Limited-time ‘Escape to Paradise’ offer to Khao Lak resort
By Rama Gaind
When we go on vacation it means having nothing to do, and all day to do it in! That’s what happens when you stay at a beachfront retreat in southern Thailand. Nowadays, travellers do not just want to see a new destination – they want to live it, breathe it and feel it.
Whether you want to experience the relaxing, uplifting, warm, intentional or natural, a visit to JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa and JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort Suites is on the cards. Take advantage of the comprehensive collection of experiences that encompass every aspect of the resort. Impressive is one description that comes to mind.
Connect with the stunning beauty of Khao Lak. Once at the beach hotel, you begin to rediscover the beauty of your surroundings in the midst of sun, sea and sand, tropical greenery, granite mountains and stunning waterfalls. Located in peaceful Khao Lak, Phang Nga, you feel inspired by the beauty of Thailand with the pristine white sand beach that blends into the azure waters of the Andaman Sea.
As well, the resort has unveiled 21 signature experiences for 2023 that will enable every holidaymaker to explore the authentic heart of this destination. Let an invigorating and immersive encounter stimulate the senses with exotic sights, sounds and smells as you discover the rich culture of Khao Lak with a beachfront Sunday market. Treat your children to an array of inspiring experiences and activities, including the chance to watch a magician perform tricks or take part in kids’ daily rituals at Sala, the casual poolside restaurant, such as sea boxing, games, cookie decorating and more.
If you’re passionate about sustainability, the innovative Art of Trash workshops use creativity by taking debris and driftwood from the shore and turning it into stunning sculptures. You could be invited to the Shark Nursery, a dedicated marine sanctuary that connects all ages with the Andaman Sea’s threatened bamboo sharks. Join the fully trained team of conservationists to find out how they nurture the sharks, from the incubation of eggs to the time of release.
Golden shores
Relax with your loved ones and reconnect with the world on the golden shores of Khuk Khak Beach. Have a family picnic, complete with a tipi, picnic basket, blanket and so much more, or gather your loved ones for a family barbecue, crafted by a private chef and filled with fresh ingredients, local seafood and prime meats. If being at one with nature is your preference, then head down to the JW Garden, where you can learn about the three signature ingredients: rosella, Thai basil and lemongrass. It can be seen all around the resort.
This is where you step into a world of organic, freshly-grown produce. The extensive garden is dedicated to cultivating a wide range of indigenous ingredients, including exotic herbs and spices, native vegetables and tropical fruits, which are used in the restaurants, bars and spa.
Be as active as you like (or not). Whether you’re an experience-seeking traveller, in search of a culinary haven, participating in in-house workshops, master classes, mindful moments, water sports or wellness activities, there is something to suit everyone’s taste.
Take advantage of the limited-time ‘Escape to Paradise’ offer, with valid stay dates that end on 31 December 2023.
Oikotan Inc. (formerly Oikotan) recently organised the third edition of its most significant festival on the 28th and 29th of October 2023 at the Albany Creek Community Centre. “Durga Pujo” this year was made special by the theme and the introduction of guest performer, Ujaan Mukherjee who is up and coming singer from Kolkata. The baby is growing and 2023 marked an exceptional year in the journey they set out on, where more people joined in along with dignitaries from the state government, local council and other associations.
Participants and important Dignitaries
Pujo Rituals and Food
Competition and Cultural Program
The event was held at Desi Junction, Logan Central and was adorned with colourful lights, rangolis, and diyas, which added to the festive atmosphere.
The event was not only sponsored but generously supported by many sponsors including Mahindra Automotive, Education Embassy, QLD Skip hires, AusIndia Travel, Divya Jyoti Jagruti Sansthan, Northside Mechanicals & Tyres, Loaney Home loan expert, Blue Sky Solar, Customised Gifts co, Salt N Spice Indian and Islander groceries, Events by HKM, Indian Mums Connect, Priyanka Boutique, Brisbane Indian Times, and Australian Indian Radio, Parikh Digital Photography beautifully captured the event.
In conclusion, the Diwali celebration in UP style was a grand success. It brought together people from different communities and cultures to celebrate this joyous occasion. The event was filled with music, dance, food, and fun games that added to the festive atmosphere. It truly captured the essence of Diwali – spreading happiness and joy.
मैं ‘मधु खन्ना’ आप की फ़िल्म को सम्मान देने के लिये – आप की फ़िल्म जग्गी की छोटी सी पंक्ति आप को सुनाना चाहूँगी-
The first item was a demonstration of the twelve names of Lord Ganesha presented by Smt Padmalakshmi. Her energy, vibrance and creative exploration of Lord Ganesha was a treat for the audience. She set the stage for the evening and provided the inspiration for her students to aspire and achieve a high standard.
