Sri Lankan Cultural Day organized by the Sri Lankan students community in Russia was held on the 15th of February 2019 at People’s Friendship University (RUDN), Moscow.
Dubai Global Village
Me and my family finally decided to visit Dubai Global Village after constant suggestions to come here from family and friends. We are satisfied by this trip; we got to see what many cultures around the world are famous for such as their foods and music along with their dances which was very eye-opening. The structures built to divide the countries were interesting to look at as well.
In the past year some 5 million people visited Dubai’s Global Village—a bright lights entertainment hub with games, rides, food and fun. Travelers can find world-class shopping, a wide array of restaurants and live shows that range from cultural dance to daredevil stuntmen at this amusement park place in the heart of UAE.
Global Village highlights not only what makes Dubai’s culture and traditions so unique, but the UAE’s love of glitter and glam, too. Still, visitors agree that entertainment options here stretch far beyond the local flavor. Kid-friendly shows cater to a younger set, while international concerts and street performers offer something for the adults in the crowd, too. And for those who want to ride the rides, dozens of amusement park-style options are available for children, families and thrill-seekers.
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Discover the Dubai Frame
In my opinion, this structure is certainly a unique idea, building a frame to capture the difference between “old” and “new” Dubai by looking through windows on either side. At the top, the floor seems to be sensitive which is opaque when undisturbed and then it becomes transparent, allowing us to see directly below, giving the spotlight to the beautiful golden pattern of the frame, this was the feature that captured my son’s and daughter’s attention. At the end of the journey we were shown the city’s future plans regarding development as well which definitely causes excitement for me.
The UAE’s latest cultural landmark, Dubai Frame is an iconic structure that ‘frames’ impressive views of Old and New Dubai, while serving as a metaphorical bridge connecting the emirate’s rich past with its magnificent present. Offering spectacular panoramic views across the city, Dubai Frame celebrates the story of Dubai from its early establishment to its ambitious plans for future development.
Starting from the mezzanine, the visitors enter to a multimedia exhibition charting the city’s rapid transformation from a fishing village to a thriving modern metropolis, with fascinating insights on Emirati heritage. 3D projections and special effects all contribute to the multi-sensory experience, which brings the sights, sounds and smells of ‘Old Dubai’ to life.
Visitors are directed to the second experience on the Sky deck level representing the Present Dubai. They experience uninterrupted views of Dubai from all sides, “Old Dubai” to the north, and “New Dubai” to the south. This is supported by interactive applications such as augmented reality activated screens, whereby the visitors can identify different buildings and landmarks, by exploring interesting facts or observing buildings and landmarks in third dimensions.
Other technologies are used to represent different aspects of present Dubai, such as architecture, economy and infrastructure. the elevator onto the mezzanine floor and pass through a swirl tunnel with special audio and visual effects.
Dubai Frame measures 150 metres high and 93 metres wide.
Over 9,900 cubic metres of reinforced concrete, 2,000 tons of steel and 2,900 square metres of laminated glass were used in its construction.
More than 15,000 square metres of gold-coloured stainless steel covers Dubai Frame, which incorporates a ring design inspired by the Expo 2020 Dubai logo.
Dubai Frame’s rectangular design was inspired by the ‘golden ratio’ of 1.618, which many architects and artists believe forms an ideal structural balance.
The elevator to the Sky deck carries visitors 48 floors in 75 seconds.
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Desert Safari with Live Entertainment
We started this event by driving through the curvy dudes of sand in order to reach the camping site, which was fun according to my children. We entertained ourselves with activities such as, my daughter and wife getting pleasant-looking henna patterns on their hands. Just before the sun sets, my wife and children go to ride the camels, allowing me to capture some graceful pictures. During the evening, we were provided with dinner as well as performances with included playing with fire and Arabic dancing to which a large amount of people cheered on. By night, everyone started to head back.
On this stunning desert safari, you will travel in a 4×4 vehicle to a traditional Bedouin camp where the thrills of bashing the dunes and sand boarding await you.
Experience a wide variety of desert activities such as camel riding, shisha smoking, and henna painting.
