How COVID-19 has changed the way we shop

14 Sept 02:17 Key points summarised by AI

The pandemic sparked a massive surge in online grocery shopping, with consumers widely adopting supermarket delivery services and integrated 'Mart' apps for convenience and safety.
Shoppers now place larger, more varied orders, driven by increased time at home, growing confidence in digital tools, and a newfound enthusiasm for home cooking and baking.
Physical grocery trips have become less frequent but more efficient; consumers spend less time in stores, buying more items per visit to last longer.
A growing number of consumers actively support local businesses, community markets, and direct food producers through digital channels, fostering community resilience and reducing dependence on large retailers.

The Buddha comes home

20 Oct 15:38 Key points summarised by AI

Chong Para is an annual three-day festival in Mae Hong Son, Thailand, where the Shan people celebrate the Buddha's mythical return from Tavatimsa heaven, marking the end of Buddhist Lent.
Families construct intricate "Chong Para" miniature palaces, decorated with colorful paper and ornaments, as an act of faith and a means of preserving traditional Shan craftsmanship across generations.
The festival transforms the quiet mountain town with vibrant folk music, traditional Shan bird dances, martial arts performances, and lively processions, immersing visitors in local culture.
It offers a unique glimpse into the living Shan traditions of Mae Hong Son, distinct from other northern Thai regions, fostering community bonds and cultural transmission.