The Taj Mahal 'Crown of the Palace' is an ivory-white marble mausoleum on the right bank of the river Yamuna in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India. It was commissioned in 1631 by the fifth Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan (1628–1658) to house the tomb of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal; it also houses the tomb of Shah Jahan himself. The tomb is the centrepiece of a 17-hectare (42-acre) complex, which includes a mosque and a guest house, and is set in formal gardens bounded on three sides by a crenellated wall.
Construction of the mausoleum was essentially completed in 1643, but work continued on other phases of the project for another 10 years. The first ceremony held at the mausoleum was an observance by Shah Jahan, on 6 February 1643, of the 12th anniversary of the death of Mumtaz Mahal. The mausoleum was opened at that time to thousands of mourners.
The Taj Mahal complex is believed to have been completed in its entirety in 1653 at a cost estimated at the time to be around ₹32 million, which in 2023 ...
The Wat Saket Fair (known as Ngan Wat Phu Khao Thong or งานวัดภูเขาทอง), held at Wat Saket Ratchawora Maha Wihan (the Temple of the Golden Mount), is Bangkok’s most iconic temple fair. This 100+ year-old tradition honors the sacred Buddha relic enshrined in the 58-meter golden chedi atop the man-made “Golden Mountain.”
Typically a riot of street food, games, and cultural shows, the 2025 edition (October 29 – November 7) has been somberly adjusted to pay tribute to the recent passing of Somdet Phra Nang Chao Sirikit, the Princess Mother (announced October 24, 2025).
Entertainment and some vendor zones are canceled, shifting focus to spiritual reverence, merit-making, and quiet reflection—still a profound cultural anchor amid Loy Krathong’s glow (November 6).
The fair spans 10 days and 10 nights and is an important annual event in the heart of the city.
Wat Saket Fair 2025: Phu Khao Thong Temple Fair - Oldest Fair in Bangkok - Thailand 2025
Wat Saphan Floating Market, also known as Talat Nam Wat Saphan or Wat Saphan (Ratchaphruek) Floating Market, is a vibrant, community-driven waterside marketplace nestled along the Bang Noi Canal in the Taling Chan District of Bangkok, near the border with Nonthaburi Province.
Established relatively recently through collaborative efforts between local gardeners residing along the canal and the historic Wat Saphan temple, the market aims to revive traditional canal-based commerce while highlighting the temple’s rich heritage.
It operates as a weekend haven, open Saturdays and Sundays from approximately 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM, drawing locals and visitors alike for its authentic, laid-back atmosphere that evokes Thailand’s classic floating market traditions.
The market’s layout blends land-based stalls with boat-accessible vendors, creating an immersive experience amid lush waterways lined with tropical vegetation. Wooden boats gently navigate the narrow canals, offering opportunities to browse ...
Wat Phra Dhammakaya is a prominent Buddhist temple in Thailand, known for its modern approach to Theravada Buddhism, large-scale meditation practices, and distinctive organizational structure. Located in Khlong Luang District, Pathum Thani Province, just north of Bangkok, it is one of the largest temples in Thailand and has garnered both significant following and controversy.
• Founding (1970): Wat Phra Dhammakaya was established on February 20, 1970, by Luang Por Dhammajayo (Phrathepyanmahamuni) and his teacher, Chandra Khonnokyoong (known as Khun Yay Maha Ratana Upasika Chandra), a devoted lay Buddhist practitioner. The temple was founded on a 78-acre plot of donated land with the aim of reviving traditional Buddhist meditation practices, particularly the Dhammakaya meditation technique, which emphasizes visualization and inner light to achieve spiritual purification.
• Growth (1980s–1990s): The temple grew rapidly, attracting a large following due to its structured meditation programs, modern ...
