Earthquake has destroyed numerous Buddhist pagodas in Myanmar
Thousands of religious buildings were destroyed in the severe earthquake that struck Buddhist-majority Myanmar on Friday.
More than 2,000 monasteries and pagodas in the Sagaing region alone are said to have collapsed completely or partially, the International Buddhist Education Centre (IBEC) said in a post on Facebook on Monday.
The region is particularly affected by the 7.7 magnitude quake, with at least 2,000 fatalities.
IBEC described it as a "great loss for Buddhism" and said that it was one of the most severe earthquakes ever in Sagaing.
Reports indicate that many Buddhist structures and Buddha statues in the second-largest city, Mandalay, as well as in the famous World Heritage site of Bagan, have also been damaged. However, the exact extent is still unclear, especially in Bagan.
The World Monuments Fund stated that information is currently being gathered, but the information situation in the civil war-torn country is challenging.
Along with the temples of Angkor in Cambodia and Borobodur on Java, Bagan is among the most important archaeological sites in all of South-East Asia.
Already in 2016, many dozens of the more than 3,000 structures from the 9th to 13th centuries were damaged in a 6.8-magnitude quake. The temple city has been part of UNESCO's World Heritage since 2019.
Almost 90% of the population of Myanmar are Buddhists.
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Associated Press
17 hours ago
- Associated Press
SHOPKHOJ GUIDE TO UNESCO SITES- AJANTA & ELLORA CAVES
SHOPKHOJ GUIDE TO UNESCO SITES- AJANTA & ELLORA CAVES NEW DELHI, DELHI, INDIA, June 3, 2025 / / -- Ajanta & Ellora Caves are important Buddhist pilgrimage sites . They are near Aurangabad in the State of Maharashtra,India. Ajanta Caves, dating back to the 2nd century BCE, are famous for their exquisite murals and sculptures that depict the life of the caves are set in a horseshoe-shaped gorge. The Ellora Caves, on the other hand, are a complex of 34 caves that were excavated between the 6th and 10th centuries CE. These caves represent a harmonious coexistence of Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain temples and monasteries. The most famous of these is the Kailasa Temple, a magnificent monolithic structure dedicated to Lord Shiva. Getting to the Ajanta and Ellora Caves in Maharashtra, India, is quite straightforward. Here are some options: 1. By Air: The nearest airport is Aurangabad Airport ,which is well-connected to major cities in India like Mumbai,( ) Delhi,( ) and Hyderabad. 2. By Train: Aurangabad Railway Station is the closest major railway station. It is connected to several cities across India. 3. By Road: Aurangabad is well-connected by road to major cities in Maharashtra and neighboring states. You can either drive or take a bus from cities like Mumbai, Pune, or Nashik. There are regular state-run and private buses that operate on these routes. Ajanta Caves : The Ajanta Caves are a treasure trove of ancient art and architecture. Here are some highlights you should definitely see: 1. Cave 1: This cave is famous for its stunning murals depicting the life of the Buddha. The intricate paintings and sculptures here are a testament to the artistic prowess of the ancient craftsmen. 2. Cave 2: Known for its beautiful ceiling paintings, Cave 2 features intricate designs and motifs that are both mesmerizing and historically significant. 3. Cave 16: This cave is one of the largest and most impressive in the Ajanta complex. It contains detailed carvings and sculptures that narrate various Jataka tales, which are stories of the Buddha's previous lives. 4. Cave 17: Cave 17 is adorned with numerous murals that depict scenes from the life of the Buddha and other historical events. 5. Cave 19: This cave is a chaitya (prayer hall) and is notable for its grand entrance and intricate carvings. The stupa inside the cave is beautifully decorated and is a must-see. 6. Cave 26: Another chaitya, Cave 26 is famous for its impressive reclining Buddha sculpture, which represents the Buddha's Mahaparinirvana (final nirvana after death). The Ellora Caves are a magnificent complex of rock-cut temples and monasteries that showcase the rich cultural and religious diversity of ancient India. Here are some of the must-see highlights: 1. Kailasa Temple (Cave 16): This is the most famous and impressive structure in the Ellora complex. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Kailasa Temple is a monolithic marvel carved out of a single rock. It features intricate sculptures, elaborate carvings, and a grand entrance that will leave you in awe. 2. Cave 10 (Vishvakarma Cave): Also known as the Carpenter's Cave, this is a Buddhist chaitya (prayer hall) with a stunning ribbed roof that resembles wooden beams. The large stupa at the end of the hall is a focal point of this cave. 3. Cave 12 :This three-story Buddhist monastery is one of the largest and most elaborate structures in the Ellora complex. It features spacious halls, cells for monks, and beautiful sculptures of Buddha and other deities. 4. Jain Caves (Caves 30-34): These caves are dedicated to Jain Tirthankaras and are known for their detailed carvings and serene atmosphere. Cave 32, also known as the Indra Sabha, is particularly noteworthy for its intricate sculptures and beautiful pillars. Each cave in the Ellora complex has its own unique charm and historical significance. 