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Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, Arunachal Dy CM Chowna Mein attend Chindang festival at West Kameng

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3 years ago

October 15, 2023

Staff Reporter

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West Kameng (Arunachal Pradesh) [India], October 15 (ANI): Union Minister of Earth Sciences Kiren Rijiju and Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein graced the Chindang Festival at West Kameng district on Sunday.

The festival was organised at the Chindang Festival Hall in the village of Nafra in West Kameng. While Chowna Mein was the Chief Guest at the festival, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju graced the festival as the Chief Patron of the Festival Committee.

The event was marked by a spirit of unity and celebration, as the Sajolang community came together to organize a grand cultural extravaganza.

The Deputy Chief Minister in his speech commended the Sajolang Community for their exceptional efforts in preserving the traditional folk songs, local cuisines, and local cultures.

He also emphasized the importance of embracing modernization while safeguarding the rich heritage of our indigenous tribes and urged everyone to protect and celebrate our indigenous traditions. The Chindang Festival itself was highlighted as an example of Arunachal Pradesh’s rich cultural tapestry, celebrating the State’s heritage and traditions, he added.

He emphasized the importance of preserving and promoting these cultural treasures.

Highlighting the government’s commitment to preserving indigenous traditions and culture, Chowna Mein mentioned that significant efforts are underway to formulate policies that ensure the protection and promotion of these invaluable cultural assets.

Arunachal Pradesh, often touted as a cultural paradise for researchers, offers a wealth of cultural diversity that needs to be cherished and safeguarded for future generations, he added.

Mein also commended the elders for their pivotal role in preserving our rich cultural heritage and bestowing these traditions upon us.

“The younger generation should embrace the responsibility of carrying forward this legacy and ensuring the longevity of our cultures. Safeguarding and promoting our cultural traditions should be the collective obligation of our society. Arunachal Pradesh boasts an immense cultural diversity, making it a haven for researchers worldwide,” the Deputy CM highlighted.

He also urged artists, singers, and music composers to create songs using local lyrics and traditional music, thereby ensuring their continued vitality.

Deputy Chief Minister Mein also highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a developed India by 2047, encapsulated in the Panch Pran of Amrit Kaal.

He further stressed the state’s commitment to achieving this vision and elaborated on the remarkable progress in various sectors, including highways, railways, airways, telecom, riverways, and electricity.

These developments are critical for fostering economic growth and connectivity within the state, he added.

Furthermore, Mein underlined the importance of development in border areas. Initiatives such as Frontier Highways, Vibrant Village Program, Golden Jubilee Border Illumination Program, and the transformation of border villages into model villages are indicative of the State’s commitment to enhancing border security and development, he said.

Agriculture and horticulture were acknowledged as vital sectors, with a focus on boosting production and supporting farmers who play a crucial role in feeding the nation.

He also highlighted the commitment to improving educational infrastructure and opportunities, ensuring access to quality healthcare and actively participating in financial reforms to boost economic growth and prosperity.

In addition to the cultural significance, he also shared some remarkable economic achievements of Arunachal Pradesh.

“Over the last seven years, from 2016-17 to 2023-24, the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) of Arunachal Pradesh has witnessed impressive growth from Rs 22,100 crore to Rs 48,028 crore, representing a substantial increase of Rs 25,928 crore or 117 per cent,” he said.

Furthermore, he highlighted that the State’s Own Resource (SOR) has experienced a remarkable surge from Rs 1253.61 crore to Rs 3,412.81 crore during the same period, denoting a significant increase of Rs 2,159.20 crore or 172 per cent.

“During the same period, the state’s Annual Budget too witnessed a substantial rise, from Rs 11,535.65 crore to Rs 29,512.82 crore, representing a 156 per cent increase. This growth in resources has allowed Arunachal Pradesh to allocate more funds towards various developmental initiatives,” added the Deputy Chief Minister.

In conclusion, Mein appreciated and acknowledged the immense contribution of the Union Minister of Earth Sciences and MP of Arunachal Pradesh, Kiren Rijiju to the development of Arunachal Pradesh and the nation.

At the event, Union Minister Rijiju stated that most of the indigenous cultures in the world have vanished but the people of Arunachal Pradesh are fortunate that the majority of the land’s indigenous cultures are still flourishing.

In this context, he congratulated the Sajolang community for keeping their traditions alive in the form of cultural celebrations, such as the Chindang Festival and exhorted them to continue to do so.

He also expressed his thankfulness to the elders of the community for preserving and passing down the cultural heritage to the younger generations.

During the event Sajolang folktale movie titled “Narsang – A Tale of Two Realms and the audio album titled “Sajolang Gudang Muguniu” was released.

The event was also attended by MLA 7–Bomdila (ST) AC Dongru Siongju, former Minister, Japu Deru, former Member of Pradesh Council, Rinchin Kharu Rijiju, DC and SP West Kameng, PRI Leaders, GBs and others. (ANI)

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Staff Reporter

Entertainment

Dubai Miracle Garden returns as UAE’s cooler season begins

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3 weeks ago

October 9, 2026

Staff Reporter

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Dubai’s Miracle Garden has reopened for its 15th season as temperatures begin to fall across the UAE. The popular attraction in Al Barsha South welcomed visitors on Thursday, 8 October, with the new season being launched under the theme “Fifteen Years, Blooming Together”.

