Author Archives: pushpitha

The charming Poson Festival in Sri Lanka

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Jetwing Travels is a pioneer in providing convenient Sri Lanka travel facilities to ant part of the country. Personalized Sri Lanka tours can be organized according to your preference if you contact this travel provider. Sri Lanka is a country which is home to a diverse range of ethnicities. O the number of cultural festivals you would be able to witness while in the country is immense.

If you are visiting the island paradise of Sri Lanka during the month of June you would be able to witness a very important festivals to the Buddhists in the country; the Poson festival. The celebration is mainly centered on Mihinthale a city very close to the historic Anuradhapura kingdom. It is believed that Arahat Mihindu came from India on this day with the gift of Buddhism to all Sri Lankans. Many holy events based on the temples take place all over the country. Free food is given to people who go on pilgrimages or anyone who passes on the road. There are many replicas of the Mihinthale Mountain all over the country displaying the story of how Buddhism came to the country. This truly is a very soothing festival celebrated on the full moon day of June each year.

Witness the colourful and glamorous Kandy Esala Perahera

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One of the most popular holiday destinations in Asia is Sri Lanka. Travel to Sri Lanka and enjoy the diverse range of attractions and activities that it offers. While visiting the country the least issue that you would come across is traveling. Jetwing Travels is a professional organization which offers Sri Lanka tours accordingly to suit your personal wants and needs.

Apart from the natural and historical attractions Sri Lanka has some unique cultural events that equally amaze both the locals and foreigners. One such spectacular festival is the Kandy Esala Perahera which takes place during the month of August. Even though this is a Buddhist festival, the number of non-Buddhists from around the world gathers in the city of Kandy to witness this colourful event. This festival had been celebrated from ancient times and still has not lost its glamour and class. The main item in this parade is the Tooth Relic which is taken around the city on a tusker with great respect. Apart from this there are many dancers, whip crackers, stilt walkers, a huge number of elephants, fire dancers and much more. This is held during the night time which makes the parade more enchanting and beautiful. Light is provided in a traditional way by people who carry lanterns which have “coppara” burning. The aroma of these coppara and the smell of burning kerosene oil can be felt miles ahead. Many street vendors can be found selling various food items, trinkets and toys making the experience more Sri Lankan and unique. Make sure you make an early reservation in one of the many places that offer seating facilities to avoid getting squashed amidst of a sea of people.

Dragon Boat Festival – Myth meets competition and bursts into fun!

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Beijing is one of China’s most spirited cities and no matter what time of year one visits, one will always discover something unique about the city. When looking for accommodation, a great option is Serviced Apartments in Beijing, which provide a home away from home for all guests. Of all the Serviced Apartments Beijing, consider a stay at the Ascott Raffles City Beijing. Modern, luxurious amenities and a convenient location in the heart of the lively city make this property an ideal option for business and pleasure visits alike.

June 12 marks the fifth day of the fifth month according to the lunar calendar this year, which means that China comes alive to celebrate a tradition that is millennia old: the colourful and competitive Dragon Boat Festival. Downtown Beijing bursts into a hotbed of activity, as the first boat race is launched from here, and many others at various other locations around the city and around the country. China takes a break every year to watch and participate in the boat races, munch on delicious zongzi (a soft rice dumpling) and heartily guzzle yellow wine. The races are a splendid sight as brightly coloured boats zip along the water, powered by up to 80 rowers cheered by a drummer and flag handler who stand on the prow. There is no limit on the number of boats that can compete and only one rule applies: the winner is the first team to claim the flag planted at the end of the course. An exciting, spirited day of competition and fun, the Dragon Boat Festival is a must-see experience if you happen to be in Beijing at the time.

 

World Food Expo 2013 – Strictly for Food Lovers

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The Philippines is a small but very beautiful country that should be visited by anyone who is planning to head towards the east during the next vacation. Like most of the Asian countries, this country too is blessed with sunlight throughout the year apart from the rainy season that would occur from time to time. The things that you would get to explore within the country too are countless. The tranquil un-spoilt beaches, the scenic mountain ranges and other nature based adventure trails, the wide range of water based activities, the culture and lifestyle of the people are some major tourist attraction highlights.

When considering the lifestyle related activities there are many areas that a visitor can explore while in Philippines. Shopping, especially bargain shopping is very common among visitors. The vibrant nightlife that can be experienced attracts a huge number of visitors itself. There would be places to just hangout and relax and also there would be a wide range of dining options to satisfy each and every visitor’s needs. There would be many festivals and events held in the country especially in Manila. The World Food Expo 2013 Manila is one such unique event that had been continuously held for the past twelve years.

