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The Mainichi
6 hours ago
- Climate
- The Mainichi
Japan's scorching summer heat forcing fireworks, other festivals to change schedules
TOKYO -- The extreme summer heat that has struck Japan in recent years due climate change is altering the landscape of annual fireworks and other festivals in the country, forcing the summer events to be moved to spring or autumn. Even so, there are cases where it has been difficult to reschedule the festivals due to their traditional nature. Farewell to fireworks viewing in 'yukata' summer kimonos? The Adachi Fireworks Festival, an annual summer tradition in Tokyo's Adachi Ward with a history of roughly 100 years, is set to be held May 31 this year instead of late July as had been the norm. Last summer, the festival had to be canceled shortly before its start due to an abrupt thunderstorm. By moving the festival forward this year, organizers hope to avoid the risk of cancellation due to bad weather, but "the extreme heat is more serious than just that," points out Adachi Ward Mayor Yayoi Kondo on the ward's official website. Last year, the temperature on the day of the fireworks festival had already climbed to 30 degrees Celsius by 7 a.m., and shortly after 10 a.m. it had surged above 35 C. A security guard was taken to a hospital due to heatstroke and many visitors also complained of feeling ill. As the main venue is located on the riverbed, there were few spots for sheltering from the scorching sun during preparations, taking an unusually serious toll on pyrotechnicians and city employees who were there from early in the day. While Mayor Kondo acknowledged, "Some people want to see the fireworks festival held in summer, calling it a summer tradition," she sought understanding for moving up the event schedule, saying, "The summer lately has significantly changed from what we knew as 'Japanese summer,' where people clad in 'yukata' summer kimonos admired fireworks while cooling themselves with 'uchiwa' paper fans." A representative of the Adachi Tourism Exchange Association said of the schedule change, "We're receiving positive feedback this year, such as 'I can bring my young child'" to the festival. 'Passing down tradition ...' Japan's local regions are also changing the schedules of their traditional events. Toride Jinja shrine's Kujirabune event in Yokkaichi, Mie Prefecture -- an event appearing on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list as one of the "Yama, Hoko, Yatai, float festivals in Japan" -- will be pushed back from Aug. 14 and 15 to Sept. 27 and 28 this year. In the festival, which dates back to the Edo period (1603-1867), people drag around floats shaped like ships to imitate whaling. Of the nearly 100 participants including staff, almost half are aged 60 or older due to the aging of the community, while elementary school students take on the role of harpooners aboard the floats. While organizers have taken every step possible to beat the heat, such as borrowing mist sprayers from the municipal government, they decided to change the date this year as "it would be too late if any emergency occurred." As the schedule change means the festival will no longer coincide with the Bon holiday season in August, the event this year will be held as part of dedication rites of the annual Gani festival that has traditionally been held at the shrine on Sept. 23. Masahiko Kato, 70, chairperson of the Tomida Kujirabune preservation society association, coordinated with locals and the Agency for Cultural Affairs regarding the date change, and strove to publicize it and secure enough personnel, calling it "a change to pass down the tradition." Event schedules changing across Japan In the Tohoku region in Japan's northeast, organizers of the Soma Nomaoi festival in the Soma region of Fukushima Prefecture, featuring costumed warriors on horseback, have since last year moved up the event from July to May to prioritize the safety of horses and people taking part, after a horse died of sunstroke during the festival in July 2023. Summer festivals in southwest Japan's Kyushu region have also seen a spate of scheduling changes this year. The Wasshoi Hyakuman Natsu Matsuri festival in Kitakyushu is being pushed back from August to September, while the Saga Castle Town Sakae no Kuni festival in the city of Saga, originally held in August, is now due to take place from May 31 to June 1. Difficult to change some festivals However, traditional seasonal celebrations like the "Tanabata" star festival, which normally takes place around July 7, are difficult to reschedule, as their significance would be lost. The Shonan Hiratsuka Tanabata Festival, featuring nearly 10-meter-tall decorations adorning the shopping streets in Hiratsuka, Kanagawa Prefecture, used to attract some 1.5 million visitors until 2019, but the number declined to roughly 1.1 million both in 2023 and 2024, with observers attributing it to the scorching summer heat. It is said that some children from day care centers and kindergartens forgo participating in the daytime parades while elderly people also refrain from watching the parades. "As it is a seasonal festival, we are not considering changing the schedule," said an official at the Hiratsuka Municipal Government's commerce and tourism division, adding that the city will install misting fans as a countermeasure against the summer heat. (Japanese original by Shuji Ozaki, Digital News Group)
The Hindu
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Karnataka Chitrakala Parishat inaugurates first edition of Namma Art Bengaluru
: The first edition of 'Namma Art Bengaluru,' a national level art fair organised by Karnataka Chitrakala Parishat (CKP) in association with the Department of Tourism, was inaugurated here on Wednesday. 'The objective of the fair is to provide an opportunity to artists of Karnataka and other states. CKP not only shapes artists, but also gives them hope and exposure,' said H.K. Patil, Minister of Tourism, Law and Parliamentary Affairs, who inaugurated the fair. He also remarked that Karnataka is one of the states that gives prominence to handcrafted sculptures, and mentioned that art is to be preserved for the coming generations. Following the inauguration ceremony, the audience were treated to a live painting demonstration by renowned speed painter Vilas Nayak who painted an image of a Yakshagana performer and the UNESCO heritage site, Hampi, within 8 minutes. The visitors said that they liked the collection of art at the fair. More than 100 participants from eight states across the country have displayed their art work at the fair. 'I love to collect art and I see a lot of things here which I will mostly be purchasing,' said Keerthi Patil, a patron at the fair. 'I am excited to be a part of the first Namma Art Bengaluru as this seems to be a promising annual event,' said Aayana Dwivedi, a student who had come to the fair. The five-day fair will conclude on June 1 and is being held at the CKP campus.
