Labour Day also known as International
Worker's Day originated in 1886 in Chicago, America, where workers began a
peaceful rally, demanding workers should not be allowed to work more than 8
hours each day and overall better working rights. During the protest a bomb was
released, causing mass havoc, several casualties and more than 100 people being
injured by the blast. This tragic event was the catalyst for the international
labour movement.
Since then, over 80 countries around the world continue to celebrate the achievements made by workers and trade unions. This annual holiday is usually acknowledged on the 1st of May, but varies across countries.
(Image: GB Times)
In China, Labour Day has been celebrated
since 1950 and it is remembered by a three-day weekend, usually celebrated by
visiting scenic locations around the country. Such as Zhangjiajie National
Forest Park and the Yungang Grottoes. Site seeing is typically done during this
long weekend, as the government reduces admissions fees around over 1,200
tourist destinations during this holiday period, with an average discount rate of
20%. Sightseeing is also made even more cheaper with the cost of highway tolls
being free of charge for small passenger vehicles. This day is also celebrated
with award ceremonies where workers are given praise and officials project a
grand speech to commemorate the day.
(Image: Daily Mail)
India
On the contrary to China, India uses this day as not only a day of commemoration and celebration to the men and women who have worked tirelessly towards making our lives better but it is a day of protests and pain for those who still do not have proper working rights and regulations. In India workers participate in a procession to continue to fight for their safety at work and overall better working rights. The red flag that represents the working class was raised for the first time in 1923, and The Triumph of Labour Statue remains on the Marina Beach in Chennai, in recognition of the first Labour Day celebration in the country.
(Image: Good Buy Holidays)
Thailand
The celebration of Labour Day, also known
as May Day in Thailand is celebrated with a public holiday but only to those
within private sector groups participate, as retailers remain open within
shopping malls. On the morning of May 1st, there is parade with marching bands
to lead the procession. Live music, social gatherings and cooking competitions
are organised for the evening. Thailand understands that the working conditions
are still not up to standard but this day is a time of dance, music and
delicious food.
If
you aren't going to be celebrating Labour Day in Asia, you can still recreate
the celebration and feast at home with the help of our wide range of products
available here. We hope
you celebrate the dedication of workers everywhere with an authentic Asian meal
to share.
Image credit: Japan Rail Pass
The Golden Week is a collection of national
holidays which is one of the busiest times of the year in Japan, besides the
Lunar New Year and Obon week. If you're planning to travel to Japan between
April 29th - May 5th be aware that trains, airports and
sightseeing spots can get very crowded, and accommodation in tourist areas can
also be booked out.
Showa
Day (April 29th)
Showa Day, also known as Showa no Hi is an annual holiday honouring the birthday of Emperor Showa (Hirohito) the reigning Emperor from 1926 to 1989. As part of tradition, families visit Hirohito's tomb located in Hachioji during the holiday and reflect on Emperor's Showa's influence on Japan.
Constitution
Day (May 3rd)
On May 3rd 1947 the new post-war
constitution was put into effect, and is commemorated each year during the
period of Golden Week. Unlike the Meiji Constitition which it replaced, the
current Constitution states that sovereignty lies with the people of Japan, and
that the Emperor is the symbol of the state and unity of the people who has no
powers related to the government. Ceremonies take place throughout the country,
and thousands of people attend talks to learn more about the importance of
Constitution Day.
Greenery
Day (May 4th)
Also known as Midori no hi, Greenery Day is
a holiday dedicated to nature and the environment which was celebrated in
honour of Emperor Showa. This holiday was usually celebrated on April 29th
to coincide with the former Emperors birthday, but was then moved to May 4th
after his death. On this day, families spend their time outdoors in the warm
spring weather and appreciate the nature around them!
Children's
Day (May 5th)
Known in Japan as Kodomo no hi, this is a
day where families pray for the health and success of their sons by hanging up
Samurai dolls, which symbolise strength and power in life.
If you aren't planning to visit Japan for
Golden Week this year, easily achieve an authentic taste at home with our spice
pastes and sauces. For a colourful explosion on your taste buds, more ideas on
dishes and ingredients, check out our wide range of products available here.
Vaisakhi (also known as Baisakhi) is one of
the most important dates in the Sikh calendar where thanks is given to farmers
during the spring harvest festival. Offers of thanks are given to God for the
abundant harvest, prayers for future prosperity are also a main priority during
Vaisakhi. Dancing, singing, and enjoying home-cooked meals with family are just
some of the ways the Solar New Year is celebrated in north India and by the
People of Punjab.
Since there is so much importance placed on
a family feast, here are just some of the most popular dishes you can expect to
find during the holiday of Vaisakhi which are also all vegetarian.
Chhole
Bhature
Image: Hungry Forever
This is a popular Indian dish which is a
central part of Punjabi cuisine. The combination of chickpeas (chhole) are
cooked in a tangy curry and wrapped in fried bread (bhature) made from refined
flour dough. This dish can be eaten as breakfast, lunch or even dinner and is
often served with a refreshing glass of buttermilk!
