10 days of the festival, several cultural performances narrating stories and showcasing heritage, captivated audiences. The closing programme was no different. The cultural extravaganza included Thele Lu (folk song) by Chakhesang Cultural Troupe, which is traditionally sung by the men of the village while moving from place to place. Titse Nyeh Khidong, a millet harvesting song performed by Sangtam Cultural Troupe, is unique and quite popular with a distinct melody. Zakhama Kehou folk song showcased by Angami Cultural Troupe, is usually sung by the youth when they come together in a group. AphiloKuwo, a warrior dance by the Sumi Cultural Troupe, is a traditional dance of the Sumi Tribe performed during important occasions and festivals like Tuluni and Ahuna. The commemorative performance by Phom Cultural troupe (Pangital) presented the story of a woman who single-handedly killed her enemies through her wit, courage and poise. Dim Dim Chong by Garo Cultural Troupe is a folk song of the Garos which is sung and performed as a theme during the Wangala festival. Other highlights of Hornbill Festival Besides daily performances of cultural troupes from the northeastern states, other highlights of the Hornbill Festival included sale of local products, handloom and handicrafts, artworks, horticulture, traditional stone pulling ceremony, film festival, photo fest, heritage walk, kids’ carnival, indigenous games and sports festival, etc. Local cuisine, food festival, adventure outdoor activities, mountain biking and Bamboo Carnival were the other important attractions of the annual gala celebration, which began on December 1. (With Agency inputs)
11 December,2024 10:48 AM IST | Nagaland | mid-day online correspondentAir passenger numbers are forecast to top five billion for the first time next year and the sector's revenues will break the trillion-dollar barrier, the global aviation body IATA said Tuesday. "Passenger numbers are expected to reach 5.2 billion in 2025, a 6.7 percent rise compared to 2024 and the first time that the number of passengers has exceeded the five billion mark," the International Air Transport Association said in a statement. Total industry revenues are meanwhile forecast at $1.007 trillion, helped by falling oil and fuel prices, "the first time that industry revenues top the $1 trillion mark," it added. Revenues will be up 4.4 percent from 2024, it said. "All of this gives us a financial performance which I think is absolutely worth popping the champagne" after a post-pandemic bounce-back, IATA chief economist Marie Owens Thomsen told a news conference in Geneva. IATA's Director General Willie Walsh said in the statement that IATA expected profits of $36.6 billion despite "persistent supply chain challenges, infrastructure deficiencies, onerous regulation and a rising tax burden". IATA represents around 340 companies that account for 80 percent of world air traffic. Airlines have been hit by rising fuel costs since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022 but IATA said it expected this factor to ease next year, with the cost of jet fuel averaging $87 a barrel, down from $99 in 2024. "Lower oil prices and resulting fuel costs are a major driver of improved prospects for airlines in 2025," it said. "Should these not materialise for any reason and considering the industry's thin margins, the outlook could change significantly." Also Read: Air India at 61, IndiGo at 103 in global AirHelp survey of best airlines in the world This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
11 December,2024 09:41 AM IST | Mumbai | AFPUnion Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Monday highlighted the immense potential of India's tourism sector, claiming it surpasses that of any other country in the world. “With over 5,000 years of civilisational history, 43 World Heritage Sites, 56 potential World Heritage Sites, and around 3,500 monuments of national importance, India’s cultural heritage stands as a testament to its global strength,” the minister said while speaking at the ‘Embracing Diversity: Promoting Inclusive Tourism’ session at Rising Rajasthan. He also emphasised that the significance of tourism lies more in its cultural value than in its economic or business aspects. He pointed out the importance of understanding the cultural elements that have shaped India’s identity. He also noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Virasat Bhi Vikas Bhi’ (heritage and development) has propelled the country’s progress, connecting India's historical uniqueness with its modern achievements. The minister attributed India's position as the world's fastest-growing economy to its deep-rooted cultural pride. He also discussed India’s remarkable progress in the tourism sector, citing improvements such as a 1,50,000 km road network, the development of 500 new air routes, the construction of 150 new airports, and the introduction of high-speed trains like Vande Bharat. He said that the completion of 100 tourism infrastructure projects has ushered in a new era of connectivity and ease of travel. The success of the G-20 presidency, which spotlighted over 60 Indian