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Rohtak Division

Rohtak Division (Punjabi:ਰੋਹਤਕ ਦਿਵਿਸਿਓਂ) is in Haryana, India.

Cities

 * — was known as Gavambhavana and was considered a sacred place in ancient times

 * — a town in the Jhajjar District with the Bhindawas Wildlife Sanctuary close by

 * — anciently known as Angpradesh, the City of Karna

 * — an ancient and historic city that is sometimes called The City of Weaver, also site of many battles during the last 500 years

 * — a city with a very old historical background

 * — a town whose sweets are famous all over India

 * — ancient city known as Swarnaprastha

title: Rohtak Division


text:
Roi Et

Roi Et (ร้อยเอ็ด) is a town in Isaan. Roi Et town is built around a large artificial lake, Bueng Planchai, where a large, walking Buddha stands on a small island in its center.

Understand
Roi Et is both a city and a province in the mid-northeast Thailand. Established over 200 years ago, it used to be a very large and glorious city named Saket Nakhon having 11 city gates and 11 satellite cities or subordinated communities under its rule. Modern development has replaced the ancient civilization, and it is hard to find traces of the old.

Roi Et occupies an area of about 8,300 km².

Roi Et has many impressive Buddha images and some spectacular festivals, including rocket festivals in several towns across the province in May and June.

Tall Buddha images are popular in Roi Et, including the 68-m-tall walking Buddha at Wat Buraphaphiram. You can climb a staircase to knee-high level.

History
The recorded history of Muang Roi Et began during the late Ayutthaya period, when a king of Laos and his people migrated from Champasak City to settle down in the area which is now Suwannaphum. Later, during the reign of King Taksin of Thon Buri, Roi Et was moved to its present site. Suwannaphum is still at its original location.

By car
Take Hwy 1 (Phahonyothin Rd) from Bangkok, turn onto Hwy 2 (Mittraphap Rd) at Saraburi Province heading toward Korat, passing Ban Phai district, Maha Sarakham, until reaching Roi Et. The total distance is about 512 km and takes about 7 hours.

By plane
Roi Et Airport (Thai: ท่าอากาศยานร้อยเอ็ด) (ROI) is operated by AirAsia (airasia.com) and Nok Air (nokair.com) 7 days a week from Bangkok, Don Mueang Airport (Thai: ท่าอากาศยานดอนเมือง) (DMK).

By bus
From Bangkok's Mo Chit Bus Terminal there are several ordinary and air conditioned buses going to Roi Et. There is also a bus route from Rayong via Pattaya-Nakhon Ratchasima-Buriram-Roi Et to Mukdahan on the Lao border. From Khon Kaen, air-con bus to Roi Et, pink colour.

By train
Take the train to Khon Kaen. From there, catch a bus to Roi Et (pink colour). For more details, contact the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) at 1690, +66 2 2204444, +66 2 2204334.

Get around
Take a samlor ("three wheels") to get around. You will find samlors near markets, hotels, the bus station and in the city centre. Prices are normally 20-50 baht.

See

 * Inside the area:
 * City Pillar Shrine which is highly revered by locals.
 * Large Walking Buddha image located in the garden.
 * Pedestal in the form of a long legged bowl, containing a constitution book and floral clock.
 * Phu Phalan Chai featuring a zoo and artificial waterfall.
 * Health corner where people exercise.
 * Children's playground.
 * Health corner where people exercise.
 * Children's playground.

The Monument of Phra Khattiyawongsa (Thon) (อนุสาวรีย์พระขัติยะวงษา (ทน)): Phra Khattiyawongsa (Thon) was appointed the first ruler of Roi Et. He was considered a great ruler who developed the city until Roi Et became one of the most prosperous cities in the region.

Mueang Roi Et Municipality Aquarium (สถานแสดงพันธุ์สัตว์น้ำเทศบาลเมืองร้อยเอ็ด): One of its twin buildings includes an auditorium, lecture room, exhibition room, office, and ticket booth. The next building features an aquarium displaying fresh water fish. The highlight of the exhibition is the underwater tunnel through which one can view the movements of marine animals from any direction.

Wat Sa Thong (วัดสระทอง): The temple houses Luangpho Phra Sangkatchai (Kaccayana), a sacred Buddha image highly revered locals. Phraya Khattiyawongsa (Thon), the first founder of Roi Et, discovered this image.

Prang Ku or Prasat Nong Ku (ปรางค์กู่ หรือ ปราสาทหนองกู่): A complex of buildings with a plan that resembles the Khmer nursing home known as ‘Arogayasala’. It comprises the main prang, a library, wall and entrance pavilions, and a pond outside of the wall. The ruins are in good condition, especially the roof structure of the main prang.

