By Clint Thomas | Full Throttle – Thu 29 Nov, 2012
28 Mahindra XUV 500s are traversing across 9 countries, covering a
total distance of 8000 kilometres and spreading the message of
solidarity. Catch all the live action from the 2012 ASEAN-India Car
Rally.
On the occasion of the 20th commemorative year of India-ASEAN
relations, the 2nd edition of the ASEAN-India Car Rally was formally
flagged off from Yogyakarta, Indonesia on 27th November and will wind
its way through 8 of the 10 ASEAN countries before finally ending in New
Delhi. However, since there is no road that connects Indonesia to
Singapore, the rally begins from Singapore.
Day 1: Singapore to Ipoh (Malaysia)
28 Mahindra XUVs were lined up at the Marina Bay Formula One Circuit for the flag off on 28th November. Hundreds of people, including children waving flags, cheered as Singapore foreign minister K Shanmugan flagged off the rally.
Here begins the epic journey of 28 Mahindra XUVs carrying politicians, diplomats, movie stars, journalists, rally enthusiasts and laymen, covering a total distance of 8000 kilometres in 20 days.
ASEAN Rally being flagged-off from SingaporeThe ASEAN-India Car Rally being flagged-off from Singapore.
Escorted by police, the convoy hit the stunning streets of the Lion City. The policemen stopped the traffic at every junction, giving the convoy complete right of way and helping us reach the Singapore-Malaysian border in less than 45 minutes. The organizers did a commendable job of making the border crossing seamless and by 11.30 am, the convoy entered Malaysia amid a colourful welcome ceremony at Johor Baharu. Take a look at the beautiful cultural events at the welcome ceremony in the video below.
Rally welcomed to MalaysiaThe ASEAN Rally being welcomed to Malaysia at Johor Bahru.
After the ceremony, the convoy gathered pace along the motorway that tore though luxuriant palm plantations. As the rally progressed and the kaleidoscope of colours accompanied, the atmosphere suddenly turned gloomy and it started pouring heavily. But the rain failed to dampen the spirits of the 124 participants, as they made their way into the Putrajaya Square for a ceremonial flag-off by the Prime Minister. Following is a video of the cultural programme performed there.
ASEAN Rally: Cultural Show at Putrajaya SquareASEAN Rally receives a warm welcome at PMO office at Putrajaya Square with cultural shows.
Today, what swept me away was the commitment of the Malaysian Police to make way for the rally. With utmost dedication and scrupulousness, they escorted us on their superbikes all the way to Ipoh, making way for us even amid bumper to bumper traffic. Here’s a big salute to you all, officers!
28 Mahindra XUVs were lined up at the Marina Bay Formula One Circuit for the flag off on 28th November. Hundreds of people, including children waving flags, cheered as Singapore foreign minister K Shanmugan flagged off the rally.
Here begins the epic journey of 28 Mahindra XUVs carrying politicians, diplomats, movie stars, journalists, rally enthusiasts and laymen, covering a total distance of 8000 kilometres in 20 days.
ASEAN Rally being flagged-off from SingaporeThe ASEAN-India Car Rally being flagged-off from Singapore.
Escorted by police, the convoy hit the stunning streets of the Lion City. The policemen stopped the traffic at every junction, giving the convoy complete right of way and helping us reach the Singapore-Malaysian border in less than 45 minutes. The organizers did a commendable job of making the border crossing seamless and by 11.30 am, the convoy entered Malaysia amid a colourful welcome ceremony at Johor Baharu. Take a look at the beautiful cultural events at the welcome ceremony in the video below.
Rally welcomed to MalaysiaThe ASEAN Rally being welcomed to Malaysia at Johor Bahru.
After the ceremony, the convoy gathered pace along the motorway that tore though luxuriant palm plantations. As the rally progressed and the kaleidoscope of colours accompanied, the atmosphere suddenly turned gloomy and it started pouring heavily. But the rain failed to dampen the spirits of the 124 participants, as they made their way into the Putrajaya Square for a ceremonial flag-off by the Prime Minister. Following is a video of the cultural programme performed there.
ASEAN Rally: Cultural Show at Putrajaya SquareASEAN Rally receives a warm welcome at PMO office at Putrajaya Square with cultural shows.
Today, what swept me away was the commitment of the Malaysian Police to make way for the rally. With utmost dedication and scrupulousness, they escorted us on their superbikes all the way to Ipoh, making way for us even amid bumper to bumper traffic. Here’s a big salute to you all, officers!
Day 2: Ipoh to Hat Yai
Ipoh city woke up to a chilly, wet Thursday morning after heavy rains
the previous night. Even after a long and strenuous Day 1, the
participants assembled near their cars at 7 am for flag off. The XUV
500s soon hit the highway and gathered pace. We had to keep an average
speed of around 140 km/h, yet the XUVs were smooth and poised.
By the time we crossed the Malaysian border and entered Thailand, the
rally had already covered more than 1000 kilometers and drivers from
all 10 countries had tamed the Indian cheetah completely.
Take a look at the warm welcome the rally received at Bukit Kayu Hitam border:
ASEAN Rally entering ThailandASEAN Car Rally leaving Malaysia and entering Thailand
ASEAN Rally entering ThailandASEAN Car Rally leaving Malaysia and entering Thailand
It was just 50 kms drive from the border to Thursday’s halt at Hat
Yai. We reached the hotel at 3.30 in the evening and everyone was
desperate to hit the sack. Since there was a gala evening arranged by
the Thailand government, we had a quick nap and left for the
International Convention Center. While we were all standing amazed and
overwhelmed by the Thai hospitality, a lot of people started gathering
around one of the snack kiosks. Pretty Thai women were making khao kriab
pak mo or sweet dumplings from the pot’s mouth there. What bowled me
over was not the taste of it, but the way it is made. Here’s the video
and see it for yourself.
Making of Khao Kriab Pak MohMaking of Khao Kriab Pak Moh, dumplings from the pot’s mouth.
Making of Khao Kriab Pak MohMaking of Khao Kriab Pak Moh, dumplings from the pot’s mouth.
The dinner followed by cultural programmes and different forms of
Thai classical dance. From Serng Krapo to Nora dance, everything was
staged and what a rich ensemble of colours it was! The epitome of grace
exhibited by the dancers flushed away all the tiredness of long drives.
Watch highlights below
Thai Classical DancingWatch different forms of Thai classical dance presented for the ASEAN rally participants
Thai Classical DancingWatch different forms of Thai classical dance presented for the ASEAN rally participants
On 30th, the rally will start at 8 am from hat Yai and go all the way to Phuket, the pearl of Andaman. Stay tuned for updates.