Latest news with #HeritageWalk
The Star
05-07-2025
- The Star
Three-day George Town Heritage Celebrations kick off with cultural workshop
GEORGE TOWN: The three-day George Town Heritage Celebrations (GTHC) 2025 in Penang kicked off with a cultural workshop on Saturday (July 5) evening. Held at Armenian Park, Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi, Hock Teik Cheng Sin Temple, Seh Tek Tong Cheah Kongsi and along surrounding streets, it attracted a crowd of thousands. Featuring some two-dozen interactive activities, the workshop allowed locals and tourists alike to experience and learn about traditional art forms, games, handicraft, rituals, cuisines, dialects and more. There was also an interactive stage where various communities put on inviting dances that convinced many spectators to get up and join in the fun. Also present were Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, state tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai and other state and community leaders. The celebration continues on Sunday (July 6) with the George Town Heritage Walk flagging off from Beach Street at around 7am. Around 2,000 participants have signed up for the 5km early morning stroll whose route was designed to take in some of the city's most iconic sights and structures. On Monday (July 7) - which is Heritage Day and a public holiday in Penang - there will be Open Houses across eight heritage buildings from 9am to 5pm. They are the Kwangtung and Tengchow Association, Makam Dato Koyah, Masjid Melayu Lebuh Acheh, Nam Hooi Wooi Koon, St. George's Church Sun Wui Wui Koon, Thai Pak Koong (Ng Suk) Temple and the George Town World Heritage Incorporated (GTWHI) building. This will give the public a rare opportunity to explore the structures and learn about their historical significance and preservation efforts. GTCH 2025 is themed Doors and Doorways in reference to the event serving as a gateway to the city's rich cultural tapestry, community legacies and lesser-known narratives. The celebrations started in 2009 in commemoration of George Town's Unesco World Heritage inscription alongside Melaka a year earlier (2008).
Hans India
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Miss World beauties bowled over by city's timeless charm and royal heritage
Hyderabad: The 72nd Miss World Pageant contestants, each of whom is vying for the crowning glory moment and a shot at global fame, had a gala experience here on Tuesday. If walking through the iconic Charminar and Laad Bazar and splurging on shopping were 'overwhelming' experiences, they were floored by Hyderabad famed royalty when they were treated to an exquisitely spread lavish dinner at Chowmahalla Palace. They were spoilt for choice quite literally seeing the delicacies that were served. On arrival, they were welcomed with the captivating beats of 'Hadrami Marfa' and the regal sounds of 'Naubat or Nakkare' drums, which echoed through the historic lanes of the city. The Heritage Walk was a cultural immersion, a highlight of the pageant's ongoing celebrations in Telangana, including a showcase of the rich history, vibrantly priceless crafts, and royal traditions of the region. At the iconic Charminar, the delegates were greeted by a 12-member troupe playing marfa drums, creating an electric atmosphere. The contestants were enlightened about the history of the Charminar. They then strolled through the bustling lanes of Laad Bazaar, known for its traditional bangles, pearls, and intricate zardozi embroidery. The delegates had the opportunity to visit renowned stores like Hyderabad Bangles, Mujeeb Bangles, Kanhaiyalal, Motilal Karwa, Gokuldas Zariwala, K.R. Kasat, Jaju Pearls, A.H. Zariwala, and Afzal Miya Karchobwale. What was a pleasant surprise for them was witnessing live demonstrations of bangle-making techniques, a unique artisanal craft that is symbolic of the city. The Heritage Walk culminated at the architectural marvel Chowmahalla Palace, where the contestants enjoyed an unforgettable culturally loaded evening. It included a specially arranged mehndi ceremony and an opportunity to wear the traditional and ever elegant Nizam era attire, providing them with a truly immersive experience into the royal heritage of Hyderabad. The delegates also explored Nizam-era exhibits, including ancient weapons, royal household items, and historical artifacts, all of which gave peep into the region's grandiose past. Miss World CEO Julia Morley reflected on the significance of the event, stating, 'Hyderabad's rich heritage and vibrant culture have made this experience truly unforgettable for the contestants. It is moments like these that celebrate the power of global unity and cultural exchange, reminding us that the essence of beauty lies not just in appearances but in the deep connections we form through shared history and traditions.' The evening concluded with a royal feast featuring Hyderabadi delicacies such as biryani, mirchi ka salan, qubani ka meetha, dum ka murgh, and kebabs. Enlivening the evening was a live musical concert that provided a melodic touch to the night. Meanwhile, the 72nd Miss World Festival journey continues as the delegates have been split into two groups for further exploration of Telangana's cultural treasures. On May 14, Group 1 (Americas and Caribbean) will visit the historic Warangal Fort, the 1000-pillar Temple, and the Bhadrakali Temple, while Group 2 (Africa) will head to the UNESCO-listed Ramappa Temple for a traditional Perini dance performance. On May 15, the groups will have a spiritual experience at Yadagirigutta temple and later acquire first-hand knowledge about the rich weaving traditions of the UNWTO-recognized Pochampally village, renowned for its iconic Ikat weaves.
