Thailand has long been a favorite among global travelers, and in 2025, the country is rolling out yet another tourist-friendly initiative. As part of a new subsidy plan worth 700 million Thai Baht, international visitors may soon enjoy free domestic flights across Thailand. The scheme aims to boost tourism in smaller towns and regional destinations, allowing travelers to explore beyond Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai.

Why Thailand is making travel easier for tourists

Thailand is already one of the most accessible destinations for Indian travelers, with visa-free entry for citizens of 93 countries including India. Recently, the government revamped visa rules to help long-term visitors and LTR (Long-Term Resident) permit holders maximize their stay. Now, the country wants to make domestic travel within Thailand cheaper and more convenient, encouraging tourists to explore cultural and heritage sites across the nation.

Sorawong Thienthong, Thailand’s Minister of Tourism and Sports, confirmed that the plan is part of the “Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year” campaign, designed to promote both tourism and cultural heritage.

Free domestic flights: How the scheme will work

• Funding: 700 million Baht allocated to subsidize tickets.
• Travel Period: Subsidy program runs from August to December 2025, with flights scheduled between September and November.
• Coverage: At least 200,000 foreign visitors are expected to benefit.
• Airlines Included: Six major carriers – Thai AirAsia, Bangkok Airways, Nok Air, Thai Airways International, Thai Lion Air, and Thai Vietjet.

Under the scheme, the government will subsidize 1,750 Baht (approx ₹4,000) for one-way tickets and 3,500 Baht (approx ₹8,000) for round trips. This means tourists will either fly for free or pay significantly reduced fares.

Focus on culture, heritage, and regional cities

The subsidy will encourage visitors to explore UNESCO-designated cities, regional tourist hubs, and hidden gems outside Thailand’s crowded hotspots. Famous cultural sites like Wat Pho in Bangkok (recently visited by PM Narendra Modi) will remain key attractions, but smaller cities will now get more global visibility. This approach mirrors Japan’s domestic travel campaigns, where foreign visitors are encouraged to move beyond metropolitan hubs.

Extra perks: Luggage and ticket benefits

Alongside free flights, travelers booking their international tickets to Thailand through airline websites, online travel agencies, or multi-city options will also receive:

• 20 kg free luggage allowance
• Two complimentary domestic flight tickets (or one one-way ticket, depending on the package)

This will make travel within Thailand far more economical for families and solo travelers alike.

Economic impact and what’s next

The Thai government expects this initiative to significantly strengthen the economy by redirecting tourism away from just Bangkok and Phuket and creating revenue opportunities in less-explored destinations. The proposal is currently awaiting cabinet approval before being officially implemented.

If approved, the scheme will not only benefit tourists but also create growth opportunities for local businesses, airlines, and hospitality sectors in smaller cities, helping Thailand position itself as one of the most tourist-friendly destinations in Asia in 2025.

The Guru Dronacharya Mela is one of the most vibrant cultural and religious fairs in Noida, celebrated every year to honor Guru Dronacharya, the legendary teacher of the Pandavas and Kauravas in the Mahabharata. Known for his mastery of warfare and archery, Dronacharya remains a symbol of discipline, wisdom, and devotion to knowledge.

The mela not only carries deep mythological importance but also offers a spectacular glimpse into India’s cultural heritage with rituals, folk music, wrestling matches, food stalls, and handicrafts.

Guru Dronacharya Mela 2025 Date and Duration

• 📅 Start Date: Thursday, August 21, 2025
• 📅 End Date: Saturday, August 30, 2025
• 📍 Location: Shri Drona Natya Natyashala, Dankaur, Noida

As per tradition, the mela runs for 10 days, drawing thousands of devotees, traders, and tourists from across Uttar Pradesh and neighboring states.

➡️ On the first day (August 21, 2025), all schools in Gautam Budh Nagar district, Noida, will remain closed, ensuring smooth participation and traffic management during the inaugural festivities.

The Significance of Guru Dronacharya Mela

The mela is held in honor of Guru Dronacharya, one of the most respected teachers in Indian mythology. He was the martial arts guru of both the Pandavas and Kauravas and played a key role in imparting discipline and knowledge of warfare.

The fair begins with rituals and prayers dedicated to Guru Dronacharya, symbolizing respect for teachers and knowledge-givers. Over time, the mela has grown from a religious gathering into a cultural festival that represents the spirit of community, tradition, and celebration.