Wat Pa Non Sawan (วัดป่าโนนสวรรค์): A huge temple built from the abbot's omen. It was embellished and decorated with local earthenware, so it looks strikingly eye-catching. The entrance of the multi-tiered chedi represents Hanuman’s mouth.

Bo Phan Khan Rattanasophon (บ่อพันขันรัตนโสภณ): The park was set up to commemorate the 50th anniversary celebrations of the king's accession to the throne. It is also the site of an image of Phra Phuttha Sahatsakhantha Mahamuninat.

Ku Ka Sing (กู่กาสิงห์): A temple with Khmer-style architecture, including three prangs on the same laterite base, and rectangular library buildings in front. All of them are surrounded by a wall, with entrance pavilions known as "gopura" at the four cardinal points. Outside is a U-shaped moat surrounding the wall.

Tung Kula Rong Hai (ทุ่งกุลาร้องไห้): The legend of Thung Kula Ronghai had it that, in ancient times, there were Kula people who travelled around trading. They were known for being strong and tolerant. But when they reached this field, the hardship made even them cry ("ronghai") because there was not a single drop of water or trees in sight.

Ku Phra Kona (กู่พระโกนา): Three east-facing brick prangs lying in the north–south direction, standing on a single sandstone base. They are surrounded by a boundary wall, with entrance pavilions or gopuras in four directions. All are made of sandstone.

Sim Wat Traiphum Khanachan (สิมวัดไตรภูมิคณาจารย์): The architectural structure suggests that it is a traditional small "sim", local dialect for ubosot, of the northeast with a low boundary wall. Sim Wat Traiphum Khanachan was awarded for outstanding architecture by the Association of Siamese Architects.

Sim Wat Chakkrawan Phum Phinit or Wat Nong Muen Than (สิมวัดจักรวาฬภูมิพินิจ หรือ วัดหนองหมื่นถ่าน): It features a small "sim" in traditional northeastern-style. Its gable and "rang phueng" (decoration underneath the lower tie beam) features fine woodcarving with a wooden shingle roof. Outside is decorated with mural paintings.

Literature Botanical Garden (สวนพฤกษศาสตร์วรรณคดี): It is the regional literature botanical garden of the northeast. It covers a total area of about 1,000 rai, featuring plants mentioned in Thai literature.

Tham Pha Nam Thip Non-hunting Area (เขตห้ามล่าสัตว์ป่าถ้ำผาน้ำทิพย์): A steep and complex undulating sandstone mountains with abundant dry evergreen forest, deciduous forest, and deciduous dipterocarp forest. Fauna found in this area include boars, barking deer, foxes, monkeys, squirrels.

Pha Mok Mi Wai (ผาหมอกมิวาย): Inside the Pha Nam Thip Non-hunting Area, it is the best viewpoint and is covered with mist all year round due to its high humidity.

Do
Bun Khao Chi and Pho Chai Products Festival or Bun Duean Sam (งานประเพณีบุญข้าวจี่ของดีเมืองโพธิ์ชัย หรือบุญเดือนสาม): It is held according to Hit Sip Song, the northeastern twelve festivals for the twelve months. The northeasterners believe that by making merit with khao chi or grilled sticky rice, they would gain merit. The festival features a beauty pageant and competition of a giant-sized khao chi cake.

Kin Khao Pun Bun Phawet Festival (งานประเพณีกินข้าวปุ้นบุญผะเหวด): First held in 1991, it has been held annually around early-March every year ever since. The event takes place at the Somdech Phra Srinakarindra Park and Bueng Phalan Chai. Bun Phawet, or known in the central region as Bun Mahachat, is usually held in the 4th lunar month. It is a Buddhist ceremony in which the monks give a sermon of all chapters of the Vessantara Jataka, otherwise called the Great Birth Sermon. There are also 13 parades of Phawet, according to the number of the chapters of the sermon, arranged by various public and private organisations. The area around Bueng Phalan Chai has stalls providing free "khao pun", rice noodles, for participants. There are also contests of traditional arts and culture such as making the "bai si su khwan" tray.

Bun Bangfai Festival (ประเพณีบุญบั้งไฟ) (aka 'The Rocket Festival'): The festival is organised annually around June. Every district organises colourful parades of Bangfai rockets that reflect the folk culture and local traditions of Roi Et Province, especially the parades from Phanom Phrai and Suwannaphum districts will be lavishly decorated.

Candle Festival (ประเพณีแห่เทียนพรรษา): It is held annually on Asalha Puja Day at the Somdech Phra Srinakarindra Park. Each temple decorates their candle floats with colourful flowers, and the parade moves along the road via the market to the cruciform pavilion in the park. There are contests of decorated candles and floats with cultural performances.

