< Previous20 THE BUZZ 22 GARUDA MUSEUM The Garuda, a half-human and half-eagle deity said to havebeen sent by mythical gods to protect the people of Thailand, is the national symbol of Thailand and well-embedded in the country's culture. 26 BHUTAN’S YEAR- ROUND FESTIVALS Bhutan, resplendent with culture as well as nature, has a calendar filled with festivals to enjoy the whole year round. 32 COME SPA WITH ME AT ANANTARA KOH YAO YAI RESORT & VILLAS21 THE BUZZ22 THE BUZZ GARUDA M U S E U M The Garuda, a half-human and half-eagle deity said to have been sent by mythical gods to protect the people of Thailand, is the national symbol of Thailand and well-embedded in the country's culture. From its significant presence in Buddhist mythology to its prestige also as the royal symbol, Thais have mostly grown up with the omnipresence of Garuda in their daily life – seeing it on the walls of banks, law enforcement agencies, government and public services offices, and more. Text by Chondarin Subarna Na Ayudhya | Photos by Garuda Museum Those curious to dig deeper into the significance of the Garuda can now visit the Garuda Museum, located in Bang Pu Industrial Estate, Samut Prakan. It is the only of its kind in Southeast Asia and here, visitors will discover exhibits of Garuda from all the country’s regions. Entry to the Garuda Museum is free of charge. Recently opened by TMBThanachart, the museum is home to 150 Garuda emblems from different branches of the bank. These were crafted finely from wood and each emblem possesses its own elegant characteristics. The museum’s six zones offer visitors an immersive experience of colour, sound, light and multimedia through which they can explore the legend of the Great Garuda and learn about Thai culture and customs associated with the mythology. It is an entertaining and educational journey for everyone in the family and allows them to appreciate the value of the Garuda as a cultural legacy that has been passed down through generations of Thai history. SIX ZONES OF THE GARUDA MUSEUM ZONE 1 The Reception Hall is the first space where the captivating tale of the Great Garuda begins. Witness the dawn of Great Garuda through the innovative augmented reality (AR) technology which provides a novel way for visitors to explore and discover the exhibits in the museum.23 ZONE 2 At Garuda Piman (“piman” means “heavenly abode”), visitors can delve into Buddhist cosmology and contemplate the creation of the universe and planet Earth. They can set foot in the mystical Himmapan Forest, assumed to be the home for all Garudas, and at the heart of the chamber become mesmerised by the Anodad Pond embellished with numerous propitious carvings of Singha, elephants, horses and bovines. Visitors will become immersed in the lush vegetation of the forest and surrounded by mythical creatures such as hermits, Gandharvas (celestial beings who render music), Vijjadharas (semi-divine bearers of insight) and Nariphon trees which produce fruits in the form of beautiful Apsaras (nymphs). The showstopper is a model of the fabled Great Garuda egg which, according to legend, was laid by Vinata. Visitors are most welcome to snap photos with the astounding egg. ZONE 3 Here, visitors can dive into the mythical underwater world of Naga Metropolis, a ten-metre tunnel transformed into the fantastical realm of Nagas, which were spirits that looked half-human and half- serpent. Discover the history of Nagas in Buddhism including their role as the sworn enemies of Garuda and then as Phra Narai's chariot. Uncover the longstanding half-sibling rivalry between Great Garuda and the Nagas, who shared the same father but were born from different mothers. Learn the tale of Vinata, Great Garuda's mother, who was tricked into becoming a slave to her sister Kadru, the Nagas' mother, for five centuries. Also learn why Great Garuda needed to take an elixir of life from Phra Narai to free his mother from servitude, thus igniting the long-standing feud between the two families. Learn about the significance of Nagas as water spirits and guardians of treasures, giving rise to the belief that worshipping Nagas will bring fortune to those who do. This is an exciting and must- visit zone for any visitor! 