The town of Kataragama in Sri Lanka is famed as a popular pilgrimage destination for many devotees from all parts of the country and even overseas, attracting Hindus, Buddhists and even the indigenous Veddah community. Hindu and Buddhist veneration of Kataragama has been practiced for centuries, with followers of these two religions holding slightly different beliefs regarding the site. Tamil Hindus identify the presiding deity of the locality as Lord Katirkaman, who is identified as Skanda-Murugan, also known as Subramanya. Buddhists, on the other hand, consider the local divinity to be Kataragama Deviyo, a protective deity of Buddhists and their religion. In fact the town is revered as one of the sixteen most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the island. However there is no doubt …

In all the many Chinese Festivals that fill up the calendar perhaps nothing tops the spook chart than the Hungry Ghosts Festival. The name itself is a crowd puller and whoever makes the audience is fascinated by the range of events lined up from the beginning to the end. The story behind the festival is just as interesting as the festival itself. The Chinese believe that every year at around the time of the festival, the gates of Hell are opened and the spirits from here are set free to roam the earth. As tribute to these souls of the dead, this festival is commemorated and several Chinese people gather on this day to remember and pray for the deceased members of their family. In …

Honk Kong in itself is a city of festivities. It is a nation where tradition merges with a modern touch giving you an outcome of pure wonder. In the middle of every autumn season, Hong Kong becomes more so alive in the vibrant and exotic Mid Autumn Festival. It is actually an ancient Chinese harvest festival but in Honk Kong it is given unique and a modern treatment. Fiery dragons dance through the neon lit streets that are adorned by the glowing lanterns on this festive season. As the moon shines in its fullest form, Honk Kong comes alive in a complete spectacle. The Mid Autumn Festival falls every year on the 15th day of the 8th month in the Chinese Lunar Calendar. Its grandeur …

The Queen of United Kingdom is without a doubt one of the most iconic personalities in the world. The British Royalty has a rich and vibrant history of over 1000 years, and served as the monarch for England as well as all the nations in the British Empire which was in existence from during the 16th Century to the 20th Century. The Monarch of United Kingdom is also the head of state of the United Kingdom and also of 15 other nations which are part of the Commonwealth. Although before the 1600’s the monarch of the United Kingdom held a great deal of power, today the monarch of the United Kingdom, Queen Elizabeth II, is a constitutional monarch and a figurehead. Yet the Queen of …

While holidaying at a destination that gives you a chance to play on some of the most scenic courses in the region is incentive enough for golfers, the Hua Hin Golf Festival adds even more to the allure of this idyllic coastal getaway. This annual festival generally takes place between August and September and those in search of beach hotels Hua Hin Thailand has to offer that makes an ideal base for their stay can consider Anantara Hua Hin Thailand Resort. One of the best Hua Hin hotels in the area, this well placed property is also within easy reach of several golf courses including the Palm Hills course. Attracting amateur and veteran golfers alike, the Hua Hin Golf Festival gives you the chance to play at some of …

With its central position as a provider of fuel to the world, Abu Dhabi has done its duty by initiating an international exhibition for petroleum and is already to go on board in 2013. ADIEPEC as it is best known for the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference will take place in November 2013 between the 10th and 13th. Having had 15 successful years behind it had helped this year’s conference that is scheduled to be held in even grander style with much attention to various important areas associated with the industry of petroleum. As the conference keeps its topics and themes in close association with the trends of the industry, this year’s theme has been named as ‘gas as a primary and useful …

The month of Ramadan is the ninth in the Islamic calendar and is considered holy by all Muslims. Devotees observe a month-long fast where they forego food and water from sunrise to sunset. The end of Ramadan is marked by a large celebration. Ramadan (which is called ‘Roadha Mas’ by the locals) in Maldives is a grand occasion. After all, the Maldives is a Muslim nation, and the festivities take place throughout the month and not just at the end. Although meant to be a time of spirituality and introspection, there is also a streak of merriment. Inveterate shoppers especially enjoy the season as many shops run sales and offer discounts during the period, tempting locals and tourists alike to make a few purchases. Restaurants …

Kataragama is a town located in the south of the island nation of Sri Lanka that is a noteworthy pilgrimage destination for Hindus, Buddhists and the indigenous Veddah people alike. Even devotees from southern India come to this venerated site to pay their respects at the sacred shrines gracing the locale. The site of veneration is the Kataragama temple, known in the Sinhalese language as the Kataragama devalaya; it stands in honour of God Skanda-Murugan or Kataragamadeviyo as the locals call the deity. Tamil followers of the Hindu faith, both in Sri Lanka and southern India, call the location Katirkamam. The deity is variously known as Skanda-Murugan, Katiradeva, Subramanya, Kandasamy, Tarakajith and other names by the Hindu community. The god is depicted as having twelve …

Autumn is regarded as the golden season in Guangzhou. The sunny weather with clear blue skies during the day and moonlit nights is one of the best times of the year that everyone looks forward to. With such wonderful weather and cheerfulness in the air, it is the time for the Mid-Autumn Festival which is celebrated by families that stay up late into the night and enjoy a bite of moon cakes while gazing at the moon shining bright in a clear sky. There are a number of activities that are part and parcel of this fest. Families together make bamboo lanterns which are then lit up at night. The handmade lantern which is made in diverse shapes of flowers, animals, insects, fruits, places and …