Pindi
chana
Image: NDTV
Pindi chanda masala is a spicy vegetarian dish which is a favourite during the new year festivities. It's prepared by cooking chickpeas alongside spices such as peppercorn, garlic gloves, cardamom and bay leaves to give an extra burst of flavour.
Image: Sify Bawarchi
Kheer is a sweet rice and fruit pudding
which is one of the most beloved treats in India. During Vaisakhi, this dish is
served with a variety of sweet fruits such as apricots, figs, dried raisins,
and peaches and cooked with cardamom and saffron.
Coconut
ladoo
Image: Veg Recipes of India
Also known as Nariyal Ke Laddoo, these
tasty coconut treats are served cold as a sweet dessert during the Vaisakhi
celebrations. They are made from grated coconut, semolina, sugar and condensed
milk and ghee to achieve their unique taste and texture.
If you aren't planning on celebrating
Vaisakhi in India anytime soon, you can still recreate authentic Indian cuisine
from your own kitchen. For a colourful explosion on your taste buds, more ideas
on dishes and ingredients, check out Asian Home Gourmet's wide range of
products here.
Image
credit: nuffoodsspectrum.in
When one thinks of India, their mind might
go straight to the Taj Mahal, Bollywood or a spicy curry. However, India's
cuisine extends way further than just hot curries. The country is made up of
thousands of diverse subcultures, each bringing their own language, religion,
rituals, architecture and food. While most people are familiar with the classic
Indian dishes like Chicken Tikka Masala, Lamb Rogan Josh and Butter Chicken,
many are yet to uncover India's version of fast food.
Indian street food offers a wide and
wonderful range of delicious dishes that are easy to carry and eat on the
bustling streets. Here's our list of the best street food dishes in India's
cities.
Delhi
Image Credit: Cooktube
Delhi is India's capital territory and is a
massive metropolitan area in the country's north. It is also one of the best
places to find and try street food.
Although Chole Bhature is a Punjabi dish, Delhi is recognised as having the very best rendition of this popular dish. It is a combination of spicy white chickpeas and a fried bread made from maida flour, and is accompanied with green chutney or even a lassi if you choose to have the dish for breakfast.
Mumbai
Being India's largest city and the heart of
the Bollywood film industry has exposed Mumbai to a great variety of on-the-go
Indian cuisine.
Vada Pav is the perfect grab and go snack!
The potato patty is mashed with garlic, chillies and coriander, dipped in
chickpea flour and then fried until golden. If that isn't enough carbs, it is
then laid in pav, a fluffy bread roll that's buttered and spread with coriander
chutney and sprinkled with garlic and chilli powder.
Kolkata
Image Credit: Laughing Colours
Kolkata is known for its grand colonial
architecture, art galleries and cultural festivals, as well as being the
headquarters of the Missionaries of Charity that was founded by Mother Teresa.
Regarding food, it is known for Kathi
Rolls. The flaky flour paratha is rolled up with egg, skewers of mutton or chicken,
paneer and is combined with sauces, spices and veggies. The roll can be easily
held in one hand and is loved by students and office workers.
Amritsar
Image Credit: The Tiffin Box
Amritsar is the holiest city of the Sikhs.
At the centre of its walled town is the gilded Golden Temple, which is the
holiest religious complex of the Sikh religion.
For those seeking salvation through food, Phirni
is a must have. The thickened milk, dried fruit and rice based dessert is
served with almonds or pistachios and cardamom flavour. The dessert can be
easily eaten on the streets but is also a must on festive occasions like
Diwali. This super creamy and rich dish is the perfect way to end a day of
eating hot Indian food.
If you aren't planning on hitting up the
streets of India anytime soon, you can still easily enjoy the taste of India
from your own kitchen. Enjoy classic Indian dishes by using Asian Home Gourmet
spice paste for Tikka Masala, Vindaloo
Curry and our personal favourite, Asian
Home Gourmet Butter Chicken. For a colourful explosion on your taste buds,
more ideas on dishes and ingredients, check out Asian Home Gourmet's wide range
of products here.
Labour Day also known as International Worker's Day originated in 1886 in Chicago, America, where workers began a peaceful rally, demanding workers should not be allowed to work more than 8 hours each day and overall better working rights. During...
Image credit: Japan Rail Pass The Golden Week is a collection of national holidays which is one of the busiest times of the year in Japan, besides the Lunar New Year and Obon week. If you're planning to travel to...
Vaisakhi (also known as Baisakhi) is one of the most important dates in the Sikh calendar where thanks is given to farmers during the spring harvest festival. Offers of thanks are given to God for the abundant harvest, prayers for...
Image credit: nuffoodsspectrum.in When one thinks of India, their mind might go straight to the Taj Mahal, Bollywood or a spicy curry. However, India's cuisine extends way further than just hot curries. The country is made up of thousands of...