Two attractive promotions for a tropical Maldives escape
By Rama Gaind
There is a certain magic about the Maldives that’s enticing … and it certainly offers the sunny side of life!
With its rich history and diverse landscapes and destinations, this is one of the best island destinations in the world, with
numerous atolls, clear waters, pristine beaches and dive sites filled with marine life. While historians believe the nation – which spans across the equator – was populated well over 2,500 years ago, the Maldives comprise 1,192 islands, stretching along a length of 871 kilometers.
An archipelagic state in South Asia, situated in the Indian Ocean, it lies southwest of Sri Lanka and India, about 750 kilometres from the Asian continent’s mainland. Home to more than half-a-million people, traces are apparent of influence by various cultures around the rim of the Indian Ocean. Maldivian culture, craft and traditions have been shaped by the surrounding island environment and the seas.
There’s never a dull moment here. A renowned diving destination, this is where you enjoy the white sand beaches, beautiful atolls and crystal-clear waters with rich aquatic wildlife. You’ll find giant whale sharks in the area, especially around the reefs near Sun Island. Find these gentle giants and other shark species in Rangali Island and Hanifaru Bay.
Coral reefs are the foundation of the islands and the Maldives has one of the most delicate environments anywhere on the planet. Speaking of Maldives’ thriving marine biodiversity, its seas are home to five of the seven marine turtle species in the world. You can see loggerheads, leatherbacks, Olive Ridley turtles, green turtles and hawksbill turtles when you visit popular dive sites in the country.
Less than a fifth of Maldives’ island population is inhabited and it’s the world’s flattest country. This beautiful island country has an average altitude of 1.8 metres: its highest point Villingili Island, is only 2.3 metres above sea level.
Unlike most ‘white sand’ beaches that have yellowish sand, the beaches of Maldives have true white sands, made of coralline, which are rare and only present in around five per cent of beaches worldwide.
Accommodation options
Resorts, hotels, guesthouses and safari vessels offer different accommodation experiences. However, it’s time to discover the hottest offers for a tropical island escape at Crossroads Maldives, the fully-integrated destination and premier multi-island resort. Here’s your chance to experience an enchanting escape in paradise with a choice of tempting packages at its two five-star private island lifestyle resorts: SAii Lagoon Maldives and Hard Rock Hotel Maldives.
The free-spirited SAii Lagoon Maldives opened more than three years ago, and under one of its appealing promotions, visitors who stay for four nights or longer will be treated to a wealth of benefits.
Alternatively, across the lagoon at Hard Rock Hotel Maldives, this iconic music-themed resort has many accommodation packages, including web offers. Go online to seek out the best alternatives for you.
Nestled in the South Malé Atoll, just 15 minutes from Velana International Airport, Crossroads Maldives is a ‘one-stop, non-stop’ destination where the adventurous can cross paths and explore a wealth of attractions, diverse dining, world-class wellness, specialty shopping and more, amid powder-soft sand beaches and shimmering seas.
Partake of environmental and cultural activities, discover an 800-metre beachside boardwalk which is lined with cool cafés, refined restaurants and upmarket boutiques.
Book soon and have yourself an amazing tropical sojourn!
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.
You can use a rapid antigen test to find out if you have COVID-19. The test can be used quickly and privately in your home.
This year, Life Eternal Trust Australia [LETA], popularly known as Sahaja Yoga Meditation organised a public program on Sunday, 20th March from 12 noon to 5 pm at the Sutton’s Beach, Redcliffe to celebrate cultural diversity, and promote LETA’s 30 years of contributions to socio-cultural and economic life, encouraging social cohesion and inclusiveness within the Moreton Bay Region.
The official segment of the program started from 2 pm with Aunty Betty delivering a very insightful acknowledgement of country and Adjunct Professor Dr Sudipto Roy extending a warm welcome on behalf of LETA to all the participants, including the online participants who had tuned in from across Australia and other parts of the world.
Sudipto shared the message from Leanne Linard MP [Minister for Children and Youth Justice and Minister for Multicultural Affairs] highlighting the significance of the program and acknowledging LETA’s contribution to Queensland, Moreton Bay Region in particular. Councillor Sandra Ruck [Division 5 Moreton Bay Region], Councillor Steven Huang [The MacGregor Ward] and Brett Johnson [LETA National Coordinator] shared their wonderful messages of hope and harmony along with deep insights about the benefits of the program.
The speeches were interspersed with live music and instrumental music performances. LETA’s music group Sahaj Sangeet captivated the audience with lively music, rhythmic hand movements and clapping. Coralie Jessop on Santoor with Rudrodipto Roy on tabla thrilled the audience while Rudrodipto’s Saxophone rendition Maroon 5’s “Memories” left the audience with an invigorating experience.
In the last session, Leanne Lingard demonstrated simple meditation techniques followed by a soothing piece by Gaspar Hunt on piano to reduce stress, improve mental and physical health and wellbeing. Sudipto concluded the program with a vote of thanks, acknowledging Moreton Bay Regional Council for proudly supporting the event with generous funding, and invited the participants to join follow-up sessions and programs.