Ganesh or Ganpati Silhouettes

Silhouette of a Ganesh idol from a Thailand temple. A sitting Ganesh holding weapons in three of his four arms.

These are silhouettes of the deity Ganesh or popularly called Ganpati in Marathi by Maharashtrians.

Related Images: Temple Silhouettes or Temple Outlines and Sketches or Ganpati or Ganesh sketches 
Or Ganesh Pandal decorations on the streets or Golden Ganesha from Bangkok or Ganpati at Night for images of Ganesh pandals lighted up at night with electric lighting decorations.

You might also like Diya graphics and illustrations and Sketch or Hindu Religious symbols or check out all the photographs filed under Hinduism, Art, Culture or Religion or Temples or Silhouettes

Hindu Religious symbols

There are many things which are held sacred by the Hindus and these symbols are usually either found near the dieties or used in religious rituals.


This is an image of a copper vessel and a coconut standing in it. Used as an offering to the Gods. The Swastika, an ancient Hindu symbol is also seen in the image.

Each arm of the Swastika as per archaeological evidence represents "the processional equinox and solstice around the pole start". Other old civilizations around the world like Turkic, Iranian, Armenian, Nepalese, Chinese, Japanese, Korean and European have also been associated with this symbol. It is still commonly used in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. It signifies wealth, prosperity and auspiciousness.

Flowers are commonly used for worship in all religions but Hinduism favours certain flowers. The 

The Chapha or Plumeria in English is used frequently for the worship of Hindu Gods. Here it is seen decorating a Trishul, another sacred Hindu symbol. 

The Trishula considered a sacred symbol for Buddhists as well as Hindus. The Hindu God Shiva uses this three pronged weapon as seen here in this picture. So does the Goddess Durga and also some other Hindu dieties.  The three points of the Trishul are supposed to represent the trinities of  creation, maintenance and destruction - The Past, the Present and the Future.

In the human body, the trishula is also meant to signify the place where the three main nadis, or energy channels (ida, pingala and shushmana) meet at the brow. 

And don't miss the Om symbol on Lord Shiva's palm. Written as ॐ in Devanagari, the Om is a type of mantra and mystical Sanskrit sound of Hindu origin. It is used for chanting during Yogic exercises. It is important in various religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Sanatana Dharma and Jainism. 

Orange Marigold flowers are usually used in religious rituals and have now taken on a religious tone. They are hung in doorways and used in puja or Hindu religious rituals not just on festivals, but on any auspicious occasion.

A small temple in Thailand where orange marigold flowers are used for worship. Incense is also seen here. Again frequently used for the worship of God in most religions, including Christianity in India.

The Areca Nut is believed to be an auspicious ingredient and used in religious ceremonies in Hinduism and also in some schools of Buddhism. Here in this picture it is seen placed carefully on a mound of rice and used in a religious ceremony.

The Rudraksha is a necklace made of the beads from the seeds of the Rudraksha or Rudraksh tree, which is a large evergreen broad-leaved tree. These beads are used prayers and rituals in Hinduism and are also made into jewellery. Many fake ones are also available. The ones on the extreme right of the photograph are the rudraksha bead necklaces, the dark brown ones. These are usually available outside some temples or religious places.

For other religious symbols from Hinduism: Swastika graphics from India or Paduka or Guru's feet or or Shiva Pindi or Lingam or Significance of Nandi in Hinduism or or Diya graphics and illustrations and Sketch or  Significance of Animals and other life in Hinduism

Or check out all the photographs filed under Hinduism, Ellora, Art, Culture or Religion or Temples
More Related Images: Indian cities lit up at night with Diwali lights or  Priest performing a Pooja or Hanuman Temple

Koh Samui vendors outside tourist spots

Vendors and food stalls on the island of Koh Samui, Thailand.

A woman selling short eats and snacks outside a tourist spot on the island of Koh Samui in Thailand. Eating food from vendors is inexpensive. You get a wide variety from the different vendors.

A young woman vendor selling food in sealed packets on the island of  Koh Samui, Thailand.

A young man selling a wide variety of snacks like banana pancakes and different type of sandwiches on the island of Koh Samui in Thailand. He has a gas cylinder attached to his mobile cart. He cooks here.

Related Images: Koh Samui Outdoor Airport or Fishing Trawlers in the Gulf of Thailand
Fruit Vendors vs supermarkets in India or Road-side food stalls or street food in India or Young woman selling raw mango slices in South India.
Or check out all the images taken in Thailand.