Sheikh Theyab bin Tahnoon bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, chairman of Miracle Group, inaugurated the new season. The garden will remain open until 31 May 2027, with a programme of weekly themes and events planned around the UAE’s cultural and national calendar.

Visitors will see activities linked to occasions including Pink October, United Nations Day, UAE Flag Day and Diwali. The programme will also include live music, family entertainment and fitness activities held as part of the Dubai Fitness Challenge.

Events are also planned for Commemoration Day and Eid Al Etihad.

“For fifteen seasons, Dubai Miracle Garden has grown alongside Dubai and its people,” Sheikh Theyab said. “This season is dedicated to the community that made it possible, particularly the families and residents who return year after year.”

Mohammed Zaher Hammadih, group chief executive of Miracle Group, said the weekly programme was intended to encourage visitors to return throughout the season.

“As we mark our 15th season, Dubai Miracle Garden continues to bring people together through shared experiences,” he said. “Our weekly programme gives families a new reason to return, with cultural celebrations, live entertainment and activities to enjoy throughout the season.”

The garden features more than 150 varieties of flowers and is known for its large-scale floral displays, some of which have previously set Guinness World Records.

Since opening in 2013, it has attracted millions of visitors and become one of Dubai’s established family attractions.The garden is open daily from 9am to 9pm on weekdays and from 9am to 11pm at weekends.

Tickets start at Dh105 for adults and Dh84 for children. Children under three can enter free of charge.

Entertainment

Emirates Dubai 7s 2026: Tickets on sale as festival returns with bigger family zone

Published

2 months ago

August 31, 2026

Michael Gomes

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Emirates Dubai 7s is returning to The Sevens Stadium from November 27 to 29, with tickets now on sale for the three-day sports and entertainment festival.

The 2026 edition will bring together international rugby, amateur sports, live music and family entertainment, with organisers promising a bigger programme than previous years.

The festival attracted more than 88,000 visitors in 2025 and will again take place during the final weekend of the Dubai Fitness Challenge.

Ticket prices

Ticket prices for General Admission and Hospitality have stayed the same for a third consecutive year.

Three-day General Admission tickets cost Dh595 per person, while the three-day Family Pass is Dh1,136 for two adults and two children.

Other ticket options

Group pass: Dh446 per person for four or more adults
Saturday or Sunday: Dh455
Friday: Dh75
Under 15s: Free
People of Determination + carer: Dh375

Tickets can be purchased through the Emirates Dubai 7s website and app.

Bigger family attractions

Family entertainment will get a major boost this year as the UAE celebrates the Year of the Family.

The festival will feature its biggest-ever Kids’ Zone, including the UAE’s largest inflatable kids’ zone, along with a Ferris wheel and zipline. More attractions are expected to be announced ahead of the event.

Six sports and top rugby action

Alongside elite rugby, visitors can watch or take part in competitions across six sports — rugby, netball, cricket, WODON3 fitness, Rebound padel and Gaelic Football.

Gaelic Football will join the festival for the first time in 2026.

The Sevens Stadium will also host the opening round of the HSBC SVNS Series 2027, bringing the world’s leading rugby sevens players to Dubai.

The WODON3 Elite final will take place on Pitch 1 between HSBC SVNS matches, with competitors potentially performing in front of crowds of up to 20,000.

Music all weekend

Live entertainment will run throughout the festival, with local and international artists performing across three days.

Last year’s line-up included Tinie Tempah, Sean Paul and Fisher, while the 2026 headline acts will be announced later.

For a premium experience, The Sunroom returns with all-inclusive food and drinks, shaded seating, prime sporting views and dedicated access. Packages start from Dh1,925 per person.

With sport, music and family attractions packed into one weekend, Emirates Dubai 7s is gearing up for another big Dubai event.

Entertainment

Dubai launches ‘Dubai+’ family streaming platform to boost digital media and creative economy

Published

9 months ago

January 29, 2026

Michael Gomes

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Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council, has approved the launch of Dubai+, a new family-oriented digital media platform, reinforcing Dubai’s ambition to become a global hub for digital media and the creative economy.

The approval came as Sheikh Ahmed chaired the Dubai Media Council’s first meeting of 2026 at Dubai Media, where members reviewed sector strategies and plans to strengthen content creation, innovation and local production capabilities.

What is Dubai+?

Dubai+ will offer a wide range of family-friendly content, bringing together:

Local and Emirati productions
Arab series and films
International entertainment

The platform reflects Dubai Media’s integrated digital ecosystem strategy, responding to shifting viewer habits and the growing demand for high-quality, on-demand digital content.

“We believe media is a strategic force that shapes awareness, supports development and builds trust,” Sheikh Ahmed said.

Boosting Local Film and Content Production

The Council also reviewed plans to:

Enhance local production capabilities
Support cinema as a cultural and creative industry
Invest in programmes that drive creative and economic growth

Samr Al Marzooqi, Director of Films and Production at the Dubai Media Council, outlined upcoming initiatives aimed at showcasing Emirati and international talent while strengthening Dubai’s film sector.

Next Phase of Growth

Mona Al Marri, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council, said the next phase will focus on monitoring implementation and ensuring measurable outcomes across the sector.

Secretary General Nehal Badri added that priorities include encouraging private sector participation, accelerating content development, and investing in talent, advanced production technologies and future-ready capabilities.