This would be a very special occasion for food lover all around the world. This year it would be held from the 31st of July to the 3rd of August providing all visitors four entire days full of fun. This is known as the “Country’s Biggest & Most Effective Food Show” which would feature around 500 exhibitors who would be displaying their newest products to the whole world. Stroll among the stalls enjoying every tiny bit of the displays and do not forget to get your hands on some of the exciting freebies that would be given a way. Taste the mouth-watering delicacies that would be very fresh and tempting.

The Heritage Hotel Manila is a hotel in Manila where you could go back to after spending an exciting day at the World Food Expo. This Manila hotel is modern and elegant and has all the necessary amenities to pamper you throughout your stay.

Chem Temple Festival – Celebrating the hero of Vietnam

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The Vietnam is a land replete with timeless legends, priceless artefacts and iconic heroes. The best way to experience this impressive cultural lineage is through a stay at a hotel in Haiphong. Of the many Haiphong Hotels one can sample, an ideal location to experience the best of local culture in an international setting is at the Harbour View Hotel Haiphong Vietnam. This well-appointed property combines the best of stylish comfort with elegant French colonial decor to provide an experience dripping with history.

Chem Temple was erected in homage to an iconic hero from the annals of Vietnam’s history: Ly Than. Regarded to be an exemplary military man, and a consummate ethical figure, Ly Than helped stave off the Mongolian invasion of the Vietnam, and his name alone had the power to send his enemies scrambling off in fear. The temple holds a sumptuous festival in the hero’s honour, where brightly dressed adherents participate in an elaborate ceremony to bath the various statues located at the temple, of which the most important are of Ly Than and his wife. The festival concludes with a solemn funeral procession dedicated to the hero, and a splendid verbal tribute is recited in his honour, which paints him at the quintessential hero of the land, whose physical prowess and ethical leadership knew no equal. The lavish ceremony also includes celebratory games such as duck catching, kite flying and releasing doves, and the festival is well worth a visit as it provides a glimpse into the Vietnam’s most beloved national heroes.

Buddha’s Birthday – Celebrate the birth of enlightenment

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Visitors to the iconic Buddhist nation of Vietnam will delight in a visit to the city of Haiphong, home to such decorated sites as Du Hang Pagoda, considered to be the centre of Buddhism in the city. Guests looking for quality Haiphong hotels will be spoiled for choice in this very spiritual northern Vietnamese city. A fine hotel in Haiphong would be the Harbour View Hotel Haiphong Vietnam, whose modern conveniences set in traditional colonial architecture will provide a delightful glimpse into Vietnamese hospitality.

The Vietnam is a vibrant country in Southeast Asia boasting a splendid cultural and religious lineage. The country explodes into celebration during the May Full Moon, otherwise known as “Vesak” in Buddhist circles, which venerates the birth of Buddha. It is an important religious milestone observed with much pomp around the world and in Vietnam, which is 65% Buddhist. Glorious tributes to the Buddha abound in the country, most especially in the southern region, home to such iconic cities as Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi, the capital. Ho Chi Minh bursts into a flurry of lavish celebration at the Nghia An Hoi Quan Pagoda, which is ceremoniously festooned while devout monks form processions in the streets and brightly coloured lanterns light up the pagoda roof. The heavenly scent of sacred incense permeates the air, adding a divine flavour to all the festivities. It is a sight journey worth seeing to celebrate one of the country’s most beloved spiritual figures.

Singapore Food Festival – Sample a sea of Singaporean flavours!

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The Singapore Food Festival serves up an appetizing array of cultural offerings to the dedicated foodie, who will simply love the exquisite seafood selection that is the theme of this year’s culinary extravaganza. Food lovers will want a quality serviced apartment Singapore has on offer nearby, which will afford them easy access to sample the festival’s most delicious dishes. One of many fine private apartments Singapore features is the Somerset Bencoolen Singapore, which features modern amenities and its close proximity to the food festival will satiate guests of all appetites. The Singapore Food Festival features more than 50 food stalls offering a sumptuous array of both international and local cuisine with a seafood twist. Dine on such signature favourites as the chilli crab, butter crab, crispy fried prawns, rojak with prawn past, sambal stingray, and premium seafood fried rice all served up in an inviting range of ways that will make foodies rethink their approaches to seafood. In addition, food enthusiasts will be treated to live culinary demonstrations by a few world-renowned Singaporean chefs, who may even offer up a taste of their sumptuous creations. There are a range of fun events featured at the festival to get more bang for your buck, such as exciting eating competitions that offer fantastic prizes, the chance to win a luxury cruise, and a SGD 50 charge to win a “catch-of-the-day” prize to redeem exclusive dinner vouchers at some of Singapore’s finest restaurants. So join the nation as it sails into the sea of seafood-inspired cuisine that will leave one’s taste buds tingling with flavour!