Long Boat Races of Tambon Mueang Bua, Kaset Wisai District (งานแข่งขันเรือยาวประเพณี ตำบลเมืองบัว อำเภอเกษตรวิสัย): The event is held annually at the end of the Buddhist Lent, or around mid-October when there is plenty of water in the river. Boats joining the races are from Roi Et and nearby provinces including Kalasin, Maha Sarakham, Si Saket, and Nakhon Ratchasima.

Buy
Handicrafts are the province's main product, particularly the Isaan khaen, a kind of panpipe made from wood and reeds. The best ones are made in the small village of Si Kaew.

Phadung Phanit Rd is a good place to buy silk and cotton fabric.

Eat

Go next
Buses arrive and depart from Roi Et Terminal at Thawa Phiban Rd, Tel. +66 43 511939, +66 43 512546.

 * From Roi Et direct routes lead to Maha Sarakham, Kalasin, Yasothon bus (1½ hours, 60 baht) and Surin.

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Roi Et


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Rolla

There is more than one place called Rolla:

United States of America

 * Rolla (Kansas) - a town in the state of Kansas.
 * Rolla (Missouri) - a town in the state of Missouri.
 * Rolla (North Dakota) - a town in the state of North Dakota.

title: Rolla


text:
Rolla (Missouri)

Rolla is a city in the Central Missouri region of Missouri on historic Route 66. It is home to Missouri University of Science and Technology (Formerly University of Missouri at Rolla) campus.

Understand
Rolla is a beautiful town located along I-44, with a population of about 20,000.

By car
Rolla is about 1 hour and 45 minutes to both Springfield to the west and St. Louis to the east along Interstate 44. Columbia, MO is 1 hour and 45 minutes North of Rolla. You can take US 63 from Columbia.

By plane
The closest large commercial airport is Lambert St. Louis International Airport which is served by most US carriers. The airport is about 1 hour and 45 minutes from the city. Greyhound and USA Express have shuttles from the airport to Rolla and back or you can rent a car at the airport.

For private aircraft Rolla National Airport is about a 15 minute drive north of the city.

You can fly into Waynesville - St. Robert Regional Airport from St Louis.

By bus
Rolla is served by Greyhound. The bus station is Burger King at 1022 Kingshighway. You cannot buy bus tickets here.

By train
The nearest train station is the Jefferson City Amtrak Station. From there you can rent a car. You can also take a train to St. Louis Gateway station.

Get around
No public transportation exists in Rolla and a car is almost a necessity to get around. However, bicycling is a viable alternative and the town is small enough walking could be facilitated if necessary. There are a couple of taxi cab companies in town also.

You can take an Uber but there is usually only one or two available.

title: Rolla (Missouri)


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Roma

There is more than one place called Roma:

Australia

 * Roma (Queensland) - A town in Queensland

Italy

 * Rome (Italy) - The capital of Italy

Mexico

 * Mexico City/Roma - A city district in Mexico City

Sweden

 * Roma (Sweden) - A town in Gotland

Also see Roma culture in Europe for a guide to where to meet the ethnic group.

title: Roma


text:
Roma culture in Europe

Roma and Sinti, sometimes called Gypsies, are the largest ethnic minority in Europe, at an estimated population between 1 and 20 million. They don't have their own country but live in a diaspora all over Europe and beyond.

Since one of the primary reasons for travel for some is to experience different cultures, this article aims at collecting pointers to places where Roma can be met and their culture can be experienced first-hand.

There are many ethnic groups in Europe with lifestyle similar to Roma, such as the Irish Travellers and the Jenish people of Germany.

Understand
The Romani people are believed to have been descended from immigrants from what is today northern India. The name "gypsy" comes from the formerly widely-held misconception that they originated from Egypt.

Language
The Romani language is part of the Indo-Aryan branch of the Indo-European languages. This means that it is only distantly related to most other European languages like English and French, and more closely related to North Indian languages such as Hindi and Bengali. There are many dialects of the Romani language, and most Romani speakers are also able to speak the official language of their respective countries.

Regions
All over Europe, but mainly in the Balkans, in the south of Spain and South of France.

Bulgaria
Stolipinovo district of Plovdiv

Finland
The Finnish Roma minority, of 10,000–15,000 people, is recognised in the constitution and their culture gets governmental support; there is still quite some prejudice against them. They are well established in harness racing and in some genres of popular and spiritual music. The Finnish Roma language is threatened, as its use outside certain contexts has decreased (Finnish is used for most everyday talk), but there are revival efforts.

