Lotus

The lotus is considered one of the eight auspicious symbols of Buddhism. The lotus flower arises from the mud and reaches high above the water and blooms radiantly in the sun. This is compared to our soul which have to arise from the dirt of materialism and wade through the waters of experience to reach the state of Enlightenment.

According to a Korean Buddhist book, "The spirit of the best of men is spotless, like the lotus in the muddy water which does not adhere to it.

I like the lotus because my father calls me lotus and because it is just too beautiful!

The pristine pink, that i made!

Orange lotus lantern. What a color!

Mixed color with a beautiful finish!

Another style of mixed colors

Now, which one is your favorite?

Pretty lanterns offered at the Jogyesa Temple in Seoul

Pink lotus again!

Cant get enough of the pinks :)

Night Beauty

Lotus Lantern Festival 2013

Do you remember the thousands of lanterns that float in the air in Disney's Rapunzel? That's exactly what i am reminded of when i see the lotus lantern festival parade in Seoul. Only, the lanterns are far more bigger, complex, floating through the streets and just so much more beautiful in reality.

Lanterns are an important part of the Buddhist beliefs symbolising enlightenment to the world. Huge, colorful lanterns made of strong Hanji  paper, beautiful girls dancing in pretty hanboks, cute kids carrying lanterns with enthusiasm, makes-me-want-to-dance rhythmic music from the instruments, comfortable seats for the spectators arranged by the city and perfect spring weather to watch the show! Just perfect.

The parade started at 7PM from the Heunginjium gate from Dongdaemun and moved towards the Jogyesa Temple, where they are in display. Just outside the Jongno 3-ga station was a perfect place to watch the parade. The parade went on for about two and a half hours. It was a night to remember!

2013 Global Seoul Mate Mission 1- I like! Seoul

Some lanterns were so huge that they had to be moved by trucks

This is my most favorite of all festivals in Seoul. It is a visual treat that i wouldnt mind being a part of, year after year! I like! The Lotus Lantern Parade in Seoul.

Pretty rainbow colored hanboks of the dancers in the festival

Lanterns in captivating designs

White dragon which breathes fire was one of three. See the dragon from last year's parade here.

Colourful butterfly lanterns looked oh! so pretty.

Really huge tortoise-guy lantern 

Pretty girls in delicate hanboks

Wonderful sight or what!

Round lanterns 

School kids performing with the lanterns

The Buddha lantern for the Buddha's Birthday

Reminds me of the blue light saber :)

Laughing Buddha with a bow :)

Float from our neighbouring country

Just to add a bit of fun!

Two wheeler-powered lantern float

Yet another beautiful lantern float!

Thursday Challenge- Music

Flower festival

Spring is all about flowers in Korea. The weather is warm with a pleasant cold tinge, birds are back and the flowers are in full bloom in myriad colors! Perfect time to walk with friends in a field of tulips or hand in hand with the loved one under the cherry blossoms or to click away at the gorgeous blooms with yourself in between. Goyang Horticultural Festival is one beautiful place to do just all of that!

Located close to the Ilsan lake, about an hour's ride on the subway from Itaewon, Seoul, is the Goyang festival. The subway station to look out for is Jeongbalsan on the orange line bound for Daehwa. The horticultural festival, with all the white tents can be easily spotted from the exit 1 and is around 5-10minutes walk from the station.

Fast becoming a grey cloudy sky from a pleasant spring day

The Africa Exhibit of the festival. There were exhibits depicting all the other continents too! 

There were pretty pathways all decorated with flowers 

And many decorations made with flowers

Adding more interest to the displays by depicting scenes from a Korean day

Pretty places for photo ops! I just discovered the Korean Kraze for pretty backdrops for the pictures they take!

This looked right out off a sci-fi movie. Airplants hanging in glass bubbles. Very pretty and very interesting

I never knew cactus comes in such colors! Wow.  More budding cactii pics here.

Airplants dont need soil or water to grow. They can be pretty display pieces and easy to maintain. And hard to kill :)

Clean Ilsan lake with cherry blossom petals.

Tulips in full bloom :)

Cactus come in strikingly different colors and shapes too!

My favorite section- The farmer's market. 

This was my favorite! Yellow cactus.

Framed plant. Which can be watered :) What an idea!

Cute carry case for the flowery purchase!

This wel"C"ome display reminded me of Aiyannar statues in my hometown

I spotted this very close to the entrance of the Goyang fair. Who's in for dinner at a Crashed Eagle-Aircraft Restaurant?