Enjoy the night further as dancers perform belly dancing, tanoura dance and fire show.
Relax under the stars with a delicious buffet meal paired with unlimited soft drinks, water, tea and coffee.
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historical legacies of Umm Al Quwain
“Due to the keenness of His Highness Sheikh Rashid bin Ahmed Al Mualla(mercy of Allah), to preserve the monuments and heritage in the emirate Emiri Decree No. (1) issued for 2000, in order to establish Antiquities and Heritage Department to promote its work as a body in charge of maintaining historic buildings and archaeological sites and to respect the heritage elements and to promote and educate the new generation about the importance of heritage, His Highness Sheikh Rashid parent – may God have mercy on him-, had directed to renovate ALHOSN and open it as a museum in 2000. Due to its importance in the hearts of Umm Al Quwain people, and its political importance as a government center and residence of the family, since building date goes back to 1768.
Based on directions and the care of His Highness Sheikh / Saud bin Rashid Amualla- member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Umm Al Quwain to protect the historic archaeological sites in the emirate as a national treasure and a living witness to the region culture and history and his highness support the department aimed plans to preserve the historical legacies of Umm Al Quwain, the department restored Falaj Al Mualla fort and mosque attached with , as the department is currently make an inventory of heritage buildings in the emirate and work on restoration.
Historical Background Fort Al Ali
Upon entering through Bab Al Sabah gate, time pulls you back in the deep history. It is exactly Umm Al Quwain fort which represents the most ancient historical building in Umm Al Quwain, it was firstly established by H.H.Sheikh Rashid Bin Majid Al Mualla,the foundator of Al Mualla Royal Family, in 1768 as a residence and venue for his Government. Having a significant effect on the memory of Umm Al Quwain citizens, this fort represents the image of their power and dignity.
It was maintaining its official and public significance till the year 1969 as the venue of the Government .In 2000, it was reopened as a museum in accordance with the directions of H.H. Sheikh / Rashid Bin Ahmed Al Mualla , member of supreme council of the UAE , ruler of Umm Al Quwain ,after it had been restored and rehabilitated.
The Royal Family Heritages Section
This section is considered the core of the museum, as it concentrates on the Royal Family Heritages; which represents indivisible part of Umm Al Quwain citizen`s history.
First : The Ruler`s Properties Room
This room contains many memorial gifts given to His Highness on different occasions . Two golden swords, one matchlock, some memorial coins and others are available there. In addition to that, a collection of old golden jewelries which reflect the traditional gold manufacturing in Arab Gulf area. Her Highness, Sheikhah Shamsah Al Majid , wife of His Highness Sheikh / Rashid Bin Ahmed Al Mualla, gave these jewelries to the museum as gifts. One of the precious contents of this room is the glazed gold Royal Family tree.
Second: The documentary film room
There is a small corner of the photos in the traditional style.
The Story Of The Tower
The nation willingness is clearly expressed by its sincerity and faithfulness to its government represented in Al Mulla family. The people here are intimately linked with this viturous land. This tower which extended back to three centuries, has witnessed an incident transmitted from generation to an other and recited by the fort in utmost dignity and proudness. It was the martyrdom of H. H. Sheikh Hamad Bin Ibrahim Al Mualla in 1929, the 8th ruler of Al Mualla family in Umm Al Quwain.
One day, while H. H. Sheikh Hamad was taking his supper, (others said he was sick), in the presence of his cousins, as uaual in the room adjoining the tower , entered two of his guards– his nephews-; Abdul Rahman and Saeed ( Al Abd ) to greet him and to take supper with him ( some people said that he was fasting ). However, Saeed was carrying a gun, suddenly, he shot his uncle. Then they held his body up to inform the people of Umm Al Quwain that Sheikh Hamad was dead and that by tomorrow people of Umm Al Quwain would know their new ruler.
