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Paris: Notre-Dame Cathedral set to reopen after five years; know all about it here

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After more than five years of meticulous restoration following a devastating fire of April 19, 2019, the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris is set to reopen this weekend. The highly anticipated event marks a historic milestone for one of the world’s most beloved landmarks.

The reopening ceremonies will begin on Saturday afternoon with a symbolic service led by Paris Archbishop Laurent Ulrich. He will strike the cathedral’s doors with his staff, a traditional gesture to signify the reopening. The archbishop will also breathe life back into Notre-Dame’s legendary grand organ, whose 8,000 pipes—coated in toxic dust from the fire—have been painstakingly disassembled, cleaned, and restored.

24 hours in Paris

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The celebrations will include a blend of religious rituals and artistic performances. French President Emmanuel Macron will attend the opening service, alongside nearly 50 heads of state and dignitaries from around the world. The evening will culminate in a spectacular concert featuring international stars such as pianist Lang Lang, cellist Yo-Yo Ma, and singers Angelique Kidjo and Hiba Tawaji.Notre-Dame, whose spire collapsed in the tragic 2019 blaze, has undergone one of the most ambitious restoration projects in modern history. Craftsmen, architects, and historians collaborated tirelessly to preserve its Gothic heritage while modernizing safety standards. The reopening of the cathedral is more than just a milestone for Paris.

Also read: 10 countries with most number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites

The Ile de la Cité, home to Notre-Dame, will be sealed off to the public throughout the weekend. Access will be limited to residents and invitees, including clergy and government officials. Shops and tourist services will be closed, and a security cordon will extend to surrounding bridges and a stretch of the Seine’s southern bank.

Sunday morning will feature another landmark moment: the consecration of Notre-Dame’s new altar during an inaugural mass led by the archbishop. Nearly 170 bishops from France and other nations, along with clergy from all Paris parishes, will attend the service. Following the mass, a “fraternal buffet” will be organized for the needy, reinforcing the cathedral’s enduring role as a beacon of compassion and community.

Also read: A historical tour of Europe: Must-visit castles and ruins

For the general public, large viewing areas accommodating up to 40,000 people will be set up along the Seine’s southern bank.





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10 coastal areas in India where dolphins are commonly seen

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Dolphin sightings in India

India’s extensive coastline is a haven for marine life, including various dolphin species like Indo-Pacific humpback, bottlenose, spinner, and Irrawaddy dolphins. These areas offer opportunities for boat safaris, cruises, and eco-tours to spot dolphins in their natural habitat



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Five Unseen Facets Of Vantara That Might Surprise You

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Vantara, the most stunning animal sanctuary, harbours very significant qualities that are missed in a lot of the mainstream description. It doesn’t just save, it heals, it doesn’t only use science, it uses patience. Besides planting trees, doing unnoticed research, releasing rare animals, and even the wonders of the elephant hospital, Vantara’s story is further enriched by cross-border rescue. For those who are already familiar with Vantara, these five facts of its ecological ambition, innovation, and hope for the wild, might be quite surprising.

Non-Public Access Status

Vantara has currently been closed for the general public although open as a sanctuary and rescue centre conceptually. It’s more of a private rehab facility without regular visitor programmes with limited or no accessibility. Hence, the species recovery is free of the risk of them being disturbed or stressed by human crowds.

Global Sourcing Of Animals

Most of the animal acquisitions in Vantara are internationally sourced including rescued animals from abroad. This global sourcing allows for the infusion of genetic diversity and the sharing of conservation knowledge between countries, which in turn benefits the local species.

Advanced Veterinary And Speciality Care

The facility is the home of the most complete medical infrastructure, such as MRI, CT scans, hydrotherapy pools, hyperbaric oxygen chambers and a specially designed elephant hospital, which are usually very sparse in the rescue centres in India. Thus with the help of these resources, the animals that are badly injured and old get treatments that they had earlier been deprived of locally, thus their quality of life is improved.

Conservation Breeding And Species Revival

Vantara is actively working on the breeding programme to save the certain animals from the risk of extinction – cheetah, slender loris, vultures and Great Indian Bustard. It mainly focuses on the restoration of their natural habitat, scientific studies and reintroduction through partnering with the government and other international organisations.

Recognition And Awards For Welfare

Vantara has been the winner of the prestigious Prani Mitra National Award in the corporate category by the Animal Welfare Board of India which is a great occasion and a very high recognition of the efforts made by the organisation in the animal protection and conservation sector. This kind of endorsement helps in garnering prestige, expert collaborators and high standards for animal care all over India.

Harmony Between Nature And Human

Vantara is not simply one of the rescue centers for wild animals but a reminder to us all of the possibilities that exist within nature, the reparation of lost habitats and the transformation of compassion into action. Their activities in restoring the macaw Spix to its natural home, lovingly caring for hundreds of elephants and helping the return of healthy ecosystems are proof that human hands can be the healers of nature’s wounds. From every seedling that is planted, to every creature nurtured and every species brought back to life, Vantara is not just saving the beautiful world but flourishing it as well.



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The most isolated and beautiful islands in India for offbeat adventures

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Tillanchong Island (Nicobar Islands)

Ever heard of Tillanchong? If not, you must know that this is India’s one of the least explored islands in the Nicobar group. The island is mostly uninhabited, protected and is home to dense forests, volcanic hills, and rare wildlife. Access here is heavily restricted.



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