Latest news with #WorldHeritageDay
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Germany issues invitation to culture and nature on World Heritage Day
The Wadden Sea, Cologne Cathedral and the Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex in Essen have one thing in common: They have been designated as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO, marking them as places of exceptional value to all of humanity. There are now 54 World Heritage Sites in Germany, and, for the 20th time, the German UNESCO Commission invited people to these protected sites with a variety of activities for World Heritage Day on Sunday. "The aim of the day of action is to make World Heritage accessible to everyone," German UNESCO Commission President Maria Böhmer said at a ceremony in St Michael's Church in the northern German city of Hildesheim. The World Heritage Day was opened there under the motto "Convey, Connect, Enthuse." It is a "very beautiful, colourful, lively festival," a spokesman said on Sunday afternoon. The Romanesque cathedral and St Michael's Church in the approximately 1,200-year-old city have been World Cultural Heritage sites since 1985. According to UNESCO, more than 350 events are on the programme across Germany. These range from a torchlight tour for children through the caves of the Swabian Jura to a mining adventure hike in the Ore Mountains and a rap tour through Hamburg's Speicherstadt. There are now more than 1,200 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 168 countries worldwide, and the list expands every year. Already nominated are Germany's castles of King Ludwig II of Bavaria: Neuschwanstein, Linderhof, Schachen and Herrenchiemsee. The World Heritage Committee is expected to decide in July whether they will be added to the World Heritage list. In the meantime, some World Heritage Sites are transnational. Germany's Ancient Beech Forests were added to the list in 2011 as an extension of the Carpathian Beech Forests, which span 18 countries in Central and South-Eastern Europe. The Wadden Sea, on the edge of the North Sea, was included in 2009 and extended in 2014 to include the Danish Wadden Sea. In the German state of Lower Saxony, the Rammelsberg Mine, the old town of Goslar in the Harz, and the Upper Harz Water Management System can also boast the title. The Fagus Factory in Alfeld, Lower Saxony, designed in 1911 by architect and Bauhaus founder Walter Gropius, has been on the World Heritage list since 2011.
Hindustan Times
23-05-2025
- Hindustan Times
Now, guided tours to prominent sites in Prayagraj every Sunday
Starting May 25, tourists visiting Prayagraj will be able to explore the city's major pilgrimage and heritage sites through guided tours organised every Sunday by the Uttar Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation (UPSTDC). As part of this initiative, arrangements for comfortable travel to the sites though affordable tour package and accurate information about each site will be provided to the tourists, officials said. The move comes following orders from the Lucknow-based headquarters of UPSTDC as part of a plan on the occasion of World Heritage Day (April 18) to offer pilgrims and tourists the opportunity to experience the spiritual and historical richness of Prayagraj after the Mahakumbh celebrations. 'A plan has been made to provide tourists with darshan of pilgrimage and tourist sites throughout the year. Such sites have already been identified. The facility will be provided on Sundays starting from May 25,' said DP Singh, chief manager of UPSTDC, Prayagraj. Seven sites have been selected in Prayagraj as part of this initiative. Tourists will be provided with a guided tour in AC buses (15 seats each). The selected sites include Akshayavat, Patalpuri Temple, Bade Hanumanji Temple, Bhardwaj Ashram Corridor, Amar Shaheed Chandrashekhar Azad Park, Muir College and Khusro Bagh, Singh said. Tourists wishing to avail themselves of the guided tour to these sites by corporation buses will have to pay ₹525 at the counter of Rahi Ilavrat Tourist Rest House in Civil Lines. The tour facility will be provided every Sunday from 6am to 6pm. Two buses have been sent from the UPSTDC headquarters for the service to be provided throughout the year, said officials.