destinations, has also piqued global interest in the country. “As a result, India's tourism sector generated 76.17 million jobs, up from 69.56 million in 2013-2014, and foreign exchange earnings rose from $19.69 billion in 2014 to $28.07 billion in 2023, marking a 42.53 per cent increase,” he said. He also emphasised that the Ministry of Tourism is focused on developing tourism as a driver of sustainable, inclusive economic growth. Key initiatives include enhancing the overall tourist experience, developing new destinations, empowering individuals with tourism skills, fostering private sector participation, and creating favourable conditions in partnership with states and union territories. Shekhawat also highlighted Rajasthan’s exemplary role in the tourism sector, noting that it contributes about 12 per cent to the state’s GDP, the highest in India. Tourist arrivals in Rajasthan are expected to rise from 5.38 crore in 2019 to 18.07 crore in 2023. As part of the Golden Triangle Circuit, Rajasthan attracts 35 per cent of India’s foreign tourists. The state is home to nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites and is a top choice for ‘destination weddings’ and ‘heritage and leisure tourism’. Additionally, Rajasthan boasts 68 per cent of India’s heritage hotels. The state’s tourism potential is further bolstered by the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor and the Dedicated Freight Corridor, with significant portions in Rajasthan. Shekhawat noted the growth in investment in the tourism and hospitality sectors in Rajasthan, from ₹1,689 crore in 2015-16 to ₹4,847 crore in 2023-24. Rajasthan was the first state to grant industrial status to the tourism and hospitality sector, a model now being adopted by other states and union territories. The Ministry of Tourism has also created a handbook for other states to replicate Rajasthan's success. Both the central and state governments are working collaboratively to make Rajasthan a major global destination as part of the state’s Vision 2047. The Union Minister affirmed that the Ministry of Tourism is committed to supporting Rajasthan’s tourism development and will continue to offer all necessary cooperation to ensure its growth. Also Read: Religious tourism driving residential demand in Tier 2 cities like Prayagraj, Puri: Report This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
10 December,2024 10:01 AM IST | Rajasthan | IANSIn a first in many decades, the Himachal Pradesh capital and its nearby tourist resorts on Sunday evening experienced the season’s first snowfall in early December, with the hospitality industry eyeing a surge of tourists. "Shimla and its nearby areas have experienced light snowfall and this was the season's first snowfall in Shimla town,” an official of the Meteorological Department here told IANS. Places near Shimla like Kufri and Narkanda have also been experiencing snowfall, turning the tourist destinations more picturesque. As news of the snowfall spreads, tourists may flock to Shimla, known for the imperial grandeur of its buildings that were once institutions of power when the town served as the summer capital of British India. "It’s for the first time that we witnessed the snowfall in early December. As far as my memory goes, this is the season’s first snowfall in over two decades,” said Ganesh Sud, a local resident who has been settled in Shimla since the early 1990s. "For the first time I am witnessing snowfall in early December," his college-going daughter Radhika added. The snowy landscape in Shimla would stay for a few hours only as the minimum temperature was high, an official of the Met Office said. Reports said some of the areas in the apple belt Jubbal and Kharapathar also experienced snow. "High-altitude areas of Lahaul-Spiti, Chamba, Kullu, Kinnaur and Shimla districts have been experiencing snow," the official said. The majestic Dhauladhar ranges in the Kangra valley got snow cover. Keylong in Lahaul and Spiti district also experienced snow. Lower areas of the state like Dharamsala, Palampur, Solan, Nahan, Bilaspur, Una, Hamirpur and Mandi towns received rain, bringing down the temperature considerably. The Met Office has forecast that scattered rain or snow is likely in the state till Monday. After the opening of the skies, the minimum temperature across the state could plummet by three to four notches, a weatherman said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