India.com
13 hours ago
- India.com
Scenic Road Trips From Udaipur City That Are Perfect For Weekend Getaways
Rajasthan displays Udaipur as its precious jewel because it functions as the 'City of Lakes.' The city of Udaipur serves as an ideal starting point for visitors to explore different nearby sightseeing destinations because it possesses both magnificent palaces and scenic lakes and beautiful landscapes. The following list features exceptional Udaipur-based road trips offering breathtaking views combined with historic attractions and thrilling outdoor adventures for weekend excursions. 1. Kumbhalgarh: A Journey Through History Distance from Udaipur: ~82 km (Approx. 2 hours) Udaipur residents and tourists recognize Kumbhalgarh Fort as a prominent destination after both the World Heritage Sites label from UNESCO and its recognition as one of the top sites near Udaipur. Built during the 15th century by Rana Kumbha the fort achieves fame due to its extensive 36-kilometre walls that surpass only the Great Wall of China in length. While traveling to Kumbhalgarh by road you will see combinations of forested hills and dry landscapes which produce remarkable sightings. You can explore this historical site by seeing its unique architecture and old temples and admiring distant views of the Aravalli Range. Climb to the Kumbhalgarh fort during nightfall so you can see the historical light and sound presentation. 2. Ranakpur: Marvel at Architectural Grandeur Distance from Udaipur: ~96 km (Approx. 2.5 hours) Individuals who value both architectural achievements and spiritual heritage need to explore the destination of Ranakpur. The Jain Temple complex at Ranakpur presents perfect marble carvings and detailed architectural features which create a momentous visual impact for every visitor. Chaumukha Temple stands out among the numerous attractions because it has 1,444 unique wooden pillars that embrace Lord Adinath's statue. The journey from Udaipur to Ranakpur takes tourists through the tree-covered Aravalli Hills which creates an enjoyable antidote against city life. Spend your day at the temple area to experience the tranquil atmosphere and then finish your visit. 3. Mount Abu: A Hill Station Retreat Distance from Udaipur: ~170 km (Approx. 4 hours) Rajasthan has Mount Abu as its sole hill station located between desert territory in the state. The Aravalli Range hosts Mount Abu which stands out because of its rustic forests and relaxed lakes and temperate climate. The three top attractions in this area comprise Nakki Lake together with Dilwara Temples and Guru Shikhar which stands as the highest elevation within the Aravallis mountain range. During the monsoon season the destination offers scenic landscape views because the road to Mount Abu winds through dense vegetation which reveals waterfalls as part of the journey. Nature enthusiasts and hikers alongside peaceful seekers will find Mount Abu suitable because of its peaceful environment. 4. Chittorgarh: Relive Tales of Valor Distance from Udaipur: ~125 km (Approx. 3 hours) The historic city of Chittorgarh provides an exciting weekend driving opportunity through its valorous heritage. The Chittorgarh Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stands as a testament to the bravery of Rajput warriors. The vast fort spreads across several palatial accommodations as well as various temples and towers each telling its own account of Rajput heroism. All these attractions reside within Chittorgarh Fort alongside Rani Padmini's Palace and Kirti Stambh, Vijay Stambh (Victory Tower), Traveling from Udaipur to Chittorgarh provides guests with the chance to see the traditional way of life in rural Rajasthan and vibrant community customs. 5. Jodhpur: The Blue City Beckons Distance from Udaipur: ~250 km (Approx. 5 hours) Although it takes slightly more time, Jodhpur proves itself as an outstanding weekday travel destination. The population calls this city the Blue City because all buildings use an azure color palette. On top of a rocky hill stands the majestic Mehrangarh Fort. The main sightseeing opportunities in this destination are Jaswant Thada and Umaid Bhawan Palace together with the active atmosphere of Sadar Market. When traveling between Udaipur and Jodhpur you will experience different geographical features such as desert plains and farmlands reflecting Rajasthan's diverse landscapes. Use strategic planning to optimize your limited visit duration. 6. Eklingji and Nagda: Twin Temples of Spirituality Distance from Udaipur: ~22 km (Approx. 45 minutes) Visit Eklingji and Nagda from Udaipur for an enlightening and brief weekend getaway because these locations require only a forty-five minute drive. Travelers visit Eklingji Temple to pay homage to Lord Shiva because it contains more than 100 sacred shrines. The temple architecture from that time period shines through its beautiful stone carvings as well as its magnificent spires. The Sas-Bahu Temples located in Nagda earn local recognition because of their exceptional architectural beauty in twin architectural structures. Statue lovers can easily reach these religious sites from Udaipur because of their close proximity to the city. 7. Haldi Ghati Provides a Historical and Natural Encounter Distance from Udaipur: ~40 km (Approx. 