The breakthrough in mainstream music might have been with Taisto Lundberg's (known as Taisto Tammi) career as tango singer in the 1960s. Since then, several top names in the genre are Romani, with Sebastian Ahlgren crowned King of Tango in 1993 (and others following suite). The Romani band Hortto Kaalo, founded in 1969, introduced (mostly foreign) Romani music to the mainstream Finnish audience. The band Hurriganes, founded by Romani Remu Aaltonen in 1971, had an important role in the development of the Finnish rock scene. Jasmine Valentin (Jasmine) represented Finland in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1996.

France
Saintes Maries de la Mer (Provence)

Macedonia
Šuto Orizari or Šutka (Шутка) one of the municipalities that make up Skopje, the only municipality in the country where Roma are a majority of the population. Documented in The Shutka Book of Records, a film made by one of the inhabitants.

Moldova
Soroca — known as the "Romani capital of Moldova." The hill on the west side of town has numerous ornately decorated Roma houses.

Slovakia
The largest Roma community in Slovakia is the Luník IX neighbourhood of Košice

Spain
Granada, Jerez, Sevilla

Turkey
While Sulukule near the ancient city walls of Istanbul, which used to be continuously inhabited by the Roma since the days of the Byzantine Empire and as such was the oldest sedentary Roma community in Europe, was gentrified by the local government through forcing its traditional inhabitants out amidst protests in the first decade of the 2000s, Ahırkapı Festival, held in the district of the same name near Sultanahmet on the night of Hıdrellez (May 5th, an ancient Turkish spring festival), provides an entertaining night for everyone with much Roma music and dancing around bonfires.

See
The Roma are among the forgotten victims of the Holocaust during World War II. See Holocaust remembrance for a guide to concentration camps, museums and other relevant sites.

Austria

 * Dokumentations und Informationszentrum des Kulturvereins Österreichischer Roma, 1190 Wien, Devrientgasse 1

Hungary
Romas are Hungary's most populous ethnic minority but, until now, there are only rumours of a Budapest Roma Museum about the history of the Roma people in Hungary and no concrete address or other details.

Poland
Like Jews, communists and homosexuals, the Roma were targeted for extermination by the Nazis and hundreds of thousands or more were murdered (called Porajmos, which means devouring in some dialects of the Romani language).
 * Memorial and museum at the Nazi concentration camp Auschwitz-Birkenau

Listen to Roma/Sinti music
Central and Eastern Europe: Romani violinists are particularly famous for their virtuosity.

Bulgaria: There are some fantastic Turkish-Romani musicians, including Yuri Yunakov and Ivo Papazov, who play what they call "Balkan jazz," a type of improvised music based on traditional Bulgarian wedding music but with inflections from various other types of music.

Finland: Several of the foremost singers in some popular music genres, especially tango, are Romani. Some bands playing music in the Romani tradition have got popular also among non-Romani.

France: Pop-folk singer and guitarist Kendji Girac is of Catalan Romani descent. He performs songs in French, Catalan and Spanish in a style heavily influenced by his upbringing. Many of his songs refer to gitano culture.

Hungary: Hungarian Romani music is very famous and can be heard in many places in Hungary.

Spain: Flamenco music and dance are in large measure credited to the Spanish Roma.

Learn
European Roma Cultural Foundation

Celebrations

 * 14 January: Vasilica (New Year) Balkans
 * 8 April: International Roma Day
 * 6 May: Djurdjev dan/Herdelezi (Spring festival) Balkans
 * 24 and 25 May: Pilgrimage toSaintes Maries de la Mer (France)
 * June: International Romani Art Festival in Bucharest
 * June: Roma Summer Festival in Tarnow, Poland

Respect
Though it is widely used, especially among non-Romani, the word "Gypsy" is often considered offensive because of its associations with negative stereotypes and inaccurate perceptions of Romani people. The terms "Romani" and "Roma" are generally safe, though some authorities advise that "Romani" should only be used as an adjective (not as a noun) and others say that "Roma" should only be used to refer to one subgroup.

title: Roma culture in Europe


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Roma (Queensland)

Roma is a town in the Darling Downs region of Queensland, approximately 480 km west of Brisbane along the Warrego Highway.

By plane
Qantaslink fly daily to Roma.

By car
The Warrego Highway heads west from Brisbane through the Lockyer Valley, up the range to Toowoomba, through the rich pastoral lands of the Darling Downs onwards to Roma. From Roma your journey can continue west to Charleville, north to Emerald and Mackay or south into New South Wales.

By train
Queensland Rail runs its Westlander service between Brisbane and Charleville two times a week. is located at 41 Station St.

Go next
West on the Warrego Highway, onwards to Charleville, then to Quilpie, Cunnamulla, or onwards to the Outback. North on the Carnavon Highway to Emerald, Mackay and the Far North Queensland. South on the Carnovan Highway following the Balonne River through Surat, St George and on into New South Wales.

title: Roma (Queensland)