24 THE BUZZ ZONE 4 The Eternal God of the Sky exhibition thrills with a breath-taking light and sound multimedia animation projected onto a semi-circular wall that relates the story of Great Garuda's fortitude, gratitude and altruism. His mission to seize the elixir from Phra Narai and the ensuing battle eventually culminated in his defeat and death. However, Phra Narai applauded Great Garuda for his unwavering appreciation for his mother and requested him to become his celestial chariot, thereby bestowing him with immortality. ZONE 5 The Royal Ride uncovers the intriguing backstory of the Tra Krut Pah, which has been the emblem of the Thai monarchy for centuries. Delve into its origin and explore its history, including how it came to be intrinsically associated with Thai kings since the Ayutthaya Era. Its roots can be traced back to the Khmer belief that kings are incarnations of Vishnu who descend from the sky to rule the land, with the mighty Great Garuda as their celestial chariot on Earth. Displayed with pride in this zone is a magnificent Garuda emblem carved from wood which came from Siam City Bank’s Hatyai branch.25 ZONE 6 The Garuda Exhibits Room houses a collection of 150 dignified Garuda emblems and sculptures from each region of the nation. The emblems were previously presented to businesses, such as the very first Garuda emblem that was royally bestowed (on Siam City Bank’s headquarters on Ratchadamnoen Road). These emblems exude a timeless dignity as well as sense of grandeur and power. Hand-carved from wood, upon close inspection you will notice that no two are alike with differences in expression and colour of their attire, reflecting their own distinct history and legacy. Entrance is free but visitors must register in advance at www.ttbfoundation.org/th/garudamuseum/. The museum is open only on Friday and Saturday for three rounds each day at: 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Guided tours are provided free of charge and a bus shuttle service between the museum and Kheha BTS Station can be booked in advance via the QR code below. For more information, please call +66(0) 98 882 3900.26 THE BUZZ BHUTAN’S YEAR-ROUND FESTIVALS Bhutan, resplendent with culture as well as nature, has a calendar filled with festivals to enjoy the whole year round. They showcase the rich tapestry of Bhutan’s national identity and offer a warm Bhutanese welcome to all who wish to experience the country’s living traditions. Text by Department of Tourism of Bhutan and Somkamol Mukdamanee Photos by Department of Tourism of Bhutan27 There are seven significant festivals in Bhutan spread throughout the year, underscoring the traditional, spiritual and ecological facets of the small kingdom and its belief and ability in blending the wisdom of the past with the future. Punakha Dromche takes place during 16-18 February every year in the beautiful courtyard of the fortress Punakha Dzong, which is located in the previous capital of Punakha, as jacaranda flowers begin to bloom. It is the only festival in the country that reenacts, dramatically, a 17th-century battle against the Tibetan army. The reenactment features pazaps (local militia) dressed in traditional battle regalia to relate the time when, in the absence of an armed force, eight tshochen (great villages) from Thimphu and Punakha came forward and expelled invading Tibetan forces who had come to take away Rangjung Kharsapani, the sacred relic. The battle reenactment is followed by the ritual of norbu chushani, or immersion of relics in the Mo Chhu River. To hoodwink the Tibetan invaders, Zhabdrung Rinpoche the unifier of Bhutan is said to have dropped a decoy of the sacred relic into the Mo Chhu River. Today, this ritual by the river is watched by hundreds of people gathered in the fortress. On the final day of Punakha Dromche, a massive copper bowl inscribed with scriptures is dragged into the centre of the courtyard. The bowl is filled to the brim with alcohol which is then blessed, and distributed among the people attending the festival. Immediately following Punakha Dromche comes the three-day Punakha Tshechu, held during 19-21 February also in the courtyard of Punakha Dzong. Every tshechu is held in reverence of Guru Rinpoche, the tantric Buddhist Vajra master, and Punakha Tshechu is one of the most popular for locals. This tshechu features cham (mask dances) and other traditional Bhutanese folk dances. Locals will dress in their best attire and families will bring picnic lunches to this festival. 