1 hour) At HaldiGhati, where Maharana Pratap fought against the Mughal forces led by Man Singh I the place unites historical significance with the natural environment. The narrow mountain pass stands near Udaipur while surrounded by beautiful vegetation that provides spectacular scenery. Visitors can visit a commemoration dedicated to Chetak the horse of Maharana Pratap since the animal stood central to the historic battle. The journey to Haldi Ghati provides scenic views because travelers can observe animals and view numerous bird species during the trip. Why Choose These Destinations? The road trips present individual features that differentiate them from each other between historical value along with architectural wonders and natural scenic beauties. Travelers access these route locations without difficulties since roads to these areas operate smoothly. These travel destinations serve various groups of tourists since they provide opportunities to experience adventure alongside cultural and relaxation activities. Machine and supply checks and predicating conditions must be completed before your departure to ensure safe travelling. Letting the Local Ways of Life Guide Your Behaviour at Both Religious Sites and Heritage Places. Conclusion Udaipur functions as the starting point to multiple exciting travel locations suitable for weekend trips. These scenic road trips give travelers unforgettable experiences that will fulfill the needs of history enthusiasts and nature admirers or leisure seekers. Getting your bags ready and driving off to make memories which will stay forever is the perfect plan.
DW
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- DW
Did Mozart have friends? – DW – 05/28/2025
Mozart had many admirers and would no doubt have countless followers on Instagram today. But did he have real friends? Or did he live solely for music? All is explored at the Mozart festival in Würzburg. If the famous composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart were a child prodigy today, he would probably have millions of followers and "friend" requests on social media. But even in the 18th century, Mozart's father Leopold warned his son against false friends — people who envied him, but also flatterers who only told him what he wanted to hear. This year's Mozartfest Würzburg , which started this week and runs through June 22, is about Mozart's friendships. The festival in Würzburg is the oldest and largest Mozart festival in Germany, held every year at the Würzburg Residence, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The festival's motto this year, "But through sound: friend Mozart," refers to one of his quotes, and how music was his main form of expression — and connection. "A true friendship requires trust and mutual understanding," says artistic director Evelyn Meining, adding that even millions of followers on social media platforms cannot replace such a relationship. His 'dearest friend': A representation of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Joseph Haydn playing together Image: picture-alliance/Leemage The child prodigy without friends? Mozart caused a sensation in the mid-18th century as a so-called wunderkind. He traveled with his father through Europe for years, captivating court nobles with his talent on the violin and piano. But there was no time for close friendships with his peers. "Of course, the family was very focused on itself; the bond was particularly strong in the early 1760s," Meining told DW. Even later, one cannot imagine Mozart hanging out with friends at cozy dining events. "These were more likely relationships built within a musical context: colleagues, musician friends, teachers, patrons or orchestra musicians from the bands," explains Meining. It's through Mozart's musical talent, evident at a very young age, that the English language acquired the word 'wunderkind' Image: akg-images/picture alliance Artistic friendships at the Mozartfest Artistic friendships also play a special role among the performers at the Mozartfest this year. The opening event featured friends Nils Mönkemeyer (viola) and William Youn (piano), accompanied by the Ensemble Resonanz under conductor Riccardo Minasi. Mönkemeyer and Youn met through music. They love Mozart's works, but they also wanted something more modern for their performance. They therefore commissioned Manfred Trojahn, who has made a name for himself with modern operas, to write a new piece: "Trame lunari," a double concerto for viola, piano and chamber orchestra that facilitates an unusual combination of instruments. "Trame lunari" translates roughly as "moon phantoms." "There are many color changes in the piece, many nuances of lighting, and that's what the title refers to," Trojahn told DW. He appreciates the transparency of Mozart's music. "My composition should by light and transparent, just like Mozart's works," Trojahn explains. Mönkemeyer and Youn are a well-rehearsed team. They performed sometimes extremely delicate sounds with nuance and sensitivity. The Mozart Festival's opening concert with Nils Mönkemeyer, playing viola, and William Youn, at the piano Image: Mozartfest/Foto: Dita Vollmond Joseph Haydn, the fatherly friend Mozart is still considered a role model for many musicians today. He himself had role models such as the