At that time, the people of Umm Al Quwain were furious and upset, so they were alerted and mobilized under the leadership of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed Bin Rashid Al Mulla and supprted by his cousins in order to control the situation, Abdul Rahman and Saeed were seeking shelter inside the fort. As the fort was high, it was easy for them to impose their domination upon the situation outside. After the matter had thoroughly been discussed, it was agreed to destroy the fort comoletely by a cannon, Saeed and Abdul Raman were able to see a vast area around them, so they saw that some people were towing the cannon towards the fort.
Saeed Al Abd shot Hilal ( one of those who were towing the cannon ) in his leg.
After deep thinking on the matter, the wise and powerful men of Umm Al Quwain made up their mind to dig a moat around the fort . After that they filled the moat of palm leaves and put on fire, as soon as fire was put up, it burnt Abdul Rahman and Saeed, so people of Umm Al Quwain got rid of both of them and suceeded to keep peace and stability in the Emirate.
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The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque stands out as one of the world’s largest mosques, and the only one that captures unique interactions between Islam and world cultures. Sheikh Zayed’s vision for the Grand Mosque was to incorporate architectural styles from different Muslim civilizations and celebrate cultural diversity by creating a haven that is truly diverse and inspirational in its foundation. The mosque’s architects were British, Italian and Emirati, and design inspiration was borrowed parts of Turkey, Morocco, Pakistan, and Egypt among other Islamic countries, revealing a glistening architectural marvel with an astonishing capacity of 40,000 worshippers and visitors.
The open-door policy invites tourists and celebrants from all around the world who can witness the spectacular onion-top domes, the reflective pools that engulf the courtyard and the iconic prayer hall, which not only overflows with blissful sunlight, but also houses the world’s biggest chandelier and carpet, both meticulously handmade. Be sure to spot the calligraphy encircling the hollows of the domes, etched with verses from the Quran and painted with gold leaves in An-Naskh lettering.
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Google Street View.
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Sri Lankan Day in Dubai
One of the largest gathering of Sri Lankans outside Sri Lanka
Offered many activities for the participants to involve throughout the day
Sri Lankans displayed their solidarity towards the UAE through a friendship walk
Dubai, 12th February 2018: More than 25,000 Sri Lankans gathered at Zabeel Park, Dubai on 09th of February 2018 to take part in the Sri Lankan Day 2018, which was the first of its kind ever taken place in the UAE soil. The Sri Lankans, Emiratis and other nationals across the UAE actively involved in this unique and family-oriented event, which bonded all the participating Sri Lankans together as a single nation, on the bedrock of nationhood.
The ceremony commenced with the blessings of religious leaders, representing four main religions of Sri Lanka. They invoked their blessings on the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Dubai, the organizing committee and the other stakeholders to continue the task, which focused on promoting the motherland at the occasion coinciding the 70th Anniversary of Sri Lanka’s Independence and 25th Anniversary of the establishment of Sri Lanka’s Consulate General in Dubai and the Northern Emirates.
The event offered a number of diverse activities to the gathering at the Zabeel Park to be engaged throughout the day. Five Sri Lankan restaurants offered unique Sri Lankan delicacies such as, plain hoppers and egg hoppers, kotthu roti, lunu miris, rice and curry to the Sri Lankan and international crowd at the event, fulfilling their taste buds. In addition, a Sri Lankan food photographic competition called “Suupachaya” was held with the aim of promoting the Sri Lankan food/cuisine among the international crowd and thereby to popularize such food/cuisine globally.
On the outskirts of the Amphitheatre of the Zabeel park, the stalls selling the Sri Lankan items such as tea, handicrafts & batiks etc. were located, which had been very useful to the crowd participated at the event. Additionally, experts representing the property developers of Sri Lanka participated at the event and provided tailor-made property solutions to the Sri Lankans those who were enjoying the event, representing various socio-economic sectors of Sri Lanka. Providing much needed services specially focusing on the blue-collar workers, such as opening up NRFC, other bank accounts and etc, the stalls of the local banks such as National Savings Bank, Bank of Ceylon and Commercial Bank also added a quintessential commercial flavor to the event.
The free medical camps established in the park were one of the most distinctive features in the event. Many Sri Lankan and international doctors joined hands with the event to provide much needed medical assistance to the participants, specially representing blue-collar or low-income groups. Over 20 doctors representing 6 different nationalities rendered their volunteer services to the participants during the event, on free of charge basis.