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Users can access product glossaries, history, culture, specialties unique to different cities, as well as detailed information on markets and shops within cities. Understand where the best markets are located, and the best products in each of the markets. We currently have information on 7 different cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Pondicherry and Jaipur), but hope to expand this list to more. In addition to information about local flavours, read about the shopping malls where users can find international brands, the best entertainment zones, and dining options. Shopping blogs and videos take you on an inside journey to what's available. Our search functions allow a user to search by category, price range, products, and much more. We have searched the markets across the cities to bring you a guide – from which shops have the best Quality, the best Price, the Fabrics, where you can Custom-design your wedding outfits, where you can find tailors to fit your style . Come begin your search(khoj in Hindi is search) for shopping in India at Kausalya Madhavan Shopkhoj Content Pvt Ltd +91 98104 00236 [email protected] Visit us on social media: LinkedIn Instagram Facebook YouTube X Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Japan is a model of cleanliness. So where are all the trash cans?
Professor Chris McMorran teaches Japanese studies at the National University of Singapore, where his work focuses on serious and important topics like labor, gender and marginalized communities. But when he takes his students to Japan, one major question invariably emerges: why aren't there any trash cans? It's a common refrain, especially among the Western travelers who flock to Japan in increasing numbers every year: how can the country be so clean and organized when there doesn't seem to be a way to dispose of garbage in public places? McMorran's students are not the only ones with that question. Earlier this year, the Japanese National Tourism Organization (JNTO) conducted a survey of passengers leaving Japan and asked what logistical challenges they faced during their trip. The number one response? A lack of trash cans. Twenty-two percent of tourists cited the difficulty of finding a place to throw away garbage as the single biggest issue they'd dealt with during their trip, ahead of a lack of English speakers (15%) and overcrowding at popular attractions (13%). There are a few different ways to address the trash disposal question, but they generally involve the unique cadences of Japanese etiquette. 'This (lack of trash cans) can be a nuisance particularly for budget-conscious young travelers,' says McMorran. 'Instead of sitting down for a meal at a restaurant, they are more likely to grab an onigiri at a convenience store or an Instagrammable dessert at a stall. Once they finish eating, they search in vain for a place to throw the waste.' He notes that while local Japanese people also buy food and drinks from vending machines or kombini (convenience stores), the difference is that they don't necessarily consume these products on the street. It's considered bad manners to eat while walking — to the point where some cities in Japan have outright barred the practice. Instead, it's more common to take these grab-and-go foods to their home or office, eat it there, and then dispose of the trash. If they do eat while out on the go, most people keep a small bag with them where they can stow trash until they get home. Mass tourism is causing problems with Japan's public trash situation. For example, travelers come from around the world to visit the UNESCO-listed city of Nara, a 45-minute bullet train ride east of Osaka. While the city is home to historic temples and Buddhist artifacts, its most famous residents are wild deer which are known for taking crackers from visitors and 'bowing' to say thank you. Trash, though, has become a life-or-death issue for the deer: nine died in 2019 after eating plastic waste that was left on the ground by tourists. Trash cans were removed from Nara's parks in 1985 to prevent deer from trying to eat out of them. Signs throughout the city cautioned people not to litter as eating trash or food outside of their diet could be harmful for the deer. As the number of travelers increased, it became clear that the posted signs weren't enough, and people weren't following the local custom of taking their trash away with them. The city has since reconsidered its policy and installed several trash bins near the busiest tourist areas. The solar-powered trash cans are printed with 'Save the deer' in English. Tokyo's cool Shibuya neighborhood has also struggled to cope with tourists and the trash they leave behind. Local politicians have cracked down on the notoriously riotous Halloween celebrations and made it illegal to consume alcohol on the street — partly to reduce noise complaints, but also to curb the amount of litter. 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Yahoo
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100 new structures from Peruvian Chachapoya civilization found in Andes
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