09 December,2024 09:10 PM IST | Shimla | IANSAmong 109 airlines, Air India has been ranked 63rd and IndiGo at 103rd position, with a total score of 6.15 and 4.80 respectively, as per AirHelp survey findings published on its website. The survey has ranked Brussels Airlines as the best airline in the world with 8.12, followed by Qatar Airways at 8.11, United Airlines at 8.04, American Airlines at 8.04, and Play at 7.89. On the other hand, the bottom five include El Al Israel Airlines, Bulgaria Air, Nouvelair, Buzz, and Tunisair which has got 3.63. After the rankings went viral, IndiGo on Wednesday refuted the survey findings saying that it has consistently scored high on punctuality, and refuted a survey that claimed the airline is among the worst on the basis of certain parameters, including punctuality. The survey was done by by AirHelp, an EU claim processing agency. It compared the world's biggest and most popular airlines and rated them according to their punctuality, quality of service, and how well they handle claims for compensation. In a statement, IndiGo said the data published in the survey does not report the sample size from India, and neither takes into account the methodology or compensation guidelines used by the global aviation industry "casting a doubt on its credibility". According to the statement, the airline has consistently scored high on punctuality and has the lowest customer complaint ratio for an airline of its size and scale of operations. In a statement to the press, IndiGo said, "India’s aviation regulator DGCA, publishes data on airline punctuality and customer complaints monthly. IndiGo has consistently scored high on punctuality and has the lowest customer complaint ratio for an airline of its size and scale of operations. The data published in the survey by AirHelp, an EU claim processing agency, does not report the sample size from India, and neither takes into account the methodology or compensation guidelines used by the global aviation industry – casting a doubt on its credibility. As India’s most preferred airline, IndiGo refutes the findings of this survey and reiterates its promise of on-time, affordable, courteous and hassle-free travel experience for its customers."(With inputs from PTI)
05 December,2024 03:12 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentTier-2 cities with strong religious tourism appeal, such as Prayagraj, Varanasi, Puri, and Shirdi, are witnessing a sharp rise in residential demand, according to a report by Magicbricks.Driven by a combination of self-use and investment motivations, these cities are emerging as residential hotspots, leveraging their cultural and spiritual significance.Prayagraj has seen a remarkable 28 per cent year-on-year (YoY) increase in demand, while Varanasi recorded an 18 per cent surge.Puri, a popular destination for devotees of Lord Jagannath, posted a 52 per cent growth, and Shirdi, home to the revered Sai Baba shrine, topped the list with a 67 per cent rise in buyer interest.The demand extends beyond permanent residence, with buyers eyeing opportunities for long-term gains, holiday homes, and short-term accommodations such as bed-and-breakfasts (BnBs) to cater to the influx of tourists.While residential prices in Varanasi have reduced by 5.15 per cent in the past year due to increasing supply, the market remains attractive with an average rate of Rs 6,128 per square foot (psf).Similarly, Prayagraj saw a dramatic price escalation of 122 per cent between January and March 2024 due to high demand, but rates have since stabilized at Rs 6,645 psf.In contrast, Puri has experienced a 30 per cent price appreciation over the last year, with rates reaching Rs 6,114 psf. Shirdi offers one of the most compelling value propositions, with an average price of Rs 4,028 psf, making it a lucrative option for buyers.The surge in residential demand in these cities can be attributed to several factors, including the growing popularity of religious tourism, improved infrastructure, and the potential for rental income from holiday homes Also Read: Ayodhya, Varanasi, Amarnath Yatra: What’s fuelling the rise of spiritual tourism in India? This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
04 December,2024 04:07 PM IST | Mumbai | ANICold wave tightened its grip on Kashmir Valley as the minimum temperature dropped to minus 2 degrees Celsius in Jammu and Kashmir’s Srinagar city on Wednesday. Director of the local Meteorological (MeT) Department, Mukhtar Ahmad told IANS, “Minimum temperature dropped to minus 2 degrees Celsius in Srinagar city today increasing the cold wave. Dry weather is expected in J&K till the evening of December 8.” Gulmarg recorded minus 3.5 while Pahalgam recorded minus 4.8 as the minimum temperature. Jammu city had 8.4, Katra 10, Batote 6.5, Banihal 3.2 and Bhaderwah 1.4 as the minimum temperature. The 40-day-long period of harsh winter cold known locally as the ‘Chillai Kalan’ starts each year on December 21 and ends on January 30. During this period, the minimum temperature falls several notches below the freezing point while the day temperature also hovers around 6 to 8 degrees Celsius. As the sun mostly remains hidden under the clouds, even days are very cold in the mornings and evenings. Most water bodies, including rivers, streams, lakes, wells and ponds freeze at the surface making boating/rowing extremely difficult in lakes and rivers. People have already started covering themselves with layers of warm clothes, the most popular being the garment called the ‘Pheran’. It is customary for Kashmiris to keep an earthen firepot woven in willow wicker filled with embers under the Pheran to keep the body warm. Locals also depend heavily on dried vegetables, including brinjals, pumpkins and tomatoes, as fresh vegetables are hard to come by during the Chillai Kalan. Even dried and smoked fish is used by Kashmiris to provide much-needed calories during the winter months. Also Read: Srinagar: You can now book shikara rides on Dal Lake through Uber This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