Golden Ganesha from Bangkok

If you thought only Indians prayed to Ganesha, think again. Here is a local person in Bangkok kneeling down before a golden statue of Ganesh (also known as Ganpati) in the city of Bangkok in Thailand. Ganesha is a Hindu deity, and his images are found across India, Nepal and some in Thailand. Jains and Buddhists also worship Ganesha.

Here is a closer look at the golden statue of the deity Ganesh (referred to Ganpati in Maharashtra)

Related Images: Ganesh Pandal decorations on the streets or  Ganpati or Ganesh sketches
For images of Ganesh Idols lit up with decorative electric and psychedelic lights see this post: Ganpati at Night
More related Images: Indian cities lit up at night with Diwali lights or Priest performing a Pooja or Hanuman Temple
For religious symbols from Hinduism: Swastika graphics from India or Paduka or Guru's feet or or Shiva Pindi or Lingam

Thai Baht currency notes

The Baht is Thailand's currency and these images show 1000 Baht, 500 Baht, 100 Baht and 20 Baht notes.

Some 1000 Baht, 500 Baht and 100 Baht notes scattered on a table with a cell phone used as a weight

Thailand's currency notes cut-out image.

A collage of Thailand's currency - Baht notes.

Thailand's currency of 100 Baht, 500 Baht and 1000 Baht notes being held against a dark background.

Thailand's currency, the Baht, on a desk with spectacles used as a weight.

Another photograph of Thailand's currency notes with a pair of spectacles in the image.

A close up of Thailand's currency notes and a pair of bifocals lying on top.

A person's hand clutching Thailand's currency notes of 100, 500 and 1000 Bahts against a rough navy blue background.

You might also like: Dollar Notes - Free Images or British Pound or GBP Images and Currency Collage or
Rupee Notes Images

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Funny Signs from Thailand

This sign on a private taxi was hilarious. The images painted on the window inform you about the various activities which are forbidden inside the van which has dark tinted windows. These range from peeing to having sex in different positions! In India these type of signs would be banned for being obscene.

This sign at the Koh Sumai airport is funny. It warns you to be suspicious of foreigners who are thieves but they are not saying so in so many words!

This is another sign at the airport and instead of a set of simple instructions they have chosen to ask you questions!

There is nothing funny about this notice board except that it looks like an informal notice board of a school instead of any airport. Cute.

More humorous signboards: Funny English Signs (for wrong English) or Funny Road Signs in India or Interesting signs with funny instructions! Happy Birthday Political Posters or Thieves beware signs from the UK

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Koh Samui Outdoor Airport

Koh Samui airport in Thailand is one of the most beautiful airports I have ever been to. Koh Samui is an island off the coast of Thailand and popular with tourists. One of the reasons for the uniqueness of the airport is that it is an open air airport or outdoor airport. There must be other outdoor airports in the world, but I have only seen this one.

Here is the "inside" of the airport. Sweepers are cleaning the area and in the distance you can see passengers walking towards the gates of the airport. A signboard to the right of the picture points in that direction.

A closer look at the passengers/travelers with suitcases.

Another view of the road leading to the gates. Sun and rain umbrellas help protect passengers from the rain, which in fact is quite common on this pretty tourist island. The sides of the road is decorated with plants, trees and pots and wooden benches are available for seating. Everything is sparkling clean despite the airport being outdoors.

This is the main building of the airport and it does not have walls. It has used natural materials to build the roof, cane and wood. Even this area does not have walls, just a roof to keep out the natural elements like the sun and rain. A bookshop and other shops and kiosks can be seen in the picture and a coffee shop in the middle of the picture in the distance.

A man sits and waits patiently for his luggage to to arrive at this circular baggage carousel. 

Related Pictures: Picturesque Paro airport in Bhutan or Bangkok Airport - Pictures or Airport Lounge with people waiting or Inside of an Aeroplane

Or check all photographs under the label Airports  which has images of different airports of the world.
Pictures of sweepers: Sweepers in India

Small Buddhist shrines

Buddhists have these little prayer places, tiny temples in nooks and corners where people can pray. This is very similiar to Hindus, who tend to have a myriad of small temples at every street corner! Buddhist don't have as many, but they are common.

Candles are lit by Buddhists when they pray. Lighting candles is a part of Buddhist rituals. Incense and flowers are also used. At times there are offerings of food and drink. This is similar to Hindu rituals except that flowers and incense are more dominant in Hinduism. Also, instead of candles, diyas are lit.