28 THE BUZZ Paro Tshechu takes place from 21-25 March at the beautiful Rinpung Dzong in Paro, the district where the small kingdom's international airport is located. The festival features various cham and traditional Bhutanese folk dances performed by both monks and locals. The highlight is the unfurling of the immense throngdrel (tapestry) depicting the eight manifestations of Guru Rinpoche, on the final day. The giant throngdrel covers the entire three-storey wall and all the locals will queue to get a closer view of it and receive blessings. Every 13-14 April, the Rhododendron Festival is held at the Royal Botanical Park in Lamperi, about 35 km from the capital of Thimphu. The two-day festival marks the beginning of the spring season and showcases blooming rhododendron species found in the park, spanning an area of around 50 sqm. To date, Bhutan has identified a total of 46 species of rhododendron, including four that are endemic: Rhododendron kesangiae, Rhododendron pogonophyllum, Rhododendron Bhutanese, and Rhododendron flinckii. The Royal Botanical Park in Lamperi houses a total of 29 species. The main objective of the Rhododendron Festival is to celebrate the rich flora, culture and food of Bhutan, and to create awareness of climate change and the need for conservation of the environment. It offers games, cultural shows and entertainment including cham, traditional Bhutanese music, and dances by local communities and school children. There are textile and souvenir stalls, and food stalls including rhododendron-themed food and drinks, all set up by local vulnerable Black- Necked Cranes communities. Nature-loving visitors looking for an opportunity to engage more closely with nature can go forest-bathing along the Lungchutse hiking trail, around a two-hour walk from the Dochula Pass. It’s a beautiful trail with tree canopies, and around the time of the festival will be splendid with rhododendron flowers in full bloom.29 The annual Black-Necked Crane Festival is held on 11 November in Gangtey Valley, located less than four hours’ drive from Thimphu. The valley serves as a wintertime roosting ground for Black-Necked Cranes, enabling visitors have the unique opportunity to observe these majestic but endangered birds after their migration from parts of Tibet, China and Arunachal Pradesh, India. On a similar theme, the annual Bhutan Bird Festival takes place from 13-15 November at Tingtibi in Zhemgang district, which is known as the eco-tourism capital of Bhutan and around a six-hour drive from Thimphu. It is home to over 500 species of birds including Pallas's Fish Eagle, Satyr Tragopan, Rufous-Necked Hornbill, Spotted Elachura, Blue-Capped Rock Thrush, Emerald Cuckoo, Nuthatch, and the critically endangered White-Bellied Heron. This three- day bird festival is a fascinating one, aimed to promote birding and upscale eco-tourism in the region. The festival features cultural and entertainment programmes by local bands, dancers and singers, cham and traditional Bhutanese music. There are food stalls offering local treats such as kharang (maize grits), smoked fish, bamboo shoots, pickles, fruits and cereals, and tongpa (an alcoholic beverage made from wheat) served in bamboo containers, a favourite of locals and foreign visitors alike. Beautiful handicrafts woven from cane and bamboo including household items, containers, quivers, plates and jewellery holders are also displayed at the festival. Visitors can participate in the drawing competitions and traditional games, and enjoy hiking along the beautiful bird-watching trails. Beyond the festival grounds, visitors have the option to go for a healing hot spring bath and/or recreational fishing (catch and release) using local traps or fly-fishing equipment. They may also go white water rafting in the Mangde Chhu and Drangme Chhu basins. Attendees can look forward to witnessing cham such as Drametse Ngachham (mask dance of the drums from Drametse, eastern Bhutan), Pachham (dance of the heroes), and Zhana Ngachham (black hat drum dance). The festival features cultural performances by students paying homage to the Black-Necked Cranes. Beyond the festival, attendees may like to explore Gangtey Goenpa temple, and hike towards the lower valley to gain more insight on the local way of life.Next >