UNESCO recognises Thailand’s 'Nora' folk dance, jasmine rice wins Best Rice Award 2021

13 Sept 15:37 Key points summarised by AI

UNESCO officially recognized "Nora," a traditional folk dance drama from southern Thailand, as an intangible cultural heritage, adding it to Thailand's growing list of cultural distinctions.
The ancient "Nora" dance, believed to have Indian roots, is characterized by its 12 positions, 17 movements, and highly expressive finger work, often with long artificial nails.
Thailand's Hom Mali (jasmine) rice secured the World’s Best Rice Award 2021 for the second consecutive year at the World Rice Conference in Dubai, triumphing over varieties from several other countries.
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha extended gratitude to Thai farmers for their role in bringing international acclaim through the award-winning Hom Mali 105 rice, primarily cultivated in north-eastern Thailand.

The Buddha Comes Home

Yesterday 15:38 Key points summarised by AI

Chong Para is a vibrant annual festival of the Shan (Tai Yai) people in Mae Hong Son, Thailand, celebrating the Buddha's return from Tavatimsa heaven after Buddhist Lent.
The festival's centerpiece involves families constructing intricate miniature palaces, also called Chong Para, from bamboo, paper, and lights, placed outside homes and temples as offerings.
For three days and nights, the quiet mountain town comes alive with folk music, traditional dances like the Shan bird dance, religious ceremonies, and community gatherings, showcasing deep-rooted Shan culture.
Beyond the celebrations, Chong Para reinforces family bonds, preserves traditional crafts, and offers visitors an authentic immersion into the unique cultural heritage of Mae Hong Son.