A place near the Golden Buddha Temple where there is a place to light candles.

In this little buddhist temple there are some offerings of flowers.

A place outside a Buddhist shrine where candles are lit as a mark of respect. The light from the candles represent Buddha's teachings.

A peek into a tiny alcove which had a figure of Buddha. Not sure who the ladies are, but probably worshippers.

Related Images: Buddhists praying or see other photographs on Buddhism which include photos of famous Buddhist temples and Buddha photos, or check out photos and graphics  related to Hinduism.

Fishing Trawlers in the Gulf of Thailand

Related Images: Fishing at Esna Lock in Egypt, or Canoes on the river Hooghly  or Nubian Boatman from Egypt  or Man ferrying cycle in canoe in China or Two boatmen in a canoe in the ocean in India.

Buddhists praying

An image of a Buddhist ritual in progress with a Buddhist priest or Buddhist monk, and a family praying and undertaking a ritual. The photo was shot on the island of Koh Sumai in Thailand, just outside the Big Buddha temple.

Here are faithful Buddhist followers lighting candles at the Golden Buddha temple in China.

Related Images: Small Buddhist Shrines or more images of Buddhism (plenty of photographs of Buddha and Buddhist Temples)
Pictures of Hindu priests and devotees: Priest performing a Pooja  or Holy man, Godman or religious baba or Ayyappa Devotees in Madurai or Pilgrims singing and playing the Manjira musical instrument

Bangkok Skyline Pictures

These are photographs of the Bangkok skyline, the capital of Thailand. Here you can get a panoramic and breathtaking view of the skyscrapers of  Bangkok far into the distance.

Here is a snapshot of Bangkok skyscrapers against a blue sky with palm trees in the foreground. Makes a pretty picture!

A photograph of the Bangkok skyline with the CPN (Central Pattana) building in the centre of the image. They are a real estate company own the Central World and some other malls and hotels in the city. On either side of the building you can see the tall buildings of Bangkok against a blue sky.

Another skyline of Bangkok with the CPM building to the left of the picture.

This is a vertical skyline of Bangkok. At the bottom of the image you can see the road and the traffic and at the top you can see the skyscrapers in the distance. Bangkok from the road to the sky.

(Higher resolution images are available with me).

Related Images: Hong Kong Skyscrapers or Shanghai Skyline in the daylight or Beijing Photographs and Skyline or Kuala Lumpur Skyline or try the label "Skylines" to check out more skylines from other cities of the world, including sketches and silhouettes of skylines.

Inexpensive shopping in Bangkok

Indra Market in Bangkok, Thailand, is a good place to buy goods at a reasonable rates. Value for money. Good garments at a cheap price and lots of variety and low prices. Stylish clothes, shoes and costume jewellery. If you are anywhere near Indra Square don't miss this market!

This is the exterior of Indra Square.

A peek inside the market. The shop-keepers are polite.

The MBK market or mall is talked about a lot, but we were disappointed. Not only is it full of fake goods, the goods are defective in many cases. Worse, the shopkeepers are rude. We were witness to several fights, started by the shop-keepers themselves. MBK, though conveniently located, is a market to avoid unless you are ready to ignore rude and indifferent behavior. But why do that when Bangkok has so many good markets! Mind you this behavior is not because of bargaining of otherwise interacting with the shop-keepers. They just yell at you if you touch any of their goods. Or sit on a stool outside their shop because your feet are killing you. Or if you are lucky, they just completely ignore you if you ask them the price of anything! We sure were glad to leave that place and never will we ever go their again!

This is the interior of the MBK market.

A corridor at the market. Go to this market if you are desperate for fakes but beware, the fakes are so badly tailored that they won't last long so its not value for  money.

If you want to see malls and markets in India try the label "Markets"

Rice gruel or Congee from South-East Asia

Rice gruel or rice porridge or Congee is a popular breakfast food in South-East Asia. Basically it is overcooked rice with plenty of liquid giving it a gooey and sticky consistency. It is flavoured with wide-ranging toppings like chopped spring onion, soya sauce and slivered ginger to fish and meat. In the photograph below you can see three different types of Congee (one is plain and the others cooked with shrimp and meat) alongwith the different toppings including sliced and fried pork sausage, egg and dried fish.

More photographs of breakfast foods: Plate of golden brown Waffles or Chocolate Donuts photograph and illustration