Bharatanatyam is a story telling dance in which the dancers use poses, expressions and hand movements to communicate mythological stories. The students presented mythological stories of Lord Nadarajah, Vishnu, Rama, Krishna and Hanuman. The expressions, grace and synchronisation of the dancers were commendable. A noteworthy feature of the evening was the interaction of the dancers with the audience, which injected a lot of energy and life in the auditorium and much enjoyed by the audience. The students also enacted a thematic dance drama of Lord Nadarajah, something new for the audience. It depicted the dialogue the devotee engages with Lord Nadarajah in the journey of life, from birth to death. It was meticulously choreographed, exhibiting intense vibrance, energy and intricate movements involving a significant number of dancers, performing alongside the guru. It was not only enjoyable watching this drama but also brought the realisation that the Lord only appears when there is a total surrender.
Lalithakalalaya School of Bharatanatyam has students who have just turned three. Teaching these students is not easy as it requires patience, effort and dedication. It was a proud moment for the parents to see their children on stage and demonstrating the mudras and Ganesha slokam while chanting.
Another presentation which received a great ovation from the audience is the Kolattam / dandiya dance by a group of ladies trained within a month, mostly above sixty years with minimal dancing experience. Smt Padmalakshmi wanted to provide the pleasure and joy of dancing to those who did not have an opportunity to do so and also convey the message that age is no barrier to learn anything.
Oikotan Inc. (formerly Oikotan) has grown leaps and bounds in the last one year since its inception in May 2021. 2022 marked a very special year in the journey they set out on where they organized their second edition of “Durga Pujo” in Brisbane. This year was even more special for them as the event marked the beginning of a lot of new traditions.
Oikotan Durga Pujo, a theme based “pujo”, was all about replicating terracotta mandir adorned with intricate detailing and hand drawn wall art. The planning and execution took two-three months to deliver from procuring of materials to cutting to shape and painting on them. While most of the décor was procured in Australia, some had to be ordered from India to make it look more beautiful and complete the look.
Oikotan Inc. in just their second year managed to double their participation from last year’s number with a cumulative footfall of over 500 people over the two days.
The traditional Durga Pujo meal of ‘Khichudi’, ‘Labda’ and ‘Chatni’ arranged by Oikotan not only hit the right spot of traditionalism, but it was also appreciated by each participant on day 2 where over 150+ people had the traditional lunch while over 180+ people indulged in some lip-smacking Indian meals on the first day. Food stall was a welcome addition for all as chai, samosas and pani puri (Phuchka in Bengali) were sold out within the first couple of hours. The fun was doubled up with relentless Adda (casual chit chats), pictures with Maa Durga in a relaxed yet a celebratory environment.
Traditionally, Dashami marks the end of the puja rituals. However, the age-old tradition of giving a farewell to “Maa Durga” by women draped in beautiful traditional sarees was followed at the Oikotan pujo as well where the members bid their beloved daughter a final send off for this year often with tears in their eyes following that up with applying red vermillion on each other’s face which is yet another age-old tradition. While sadness creeped in, celebrations were still on as participants and team members from age groups soon broke into the traditional dance form to the tunes of a very traditional drumbeats, “Dhak er awaj”.
Councilor Sandy Landers shared her lived experience and thoughts on the importance of raising awareness and going beyond understanding to action. There was a presentation by the Black dog institute followed by a powerful and thought-provoking dance by the Nishaan group. This was followed by keynote speeches, Associate professor Dr. Alka Kothari came with a well-researched presentation focused on the importance of men’s mental health, especially during childbirth. At the same time, the female partner gets attention often, and the mental status of men during this time is overlooked. Prof Nigar Khawaja (Ph.D.), Drago Ileana – Queensland Transcultural Mental Health Centre, and Evelyn Nguyen; Umesh Chandra OAM joined the speakers in the panel session moderated by Arpit Singh.
SPRING HILL, the annual Gandhi Jayanti organized by GOPIO Queensland and supported by FICQ, GSML, Gandhi Statue committee, and other organizations, was held at Gandhi statue near gate six of Roma Street Parkland prescient on 2nd October.
Despite the rainy conditions, staunch supporters of the cause gathered at the statue to pay tributes; Umesh Chandra OAM, the MC, welcomed everyone to the event, and mentioned that while we celebrated Gandhi Ji’s birthday, we should not forget Lal Bahadur Shastri Ji who was also born on 2nd October.
Voters are reminded that Saturday 21 May is election day, and support is available to help them have their say in Australia’s future.