04 December,2024 12:00 PM IST | Srinagar | IANSItalian Navy's training ship Amerigo Vespucci has left for Doha after a six-day stopover in the financial capital, her first call on any port in India. A slew of events, including film screenings, band performances and also an exposition showcasing the best that Italy has to offer, were held to coincide with the 93-year-old ship vessel's call on Mumbai which was aimed at further strengthening India-Italy ties. The ship, which has also being termed a 'floating embassy' by some officials for its strengths in carrying forward Italy's diplomacy efforts, was also visited by common citizens during her stopover. The next appointment for the vessel and also the 'Villaggio Italia' exposition is scheduled on December 16 when it will reach Doha in Qatar. A farewell ceremony was held on Monday at the Indira Dock in Mumbai, in which the Italian Navy band played the European country's national anthem and the Indian band the anthem of the host country. Those present included Admiral Antonio Natale, commander of the Italian Navy's schools, and Italy's Consul General in Mumbai Walter Ferrara. "The 'naval diplomacy' mission of our Navy's icon continues", said Natale during the ceremony.The Amerigo Vespucci, before returning to Genoa in 2025, will touch a total of 30 ports in 20 countries across five continents, as an itinerant ambassador of Made in Italy in the world. Ferrara recalled that the ship, for the first time in its history, docked in India and expressed the hope that this event will mark the beginning of a "new season" in relations between Italy and India. During the stopover in Mumbai, where the Vespucci had never been before, the "great success of visits on board the ship" was confirmed with a very high number of people visiting the vessel, said the commander of the Vespucci, Captain Giuseppe Lai, before setting sail. The success in the number of visitors was also registered at the nearby Villaggio Italia to confirm what a beautiful initiative it is to involve all sides of Italy in the Vespucci's stopovers, Lai said. "We did not expect so many people and once again we have been pleasantly surprised and struck by the affection and in particular by the interest shown by those who visited the ship", added the captain. "Now a new chapter begins, we are going to Persian Gulf countries with very important stopovers in Doha and Abu Dhabi. "Then Muscat, Jeddah, Aqaba, Alexandria of Egypt to finally return to savour the air of the Mediterranean", he noted. After the stopovers in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates at the end of December, the Vespucci is then planning to sail to the Gulf of Aden and across the strait of Bab el-Mandeb to reach the Red Sea. "We are a Navy vessel and we are preparing to cross that part of the sea with professionalism and training, which are always on our side", stressed Captain Lai. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
03 December,2024 04:59 PM IST | MumbaiSnow-clad mountains, picturesque valleys, pleasant winter sun and a cup of kahwa – seems like your dream vacation? ‘Paradise on Earth’ is the place to be then. Jammu and Kashmir is one of the most frequented tourist destinations in India during autumn and winter months. One of the main highlights for travellers is the shikara ride on the famous Dal Lake in Srinagar. To make this experience more convenient, Uber has launched Uber Shikara through which tourists can pre-book boat rides through the app. As part of this initiative to promote tourism in the picturesque region, Uber will not charge any fee on shikara rides booked through the app. The entire amount will go to the shikara drivers. Commenting on the launch, Prabhjeet Singh, President, Uber India & South Asia said, "At Uber, we are always looking to make mobility magical and effortless. Uber Shikara is our humble attempt to blend technology and tradition to give a seamless experience to travellers for their shikara ride. We are proud to create this iconic experience enhancing accessibility and uplifting tourism in the breathtaking landscape of Kashmir.” How to book an Uber Shikara ride Open the latest version of the Uber app Select start and end points as ‘Shikara Ghat No 16’ from the ‘Where to’ bar Select Uber Shikara Select date and time (available only during 10 am to 5 pm) Confirm pick up location (Ghat 16) Click ‘Book’ Each Uber Shikara ride can be booked for a period of 1 hour, designed for up to 4 passengers. The rides can be booked 12 hours prior and up to 15 days in advance. Kashmir in winters The winter season has arrived in Jammu and Kashmir, bringing stillness and creating a dreamlike atmosphere. Fog and mist gripped the famous Dal Lake in Srinagar on December 2, as houseboats and shikaras sailed silently. If you want to experience snowfall and are not averse to extremely cold temperatures, Kashmir is one of the most beautiful places to visit during this time.