Beijing International Art Exposition – A Celebration of the Creative Spirit

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Art offers a unique insight into not only local artistic talent but a country’s cultural heritage as well and when in China’s capital the Beijing International Art Exposition lets you do just that. Art lovers in search of Beijing accommodation that give you a chance to enjoy the very best the city has to offer while visiting the art expo, can consider Ascott Beijing. This luxury apartment in Beijing can be found in the Central Business District making it ideal for those looking to mix business with pleasure.

Generally taking place at the Beijing Exhibition Centre, the Beijing International Art Exposition looks to bring together art galleries, collectors and lovers of art to share in the joy of creative expression. It is a great place to view both traditional as well as cutting edge works by well known artists from around the world. Most of all, it is an ideal place to view artworks from China which give you an opportunity to see the depth and variety that is on offer by Chinese artists, who each have their own stories to tell.

Mazayina Dhafra Camel Festival (Camel Beauty Show) – Calling all camel lovers!

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Visitors to the impressive emirate of Abu Dhabi will find a range of excellent Abu Dhabi hotels to choose from, but to truly enjoy a holiday in one of the grandest desert states, consider staying at one of many luxury hotels Abu Dhabi. One option is the Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara. Its traditional Arabian setting with state-of-the-art modern conveniences make it the ideal property to enjoy the wonders of desert culture.

Set amidst the rolling sands of the Arabian Desert that birthed numerous myths, legends and occasional movie settings, Abu Dhabi is a magical emirate to venture into. In addition to hosting events such as film festivals, Abu Dhabi also hosts an event that venerates and celebrates an important aspect of desert culture: the impressive and at times irritable camel. This noble “ship of the desert” is honored in an annual festival that showcases the most “beautiful” camel, in the Mazayina Dhafra Camel Festival, otherwise known as a camel beauty show. The festival is held in Zayed City in Al Gharbia, and it provides a glimpse into traditional Arabic desert culture, as well as bridging the gap between the country’s generations. The main event is the camel beauty contest, which features the Asayel and Majahim camel breeds vying for the beauty crown. For those interested in adding one of these magnificent beings to their family, there is also a camel auction. Other notable events at the festival feature a traditional bazaar straight out of Arabian nights, a handicrafts market featuring the best of Arabic arts and a dates presentation competition that highlights the best offering of these sweet treats. To set the atmosphere, there is also folklore music that hearkens to the time of Aladdin, a poetry competition and other activities that spotlight the splendid Arabic heritage. So come and sample the best of the Arabian Desert culture at the Mazayina Dhafra Camel Festival!

Merdeka Day Parade 2013 – Long live Malaysia’s independence!

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Malaysia is a country steeped in a rich tradition and culture. Visitors to this splendid Southeast Asian nation will have no problem finding a quality Kuala Lumpur hotel to cater to their needs. A wonderful hotel in Bukit Bintang to consider is the Grand Millennium Kuala Lumpur. This well-appointed property offers a range of modern amenities and its central location close to business, shopping and key cultural attractions makes it a great choice for business and leisure visits.

August 31, 1957 is the day that Malaysia gained its “merdeka”, or independence from the then-crumbling British Empire, and stood strong as an independent sovereign nation. Of the country’s vibrant Independence Day celebrations swathed in the national colours blue, yellow and red, the most iconic event is the Merdeka Day Parade. Usually held in Merdeka Square, over the years it has been hosted in other areas around the country to bring it to more parts of the country. Putrajaya, the country’s administrative centre has hosted the parade over the past few years. The parade features splendid military displays such as the march past and fly past, but its most popular attraction are all gorgeously coloured the floats, sponsored by various businesses and organisations. The floats feature a range of creative designs, and are large enough for paraders to ride. Teeming with onlookers on both sides of the road, the Merdeka Day Parade 2013 is a beautiful glimpse into Malaysia’s most historically and culturally significant event: the birth of a nation.