Moreover, a donation of over 380 free spectacles along with lenses to the needy people was executed in parallel to the medical camps. This donation was given based on eye-testing and on first come first serve basis. It earned a lot of accolades of many low-income workers who couldn’t afford the same.
The blood-donation camp at the event was a major highlight among the crowd. It intrinsically symbolized the friendship of the Sri Lankans towards the people and the Government of the UAE, which is considered as a ‘second-home’ by many of the Sri Lankan expatriate community in the UAE.
Along with the above highlights, a free mobile dental camp was also established in the site by the University of Sharjah, which, per se, provided an immense service to the low- income participants, as dental check-ups are usually not covered under the insurance schemes. Throughout the day, the mobile dental camp provided a service worth thousands of Dirhams to the crowd on complementary basis.
Keeping the family-oriented nature of the event, a special entertainment program was arranged during the daytime for local talents to show their singing skills. During this specific segment, more than 10 pre-selected upcoming singers had the opportunity to show their singing skill to the mass audience at the venue supported by the music of two UAE based musical groups, i.e. Acoustica and Seven Notes. The attractions like bouncy-castles and an arts competition for children were also adored by the children at the event.
Adding an unforgettable Sri Lankan experience to the evening of the Sri Lankan Day 2018, over 2500 Sri Lankans representing various groups, associations, organizations and schools marched into the park with a fabulous “UAE- Sri Lanka friendship walk” filled with pomp and pageantry, which was highly applauded by the foreign crowd gathered at the venue. The line-up of the walk was filled with distinctive items portraying cultural diversity of Sri Lanka consisting of traditional Sinhalese, Tamil and Malay items. The segments such as “Kasa Karuwo”, the band of the old girls of Holy Family Convent and the children wearing colorful costumes in their traditional dances enthralled the onlookers at the venue.
The UAE- Sri Lanka friendship walk concluded leading to the formal national day celebrations that included the evening cultural show, organized by the leading artist guilds across the UAE, and enriched with spectacular “up country” and “low country” traditional dances together with Tamil and Malay dances. An opera type of drama portryaing the whole history of Sri Lanka starting from King Vijaya to the present times was staged, sustaining the enthusiasm of the gathering at the event until its end.
With the view to promoting Sri Lanka as a much sought-after destination among the international crowd, a special wall, portraying the history and tourist attractions of Sri Lanka was also set up at the location in addition to a huge welcoming arch decorated with historical symbols and two lion statues, inspired by the Yapahuwa sculpture. Just beside these attractions, a photo booth was located enabling the participants to make the visit to Sri Lankan Day 2018 a memorable one by taking a photo in printable format.
Delivering the official address at the event, the Consul General Charitha Yattogoda said ”the foreign remittances from Sri Lankan expatriates are still the number one foreign exchange source for the Sri Lankan economy and we respect your contribution made for the economic development of our motherland. Let me use this occasion to place on record my sincere appreciation and gratitude, on behalf of the Government of Sri Lanka, to the Sri Lankan community based in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, for the immense support they rendered throughout the year, shoulder to shoulder, in all of our endeavours.” He further added that “it is my strong desire to see my countrymen projecting and representing our land in this region as goodwill ambassadors of Sri Lanka. As a person who strongly believes in solidarity, which will usher us into a better future, let me invite all my fellow countrymen to join hands as a one nation in promoting Sri Lanka’s rich values in this part of the world and to make our motherland proud.”
The final segment of the event was the grand musical show featuring the Sri Lankan artists specially flown in from Sri Lanka to perform at the event with the leading Sri Lankan band “Naadha”. Mr. Edward Jayakody, Mr. Keerthi Pasquel, Mr. Athma Liyanage and Ms. Nirosha Virajini entertained the gathering with their popular songs in addition to the variation added by Mr. Dumal Warnakoolasooriya from “Naadha” band with Tamil, Hindi and English songs. The event concluded peacefully at 11:30 pm.