Highlights of Guru Dronacharya Mela 2025

Visitors to the fair can expect a vibrant mix of traditions, entertainment, and local flavors. Some of the major attractions include:

✨ Religious Ceremonies – Devotees participate in rituals and prayers honoring Guru Dronacharya.
🎭 Folk Performances – Traditional music, dance, and street plays bring the festive grounds alive.
🤼 Wrestling Matches (Kushti) – Local akharas showcase traditional Indian wrestling, a long-time highlight of the mela.
🛍 Handicrafts & Trade Stalls – Artisans and traders display handicrafts, home décor, garments, and accessories.
🍲 Traditional Food Stalls – From chaats to sweets, the mela is also a feast for food lovers.
🎨 Competitions & Exhibitions – Schools and local communities organize cultural competitions and exhibitions for visitors.

Why Visit Guru Dronacharya Mela in Noida?

The mela is not just a religious fair, but a social gathering that strengthens community ties. It provides:

• A chance to revisit Indian mythology and its timeless values.
• An opportunity to experience local folk culture in its purest form.
• A family-friendly outing filled with entertainment, food, and shopping.
• A spiritual reminder of the guru-shishya tradition, central to Indian heritage.

Conclusion

The Guru Dronacharya Mela 2025, scheduled from August 21 to August 30 in Dankaur, Noida, promises to be a spectacular blend of tradition, devotion, and festivity. With its rich cultural programs, folk performances, and spiritual rituals, the mela continues to uphold the legacy of Guru Dronacharya, inspiring generations with his story of discipline and knowledge.

For locals and tourists alike, the mela is more than just an event—it’s a cultural experience that connects communities with India’s glorious past while celebrating its vibrant present.

Festival Spirit Meets Metro Efficiency

the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) announced a staggering achievement — 81,87,674 passenger journeys in just 24 hours. This marked the highest single-day ridership in the metro’s history, surpassing the previous record of 78.67 lakh set in November 2024.

The record was set on the eve of Raksha Bandhan, when families traditionally travel across the city to celebrate together. The combination of cultural tradition and strategic planning turned the day into a landmark for Delhi’s transport system.

Why This Day Stood Out

While festival rushes are common in India’s public transport, several factors made August 8 exceptional:

• Raksha Bandhan Eve Travel: The cultural pull of meeting siblings and relatives caused a surge in cross-city movement.
• Weekend Proximity: The festival weekend meant more leisure and shopping trips.
• Weather Conditions: Clear skies and moderate weather encouraged public outings.

Operational Preparedness

The DMRC anticipated the spike and implemented special measures:

• 92 extra train trips were added on August 8.
• The next day, 455 additional train trips ran to handle continued heavy flow.
• More station staff were deployed for crowd management at busy interchanges like Rajiv Chowk, Kashmere Gate, and Hauz Khas.
• Ticketing queues were reduced through digital booking channels — DMRC Saarthi App, One Delhi App, WhatsApp ticketing, Paytm, and Amazon Pay.

Comparison With Past Records

Before this milestone:

• November 18, 2024: 78.67 lakh journeys (air pollution peak day).
• August 20, 2024: 77.48 lakh journeys (Independence Day weekend).
• February 13, 2024: 71.09 lakh journeys (Valentine’s week shopping rush).

The August 8, 2025 number outpaced the previous record by over 3 lakh journeys, highlighting a massive leap in demand.

Why More People Chose the Metro

Several reasons explain the swelling ridership:

• Traffic-Free Travel: With road congestion peaking during festivals, the metro remains the fastest option.
• Climate Resilience: Unlike buses and cars, metro services run unaffected by weather issues like monsoon flooding.
• Affordability: Metro fares remain competitive compared to taxi or ride-share costs during surge pricing.
• Connectivity: 12 metro lines, 29 interchange stations, and last-mile e-rickshaw/bus integrations make the network highly accessible.

Voices From the Day

Ravi Sharma, a commuter from Noida, shared: If it wasn’t for the metro, I wouldn’t have been able to visit three relatives in one day. Roads were jammed, but my travel was seamless.

Priya Menon, a student, added:
I booked my ticket on WhatsApp and avoided queues completely. It felt like the metro was ready for the rush.

Economic and Social Impact

• Boosted footfall in markets like Chandni Chowk, Lajpat Nagar, and Sarojini Nagar.
• Supported eco-friendly commuting by reducing the number of vehicles on the road.
• Provided safe late-night travel options, particularly for women returning from festive gatherings.

Looking Ahead

The DMRC aims to:

• Introduce more high-frequency festival schedules.
• Expand the network with ongoing Phase IV construction.
• Enhance real-time crowd management through AI-enabled CCTV and passenger flow monitoring.