Sakal Newspaper Article English Translation – Date 27 July 2025

Published in the Sunday Sakal on 27 July 2025 

Tripura - A Land of Culture and Natural Beauty 

Explore your own country, Tripura, a state full of culture and beauty. Tripura is one of the smallest states in India, located in the north-eastern region. The traditions of the local tribal communities here are influenced by Bengali culture. This state is known for its ancient temples. The Tripura Sundari Temple is one of the oldest temples and one of the 51 Shakti Peethas in India. The state offers a scenic blend of hills, forests and valleys, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers and trekkers. Tripura is home to indigenous tribes such as Tripuri, Reang, Jamatia and Chakma, each of which has its own unique traditions and festivals. The state celebrates many vibrant festivals like Kharchi Puja, Garia Puja and the Reang dance, which display its rich cultural tapestry. The mysterious archaeological site of Unakoti is famous for its rock-cut sculptures and intricate carvings. These artworks represent a fusion of Hindu mythology and local tribal artistry and are believed to date back to the 7th to 9th century. In Agartala, the grand Ujjayanta Palace stands as a symbol of Tripura’s royal history and heritage and is known for its architecture. The state has wildlife sanctuaries and national parks such as Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary and Clouded Leopard National Park, where one can find rare orchid species and endangered animals like the clouded leopard. Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary, also called the Bison Sanctuary, is home to the Indian bison. Tripura is also an important center for rubber production in India, contributing to the state's economy. Compared to many other Indian states, Tripura has a higher literacy rate, which reflects its focus on education and the development of its citizens. The state is also known for its rich traditions of folk music and dance. The Hojagiri dance performed by the Reang tribe is a beautiful example of this heritage. In recent times, homestays and eco-resorts have gained popularity in Tripura, allowing tourists to experience its rich culture more closely. While nearly 60 lakh tourists visit popular northeastern states like Assam and around 20 lakh visit Meghalaya, Tripura receives only around 5 lakh tourists, as it is still developing in the tourism sector. However, western tourists from countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Hungary and Switzerland often visit the state. So when are you planning to explore the unique charm of this small but extraordinary state? 

Oh… I didn’t know this!

Shirakawa-go is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its traditional Gassho-zukuri farmhouses. The term Gassho-zukuri means constructed like hands in prayer. The steep thatched roofs of these farmhouses resemble the joined hands of Buddhist monks in prayer. This architectural style was designed to withstand the heavy snowfall that the region receives during winter. Shirakawa-go is located in the remote mountainous Hida region of Gifu Prefecture. The village is surrounded by the Shō River. These houses date back to the 1600s and were traditionally used for cultivating and storing silkworms. They were built without using any nails. In winter, Shirakawa-go receives more than 30 feet of snow and the steep roofs help reduce the impact of this snowfall. Due to its traditional architecture and remote location, Shirakawa-go is sometimes referred to as Japan’s Snow Country. The village has fewer than 1,700 residents. In January and February, a special illumination event is organized where the snow-covered houses are lit up at night, attracting many tourists. The village offers a panoramic view especially during sunrise and sunset. Many of the traditional homes have been converted into museums, craft shops and cafes, allowing visitors to experience the local culture firsthand. Local artisans here practice traditional crafts such as pottery and weaving. The village is nestled along an alpine route. Following the pandemic, tourism has increased and more than two million tourists visited Shirakawa in 2024. You can visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site with its iconic houses on our Treasures of Japan and All of Japan tours. So what are you waiting for, let’s go to Japan. 

Veena World Seniors’ Special - Travel is a search for novelty! 

I book my tours from the office on Phadke Road in Dombivali. I started travelling with Veena World in 2022. My first tour with them was to Nepal in November of that year. Since then, in the last two and a half to three years, I have done seven tours with them across India and abroad, including Gujarat Vadodara, Assam Arunachal Meghalaya, Dalhousie Dharamshala Amritsar, a 13-day Europe tour, South Africa and Andaman. With Veena World, I have always experienced excellent arrangements. Their hotels are good and the travel vehicles are comfortable. What I like the most about them is their tour managers. I still remember them because all of them were excellent. They cared for everyone like family and were cooperative, which made each trip truly memorable. Today I am over sixty years old and I travel alone because my wife is still working and cannot get such long holidays. So I choose to go with their Seniors’ Special tours because there is a guarantee of room sharing. On these tours, I get to see different places, taste new dishes and make new acquaintances. Through social media and WhatsApp, we all stay connected and continue our bond even after the tour ends. Every moment on these tours can be lived joyfully. This coming September, I will be travelling to Sri Lanka with Veena World and the preparations for that will begin soon. For me, travel means new connections, a break from the daily routine and in short, travel is a search for something new. 

• Makarand Joshi, Dombivali, Thane, Maharashtra

Private Holiday Ideas
Qatar Grand Prix 2025 with Veena World Customized Holidays

Some holidays stay with you for life, where every moment is so exhilarating that it becomes a lasting memory. The roar of speed, the glitter of night racing, and the most glamorous race in the world under the clear sky, this is the moment. This year, come experience such a thrilling holiday with Veena World at the Qatar Grand Prix 2025. Veena World brings you this special package designed just for you. From 28 November to 1 December 2025, four days and three fun-filled nights. This exclusive package includes three-day tickets to the T16 Grandstand, a comfortable three-night hotel stay and transfers to the circuit. All of this starts at just ₹77,000, which means total excitement at the best price. The T16 Grandstand is the ultimate hotspot of action where the cars take their final turn, slam on the brakes and the fate of the race is decided. The thrill is so intense; you’ll never get it out of your head. That moment when the sound pauses and the adrenaline kicks in, being a witness to that is the real magic. But the excitement doesn’t stop there. This holiday package also includes access to the Fan Village featuring live music, exciting games, delicious food stalls, plenty of F1 activities, real-time merchandising and super fun entertainment for the whole family. In short, endless joy along with unforgettable memories. From kids to adults, there’s something special for everyone. This is not just a race, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience filled with speed, style and passion. And yes, the Grand Prix is not just for motorsport fans, but for anyone who wants to experience the thrill of life. So what are you waiting for, book your Qatar Grand Prix holiday with Veena World right now because seats are limited and why miss this best-price and never-before opportunity, right? Our team is ready to deliver you an exciting and memorable holiday. 

Around the World - Oktoberfest 

Oktoberfest is the world’s largest beer festival held annually in Munich starting in the latter half of September and ending in the first week of October. Locals call it Wiesn. It features large beer tents hosted by Munich’s historic breweries. The official mascot of Oktoberfest is a giant gingerbread heart decorated with colourful icing bearing the Bavarian phrase O’zapft is, which means It’s tapped. On the opening day, the festival begins with the official tapping of the first beer keg by the Mayor of Munich. In addition to this, visitors can enjoy carnival rides, games, music, Bavarian folk songs and traditional folk dances. Tourists here can also taste German wine, schnapps and soft drinks. Oktoberfest attracts around six million visitors every year. On the final day of the festival, a grand fireworks display marks its conclusion. So when are you going to this unique festival?