composer Joseph Haydn and Bach's son, Johann Christian Bach, whom he admired for his elegant, light music. Joseph Haydn was 24 years older than Mozart. They developed a friendly father-son relationship, and Mozart wrote in letters that Haydn was his "dearest friend." In 1785, he dedicated six string quartets to Haydn, to whom he handed the scores, saying they were his "children." Wax portrait reliefs of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Joseph Haydn Image: Oskar Anrather/picture-alliance/brandstaetter images The horn player Joseph Leutgeb was also one of Mozart's close friends. Mozart wrote humorous taunts into his scores, such as "For you, Mr. Donkey." Mozart was also friends with Anton Stadler, one of the best clarinetists of his time. He composed a clarinet quintet and a clarinet concerto for him. Later, as Mozart became increasingly ill and lonely, he wrote that music was essentially his only friend. The 'false friends'? And what about the false friends Mozart's father worried about? One of them appears in Milos Forman's 1984 film, "Amadeus": Antonio Salieri is portrayed in the movie as a mediocre composer and as Mozart's adversary, scheming behind Mozart's back and even poisoning him. The story of Mozart and Salieri's alleged rivalry has been brought to the screen through the 1984 film 'Amadeus' Image: Leemage/dpa/picture-alliance Although this narrative has long since been refuted, it remains a popular belief. Evelyn Meining wants to dispel such clichés at the Mozartfest: "Salieri was not a vicious competitor. That's all untrue," she says. Nor was he a failure living in Mozart's shadow, but a respected court composer. "Mozart and Salieri held each other in high esteem," Meining adds. The 'Black Mozart' Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges, is also portrayed as Mozart's rival in literature and in the film "Chevalier" (2022), directed by Stephen Williams. Born in Guadeloupe in 1745, the son of a white French nobleman and a Black slave, he came to France as a child. He made a name for himself early on as a violinist and composer. Joseph Haydn later composed for Bologne's own orchestra. Bologne was also considered for the position of director of the Academie Royale de Musique, but racial discrimination prevented his appointment. The violin duel between Mozart and Bologne depicted in the film "Chevalier" never actually took place. It is questionable whether Bologne, nine years older than Mozart, even had direct contact with him as a young musician. As composers who were active at the same time and were celebrated artists in their circles, it has simply been since assumed that they were competitors, explains Meining. Even the label "Black Mozart" for Joseph Bologne only came about posthumously. Composer Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges (1745-1799) Image: Fine Art Images/Heritage Images/picture alliance Friendships yesterday and today The festival's "Mozart Laboratory" hosts discussions on the topic of friendship, with a focus on artistic associations and social networks. "Because, of course, we are in the midst of a revolutionary social transformation, strongly driven by new digital developments such as the internet, social media and AI," says Meining. To counteract this, there will also be concerts held in private homes, where like-minded people can come together and perhaps rediscover music as a "medium of friendship." Who knows, the event might lead to new friendships. This article was originally written in German.
14 hours ago
- Politics
One killed after Thai and Cambodian soldiers briefly clash in a disputed border area
BANGKOK -- A Cambodian soldier was killed when Thai and Cambodian troops briefly fired at each other in their disputed border area Wednesday, officials said. Cambodian army spokesperson Mao Phalla said the Cambodian troops were conducting a routine patrol along the border when the Thai side opened fire. The Thai army's statement said the Cambodian soldiers entered a disputed area and Thai soldiers approached the area to negotiate but due to misunderstanding, the Cambodian side opened fire and the Thai soldiers then retaliated. The clash lasted about 10 minutes until local commanders spoke to each other and ordered a ceasefire, the Thai army said, adding that the two were negotiating. Cambodia said one of its soldiers was killed during the fight, and the body has been transported from the border for a funeral. The Thai army said it had no casualties. Thai Defense Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said the situation has been resolved and that both sides did not intend to open fire at each other. Neighboring Thailand and Cambodia have a long history of land disputes. The most prominent involved the Preah Vihear promontory, an area around a 1,000-year-old temple that was listed as a UNESCO world heritage site in 2008. The U.N.'s International Court of Justice granted sovereignty over the area to Cambodia in 2013. There have been recent border incidents between the two countries, including in February when Cambodian troops and their family members entered an ancient temple along the border and sang the Cambodian national anthem, leading to a brief argument with Thai troops. The incident was recorded on video and went viral on social media.
