Cultural exchange continues to play a key role in the vibrant relationship between India and Israel, as seen in the recent India at Jaffa Port—Purim-Holi Celebrations. Hosted on March 16, 2025, by the Embassy of India in Israel in collaboration with the Municipality of Tel Aviv-Yafo, the event blended two iconic festivals—Holi, India’s festival of colours, and Purim, the joyous Jewish holiday—into a grand celebration at the historic Jaffa Port.

The event, attended by over 3,000 visitors, celebrated the enduring friendship between the two nations, offering a fusion of traditions in a lively and colourful atmosphere. Guests enjoyed classical Indian dance performances, Bollywood dance workshops, traditional Indian music, and engaging activities, bringing the vibrancy of Indian culture to Israel.

Deputy Ambassador Rajiv Bodwade remarked, “I am happy to tell you that the Embassy of India, in collaboration with the Municipality of Tel Aviv-Yafo, is celebrating the Indian Festival of Holi and the Jewish festival of Purim today, here in Jaffa Port. Interestingly, these two festivals fall on the same day yearly, as India and Israel traditionally follow the lunar calendar. This is just one of many examples of the cultural similarity that we share, which strengthens the unique and rich friendship between our two countries. While the rest of the world is focusing on cultural distinctiveness, India and Israel are happy to celebrate their similarities. Chag Purim Sameach and Happy Holi!”

Kobi Yerdani, CEO of Jaffa Port, added, “Jaffa Port is proud to collaborate with the Embassy of India in Israel to celebrate the Holi and Purim festivals. Jaffa Port, which has served as a gateway to the Land of Israel throughout history, is happy to open its gates to the rich and magnificent culture of India, a country that is a true friend of Israel.”

Amruta Bangera, Director of Marketing, Israel Ministry of Tourism, India, further commented, “India and Israel share cultural and historical ties, and events like the India at Jaffa Port highlight the warmth between our people. It was a beautiful representation of our shared traditions. We welcome more Indian travellers to explore this beautiful country and experience its unique blend of history, spirituality, and modernity.”

The Purim-Holi celebrations at Jaffa Port stand as a shining example of the growing cultural ties between India and Israel. With flourishing tourism, mutual respect, and deep-rooted connections, this event marked yet another milestone in the dynamic relationship between the two nations, paving the way for further collaborations in the future.

London’s Heathrow Airport, one of the busiest travel hubs in the world, has been forced to shut down following a major power outage caused by a large fire in the vicinity. The incident has brought operations to a complete standstill, severely affecting global air travel.

With Heathrow’s closure, more than 1,300 flights are grounded, potentially disrupting travel plans for tens of thousands of passengers. According to an airline analytics firm, as many as 145,000 travelers could be affected. The airport has issued warnings about significant disruptions that are likely to persist in the coming days.

Britain’s energy secretary confirmed that the fire also impacted Heathrow’s backup power system. However, he noted that it is too early to draw conclusions about the broader implications for Britain’s critical infrastructure.

Heathrow Airport looked empty this morning.

An empty Heathrow Airport this morning.

The London Fire Brigade described the nearby blaze as a “prolonged incident,” with an increase in local disruptions expected. While the exact cause of the fire is still under investigation, the ongoing situation has left both residents and travelers facing uncertainty.

Experts in the aviation sector are predicting that the shutdown’s impact will ripple across the globe, potentially costing the airline industry hundreds of millions of pounds. The financial toll is expected to grow as the chaos could stretch over several days or even weeks.

An aviation analyst remarked that the aftermath of this shutdown will "undoubtedly cause chaos, not just over the weekend but well into next week," as airlines scramble to manage backlogged flights and stranded passengers.

Banyan Tree Samui, a MICHELIN-listed luxury resort perched on the southeastern coast of Koh Samui, is celebrating the rising global attention on the island with a series of new "White Lotus"-inspired offerings. This surge in interest, known as the "White Lotus Effect," stems from the acclaimed U.S. TV series, which has significantly boosted Koh Samui's status as a dream destination.

While the show wasn’t filmed at Banyan Tree Samui, guests will recognize the resort’s similar panoramic vistas and lush rainforest setting. "We expect an influx of visitors drawn to Koh Samui’s luxury appeal," said Remko Kroesen, General Manager of Banyan Tree Samui. "The show has put the island on the radar of travelers seeking premium, authentic experiences."

To mark the occasion, Banyan Tree Samui has launched new experiences inspired by the show. The resort’s Banyan Tree Spa Samui now offers the "Sense of Lotus" spa package, a 120-minute rejuvenating treatment that includes a White Lotus Polisher exfoliation followed by a calming body massage. Guests can also savour the exclusive White Lotus cocktail, blending vodka, white rum, lychee juice, coconut milk, and fresh lychee, garnished with dried rose petals.

For adventure seekers, the resort’s private speedboat, Sense of the Sea, is available for day trips to the Mu Koh Ang Thong Marine Park, which features prominently in the latest season of the series.

Set amid 38 acres of tropical gardens, Banyan Tree Samui features 88 villas, each with a private infinity pool overlooking the Gulf of Thailand. The resort is also home to three restaurants, including the MICHELIN-listed Saffron, an award-winning spa with hydrotherapy facilities, a kids' club, and a fitness centre.

With these new offerings, Banyan Tree Samui invites guests to experience the beauty and charm of Koh Samui, enriched by the allure of the "White Lotus" phenomenon.

For bookings and enquiries, contact samui@banyantree.com