Happy Holidays company, a renowned travel and leisure company based in the UAE, LuLu Hypermarkets, one of the leading hypermarket chains in the Middle East and RAK Bank, a prominent bank in the UAE have joined the event being the main sponsors. In addition, Sri Lankan Air Lines, leading exchange houses and the universities based in the UAE joined the event as co-sponsors.
This is the first time that an event of this calibre, focusing on the mass crowds, was hosted in the soil of the UAE. The event, which was organized by the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Dubai and Northern Emirates in association with the Sri Lankan community living in its jurisdiction, earned a lot of positive feedback from the participants and the Sri Lankan Community. (Ends)
Consulate General of Sri Lanka
in Dubai & the Northern Emirates
14 February 2018
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The Chitwan National Park
It’s a protected jungle area filled with different forms of wildlife
It has become a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984
The area of the jungle is around 932km2
The Chitwan National Park was established in 1973 to conserve the endangered animals living there.
There are numerous things to do there, from Trekking to Elephant Breeding Centres to the Jeep Jungle Tours.
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Lumbini is where Lord Buddha was born
TASEN DURBAR-
At the end of Sitalpati is the striking red Tansen Durbar,which has been nicely restored Originally it was built for provincial governor in 1927 It has now a museum of local culture and history
SRINAGAR DANDA-
It has an elevation of 1524m The view of the green hills, the whole town of Tansen to the Madi Valley The mountains will stretch from Dhaulagiri in the west to Ganesh Himal in the east
MAYA DEVI TEMPLE
Lumbini is where Lord Buddha was born in 623 BC on the full moon day that’s why we care about full moon days. Everything related to buddha happened under trees so that’s why Buddhists should always respect the laws of nature.
Lumbini, the fourth largest tourist destination in Nepal. Lumbini is also known as the ‘LIGHT OF ASIA’ because of Lord Buddha.
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Sarangkot Mountain in Pokhara
POKHARA REGIONAL MUSEUM –
The late king Birendra Bir Bikram shah introduced the museum in 1985. Pokhara Regional Museum talks about popkhara and its people, how life has changed since ‘then’ and ‘now’.
Samples and real life displays of classic utensils, jewelry, gears and weapons and the ethnic practices have been displayed.
MATEPANI GUMBA-
Matepani Gumba (Buddhist Monastery) was established in 1960 A.D. by Nyeshang people who migrated to Pokhara from Manang. The statues are 3 meters tall
No entrance fee is charged to visitors
MAHADEV CAVE –
Considered 600 years old.
The cave was discovered in the 16th century by some local men who stumbled upon it when clearing some grass. Within the dark cave they discovered many shrines and statues dedicated to Shiva and other Hindu deities. Continuing on the 40 or so meters down the cave and you’ll come across the main Shiva temple
TAL BARAHI TEMPLE-
It is a hindu temple of the Goddess Durga (Barahi), the protector of gods. It is located in a small island on the south east section of Phewa Lake in Pokhara. The temple is used for worship by both Hindus and Buddhists.
WORLD PEACE POGODA –
Is a Buddhist stupa Its second name is Shanti Stupa which is in Sanskrit meaning peace.
The spot situated at the height of 1100 meters on the Ananda Hill was chosen by Nichidatsu Fujii, who was the one to help build this stupa. They started to built it with a stone on 12th September 1973.
BINDABASANI TEMPLE –
The temple itself is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Durga, who is Pokhara’s chosen guardian deity.
It is said that the temple was created after the goddess ordered king Khadag Bum Malla to set up a her statue here.
Animal sacrifices are typically presented at the temple on Saturdays and Tuesdays.
SETI RIVER –
The area is near the trijunction of the borders of Nepal, India (Kumaon, Uttarakhand), and China (Tibet).
It is one of the holiest rivers of Nepal, worshipped in Hinduism as a form of Vishnu. three kilometer section where the whole Seti river goes underground.
DAVI’S FALL –
The water forms an underground tunnel after reaching the bottom. This tunnel is approximately 150 m long and runs 30 m below ground level. Visitors can try their luck on the luck pond constructed there by throwing and placing the coin on the statue of God.