03 December,2024 01:32 PM IST | Srinagar | mid-day online correspondentAfter declaring the Maha Kumbh area in Prayagraj as a new district, the Uttar Pradesh government is setting up a luxury tent city with more than 2,000 swiss cottage-style tents in Sector 20 (Arail) of the Mahakumbh Mela area to accommodate crores of devotees expected for the Mahakumbh 2025. As per an official statement, the project is being carried out by the Uttar Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation Limited (UPSTDC), in collaboration with six key partners: Aagaman, Kumbh Camp India, Rishikul Kumbh Cottage, Kumbh Village, Kumbh Canvas, and Era. This ambitious project aims to cater to the expected 45 crore visitors from 75 countries. These tents will be constructed to world-class standards, offering five-star hotel-like facilities. The tent city will offer accommodations in four categories: Villa, Maharaja, Swiss Cottage, and Dormitory, with prices ranging from Rs 1,500 to Rs 35,000 per day. Additional charges of Rs 4,000 to Rs 8,000 will apply for extra guests (excluding dormitories). The tent city is being developed in line with the vision of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. With an estimated 45 crore pilgrims expected to visit, these tents will be operational from January 1 to March 5, offering world-class accommodation facilities. Visitors can book accommodation via the UPSTDC website or the Mahakumbh app, the statement said. To ensure the comfort of guests, the tent city will feature Villa Tents spanning 900 square feet, Super Deluxe Tents ranging from 480 to 580 square feet, and Deluxe Blocks covering 250 to 400 square feet. These tents will be equipped with modern amenities such as air conditioning, double beds, mattresses, sofa sets, customised interiors, writing desks, electric geysers, fire extinguishers, quilts, blankets, mosquito nets, WiFi, dining areas, common sitting spaces, all with scenic views of the riverbank, it added. Additionally, the tent package will include information on yoga, cultural events, and significant religious and historical sites in Prayagraj and surrounding areas, it said. The Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government in a landmark decision on Sunday declared the Maha Kumbh area in Prayagraj as a new district. Also Read: Uttar Pradesh government declares Maha Kumbh area in Prayagraj as new district The upcoming Maha Kumbh held once every 12 years, is scheduled to begin on January 13 and conclude on February 26, 2025, in Prayagraj. The Maha Kumbh is expected to be a milestone in the promotion of Indian culture. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
03 December,2024 09:56 AM IST | Prayagraj | IANSThe 2024 Formula 1 season is nearing its end with the finale in Abu Dhabi from December 6 to 8. The penultimate race of this season – the Qatar Grand Prix – took place from November 29 to December 1, and saw Max Verstappen clinch the title. The sport has developed a strong fanbase in India, and fans from the country are eager to catch the action live as they prepare to travel for the final showdown. While some people enjoy the thrill of these races, others are just eager to witness their favourite sports stars live. Indian fans travelling to catch F1 races live Search data from Skyscanner revealed a growing anticipation and interest in travelling to F1 destinations among Indian fans. The search volume was found to be the highest from New Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore in India for trips to Doha, Qatar (for Qatar Grand Prix) in November compared to October and December – with it being twice as high compared to November 2023. This reflects the growing enthusiasm among Indian fans to experience the race. According to the Skyscanner Travel Trends 2025 report, airfares to Doha have dropped by 15 per cent in 2024 compared to last year, making it a steal for value-seeking Indians. For Abu Dhabi, where F1 enthusiasts can experience the concluding race this year, the search data shows a 57 per cent jump in volume in the first week of December compared to the following week, suggesting Indians’ eagerness to witness the iconic Yas Marina showdown. Sports tourism – A growing trend Beyond F1 too, travelling for sports events is gaining momentum and is expected to be a prominent travel trend in 2025. The above-mentioned report reveals that over half (53 per cent) of Indian travellers are eager to attend a live sporting event in 2025, either domestically or internationally. Also Read: From cricket to F1: Why Indians are packing bags for sports in 2025 About 2024 Formula 1 season Being called one of the most competitive F1 seasons, the 2024 championship has witnessed several thrilling races so far. Max Verstappen stands at the top of the rankings, followed by Lando Norris and Charles Lecrerc. The concluding race is set to take place this week in Abu Dhabi.
02 December,2024 03:01 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