Time of India
28-04-2025
- General
- Time of India
Archaeological Survey of India to Restore Damaged Mihrab Structure at Safa Masjid in Ponda
Panaji: After months of delay and neglect, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) will begin repairs on the damaged mihrab structure surrounding the centuries-old water tank at Safa Masjid in Ponda. Built in 1560 by Ibrahim Ali Adil Shah, the masjid features an ornate tank lined with niche-like arches, once used as hammams. The rain submerged parts of the tank, creating ideal conditions for crabs to burrow into the structure, causing visible cavities. 'We noticed the leakages at Safa Masjid. We have also noticed the dismantling of the stones on some of its arches. We are planning to restore the same,' Abhijit Ambekar, superintending archaeologist holding additional charge in Goa, told TOI . TOI reported on Oct 14, 2024, that the ornate niche structure enveloping the tank — called the mihrab — developed cavities, drilled in by the crabs in the tank. At the time, ASI officials stressed that there was no immediate threat to the tank's stability. However, the ASI-appointed caretakers at the site voiced their concerns about the impact of vibrations caused by rumblers installed on the nearby national highway on the aquatic life of the tank. They said it was prompting crabs to dig into the structure for shelter during the day. The centuries-old tank has been a habitat for fish, turtles, and crabs. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Ready to feel better in your body? WAYT-less® is a weight loss tablet that could support your goals. Nu Image Medical Shop Now Undo 'At the time, the priority of the ASI was to complete the preparations for the Exposition of the relics of St Francis Xavier, which was held at Old Goa from Nov 21, 2024, to Jan 5, 2025. Due to this, the upkeep of other monuments could not be prioritised. Funding was also awaited to take up work at other ASI buildings in Goa,' sources said. At the recently observed World Heritage Day on April 18, Ambekar announced a series of works that will be taken up by the ASI Goa circle this financial year.
News18
24-04-2025
- News18
Discover a Different Side of Goa with This Heritage Guide
Last Updated: Discover the soulful side of Goa through art, festivals, heritage stays, and community traditions. As we celebrated World Heritage Day this month, it's time to step beyond Goan beaches and into the soul of the state through Goa Unseen — an Airbnb guidebook developed in collaboration with the Goa Tourism Department. This thoughtfully curated collection of homes and experiences celebrates Goa's vibrant cultural heritage. From centuries-old music and art forms to community-led festivals, the guidebook encourages travelers to see Goa not just as a beach destination, but as a thriving cultural landscape steeped in history. So if you're planning your next trip to Goa, let this be your sign to look beyond the coastline and dive into these timeless experiences: Celebrations of Culture Three Kings Feast: A spiritual and cultural celebration in villages like Chandor and Cansaulim, commemorating the Biblical Magi with local processions and centuries-old rituals. São João Feast: A joyful monsoon celebration where locals leap into wells and sing traditional songs—an exuberant expression of Goan spirit and cultural pride. Where History Lives Museum of Christian Art, Old Goa: Nestled within a centuries-old convent, this museum showcases Goa's Indo-Portuguese legacy through sacred art, religious artifacts, and gilded treasures. Goa Chitra Museum, Benaulim: Founded by artist and curator Victor Hugo Gomes, Goa Chitra spans over 1,17,000 square meters and houses over 4,000 artifacts preserving the region's agrarian and cultural past. Bonderam Festival, Divar Island: Held annually on the fourth Saturday of August, this vibrant parade features traditional music, dancing, mock battles, and colorful floats. Chikhal Kalo Festival: A playful mud festival celebrating ancient traditions through music and community rituals. Shigmo Festival: Goa's springtime cultural parade with folk dances, music, and dramatic floats depicting scenes from Hindu mythology and village life. Goa Through a Creative Lens Fundação Oriente Art Gallery, Panaji: Tucked into the Latin Quarter of Fontainhas, this gallery features contemporary and heritage-inspired works by Goan artists. Azulejo Art at Velha Goa, Aquem: Discover beautiful hand-painted Portuguese-style ceramic tiles crafted by local artisans. Fado & Mando at Madragoa, Panaji: Experience the soul of Goa through live performances of these musical traditions, brought to life by acclaimed Fadista Sonia Shirsat. Tiatr – Goa's Traditional Theatre: A beloved form of Konkani theatre blending music, drama, and social satire—offering insight into Goan life with heart and humor. Experience a Heritage Stay with Airbnb For your next Goan getaway, trade the ordinary for something truly special—like a stay at Vivenda Dos Palhacos, a lovingly restored 100-year-old Portuguese mansion in Majorda. With its vintage charm, sun-dappled pool, and warm hospitality, this boutique Airbnb is the perfect blend of comfort and cultural authenticity. Simon, Airbnb host of 13 years at Vivenda Dos Palhacos, shares, 'There's something beautifully untrainable about Goan hospitality—it's intuitive, heartfelt, and steeped in tradition. Vivenda Dos Palhacos is more than just a home; it's part of the cultural tapestry of a South Goan village. From restored Portuguese architecture to heirloom furniture and communal meals, every corner tells a story. We don't have signs or reception desks—just an open-door spirit that invites connection." 'Over the years, we've hosted artists, writers, and explorers drawn to Goa's slower rhythm and soulful charm. Here, heritage isn't just remembered—it's lived every day." Airbnb invites you to rediscover Goa—not just through its monuments, but through its music, festivals, art, and homes that carry its timeless legacy forward. First Published:
Focus Malaysia
23-04-2025
- Focus Malaysia
Bridging the past and the present: Rediscovering our heritage
ON World Heritage Day observed annually on April 18, the world pauses as we not only admire ancient ruins and majestic landmarks but reflect on the essence of heritage itself. Across continents and cultures, people gather to honour the stories carved into stone walls, the traditions whispered through generations, and the spirit that continues to bind the past with the present. In Malaysia, we are fortunate custodians of not one, but five UNESCO World Heritage Sites, each bearing testimony to our nation's rich and diverse cultural fabric. From the historic cities of George Town and Melaka, whose streets echo with centuries of trade and multicultural exchange to the archaeological marvels of the mysterious Lenggong Valley and Niah National Park's Caves Complex and the breathtaking natural beauty of Gunung Mulu and Kinabalu Parks, these sites are more than tourist attractions—they are living chronicles of who we were, who we are, and who we aspire to be. But amid the global recognition and the festive crowds, one could easily forget to ask a simple yet profound question: What does heritage mean to us? We sometimes overlook the heart of the matter: heritage isn't just about places; it's about people. It's not only about what the world celebrates, but what we, in our quietest, most personal moments, hold dear. Heritage in the humble moments This year, the answer found us in the most unexpected way—during a heartfelt journey home for Hari Raya, a celebration that beautifully stretches across the entire month of Syawal. As the city lights slowly disappeared in the rearview mirror and we made our way toward the warm, familiar embrace of our kampung, a deeper kind of heritage quietly began to unfold. It wasn't found in stone carvings or ancient scrolls. It wasn't displayed behind glass or written in guidebooks, but in the crisp scent of lemang being grilled, the delicious ketupat and rendang being served, the rhythmic sound of takbir that breaks the silence, the sparkle of bunga api lighting up village skies and the heartfelt laughter that echoes as families reunited under one roof. It was in the way our elders' told stories from the past—tales of hardship, resilience, love, and faith—as we sat cross-legged on woven mats, enveloped by memories stitched into the very walls of our childhood homes. This, too, is heritage. It is the intangible inheritance that no plaque or preservation law can fully protect—yet it lives on in gestures, recipes, languages, prayers, and unspoken customs. It is deeply personal, passed on not through museums, but through moments. A legacy worth preserving The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) once said: 'When a person dies, his deeds come to an end except for three: Sadaqah Jariyah (a continuous charity), knowledge from which benefit is gained, or a righteous child who prays for him.' (Sahih Muslim, 1631) This hadith speaks directly to the heart of heritage. It reminds us that what we leave behind—be it charitable deeds, useful knowledge, or nurtured values—becomes our living legacy. This timeless wisdom reminds us that true legacy is not carved in stone but cultivated in the hearts and actions of those we leave behind. It is the knowledge we share, the values we instil, the love we spread—all of which continue to ripple through time long after we are gone. And so, preserving heritage is not merely about restoring buildings or cataloguing artifacts; it is about nurturing traditions, sharing stories, and instilling pride in the generations to come. As the world celebrates World Heritage Day, let us not limit our gaze to only the grand or the globally recognised. Let us look inward—to the home we return to each festive season, the language we speak with our elders, the lullabies sung to our children. Let us appreciate the everyday expressions of heritage that define who we are as Malaysians, as members of a family, as inheritors of something greater than ourselves. Whether you walk the ancient streets of Melaka or stand quietly in your grandmother's kitchen watching her cook with a recipe older than your birth, you are stepping into heritage. You are part of the story. You are not just observing history; you are continuing it. So, this World Heritage Day, celebrate not only what the world has deemed worthy of preservation—but what has been inscribed in your heart. Because in the end, heritage is not only about what we conserve. It is about what we live, what we love, and what we pass on. – April 23, 2025 Dr Zuraini Md Ali, Associate Professor, Faculty of Built Environment, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur & Registered Conservator with the National Heritage Department, Malaysia. Datin Dr Nor Hayati Hussain, Assistant Professor, School of Architecture, Faculty of Built Environment. Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT) & an active graduate member of Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia. The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia. Main image: UNESCO World Heritage Centre
