Author Archives: pushpitha

SongKran Festival – sawatdi pi mai!

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Say sawatdi pi mai! at the Songkran Festival at Thailand this year! The Songkran Festival, also known as the Thai traditional New Year is celebrated between the 13 to 16 April every year. Beach Hotels Hua Hin Thailand are quite abuzz during these days, actively participating in all the festivities. Anantara Hua Hin Thailand Resort is one of the Hua Hin hotels that are known to delve into the very depth of the festival and celebrate the Songkran in style. The most remarkable feature of this festival is perhaps the good natured water throwing that takes place in the streets during this period so be prepared to be drenched to the bone if planning to take part in the New Year. Buddha statues are paraded through the cities on decorative floats and these statues are bathed in water as they roam the streets amidst the veneration of the passersby. Also enjoy feasts prepared specially for the occasion and tantalize your taste buds with no reservation at this festival of renewal, joy and goodwill.

2013 Abu Dhabi International Book Fair – A World designed for the Reader

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The United Arab Emirates is a hub for endless opportunity; be it in entertainment, career, or showcasing a new skill, you can do it all in this vibrant and cosmopolitan city in the Middle East. Every year this city hosts a very popular book fair; The Abu Dhabi International Book Fair. A major business initiative of the KITAB; (an organization who thrives on enlightening the world of reading), this fair lives up to its standards and the visions of its organization in every way. It is a platform for writers, editors and publishers and for the visitor it is an affair with a book kingdom.

For all of you who love reading, the Abu Dhabi international book fair is nothing short of paradise. Over 500,000 titles are on display giving you a variety you have never seen before. You would see authors you have never heard of and experience writing styles like never before. The KITAB works in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Authority for culture and heritage and the Frankfurt Book Fair. Reading is not as prioritized as it should be in this city and the other Arab Emirates are no better. The KITAB recognizes this and strives to create awareness and change in the society. The Fair attracts the most creative talent and showcases works of such caliber. This year it is scheduled to be conducted between the 24th and 29th of April and is gearing up to be bigger and better than ever. It is a firework with words in the book fair and just like everything else in this nation it is designed to awe and astound you.

Abu Dhabi is a city that is captivating in all levels imaginable. You can learn so much, do so much and experience so much. Even a month in this city sometimes does not feel like enough, for the wealth of attractions you find here are almost endless. Take your time and leisurely stay at the Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara. Being the finest of luxury hotels Abu Dhabi has you can be sure to be treated like royalty here. This fact and more makes this the most popular of Abu Dhabi hotels.

Take part in the Beijing Daxing Watermelon Festival

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Ascott Beijing is one of the leading Beijing Accommodation providers. These Luxury Apartment in Beijing are modern, affordable and comfortable and would suite both travel and business visitors. The history of watermelon in China dates back to 1000AD. The Watermelon Festival held in Daxing is one of the most fascinating events that you would come across in the city.

You would be able to witness this fascinating event if you are in Beijing during the month of May. Each year on the 28th of May the festival takes place. The guests get to witness the watermelon crops ripening and also experience many cultural events. There are many competitions, performance shows and trade fairs organized to entertain and educate visitors. Take a tour in this festival and taste some of the most juiciest and mouthwatering Beijing watermelons.

Printemps des Musees (Museums day) in Paris

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Le Royal Monceau Paris is one of the most elegant 5 Star Hotel Paris. The modern facilities combined with the touch of the Parisian culture makes this hotel stand out from the other Luxury Hotel Paris. Paris is a hub for many interesting things.

The wide number of museums scattered around the city provides an educational value as well as entertainment. Most of these museums cost a fortune, but there is a special day in Paris where visitors get the opportunity to enter these amazing museums for free. Known as the Printemps des Musees (Museum Day), this is held on a Sunday in spring. This event was initiated by the Ministry of Culture and Communication French in 1999. Take advantage of this amazing offer and visit all the informative and creative museums in Paris.

Trip to Shanghai International Flower Festival

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Somerset Xu Hui Shanghai is one amazing place if you are in search of Shanghai Executive Apartments. This Shanghai Serviced Residence is modern and provides all the necessary amenities for a very comfortable vacation. Enjoy a lively Chinese experience in this relaxing and cozy environment.

There are many events that you will be able to witness while in this bustling city. The Shanghai International Flower Festival is one such interesting and colorful event. This is normally held every two years at the Changfeng Park. Lose yourself amidst the beautiful and colorful flowers that would be spread in a large area. The sweet fragrance of the flowers could be smelt ahead and would transport you to the world of flowers. You will be able to see flowers from around the worlds and some very rare species too are included in the broad collection. Enjoy a truly perfect time with nature.

Visakha Bucha

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Travellers to Thailand should always make it a point to explore its rich religious heritage. Being based at Bangkok serviced apartments ensures maximum convenience in doing so and Sathorn apartments at Ascott Sathorn Bangkok make for an ideal option. A holiday celebrating Gautama Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and passing, Visakha Bucha, more commonly known as Vesak is celebrated in most of the Asian countries including Indonesia, Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal and India. The date of Visakha Bucha varies from year to year. Usually it falls on either May or April and sometimes even June. Celebrated on a full moon day, it is the most important day for Buddhists.

Vesak Festival, a Buddhist highlight

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The Vesak Festival is an important occasion for Sri Lankan Buddhists, who join other Buddhists around the world in celebrating this event which falls on the day of the full moon in the month of May. For the Buddhist faithful this religious event has become a cultural occasion as well, with many interesting customs and traditions being associated with it.

Vesak Day has a threefold significance for Buddhists. According to Buddhist scriptures the birth of the Buddha occurred on such a full moon night in May, when Queen Mahamaya gave birth to the future Buddha. The second momentous event which took place on this day is the Enlightenment of the Buddha who thereby became omniscient and the Supreme Being, all-knowing and free of all defilements. Finally the death of the Buddha (Parinibbana) took place on this day.

Many unique activities are associated with Vesak in Sri Lanka. Bodhi Poojas venerating the sacred Bo tree and taking strict vows of ‘Sil’ on this day are strong traditions amongst the faithful. Devotional songs are sung and publicly aired and many homes prepare their own Vesak lanterns, specially made for the occasion. A much looked forward to aspect of the celebration is the colourful pandols which are constructed for the occasion; these are huge creations featuring vivid illustrations and hundreds of light bulbs, depicting a ‘Jataka’, a story of a former incarnation of the Buddha, which typically have an inherent moral.

As one might expect on this holy day the local temples are inundated with devotees, who take ‘Atasil’ vows, listen to sermons delivered by monks, give alms, offer flowers, light lamps and incense and cultivate wholesome thoughts.

Many people get together to set up a ‘Dansala’, a stall offering free food or drink to anyone who passes by. During the sacred week, the selling of alcoholic drinks is prohibited and the sale of fresh meat is halted. Slaughterhouses are closed and many devotees refrain from eating any kind of meat.

Visitors to Sri Lanka desiring a hotel in Sigiriya will find an excellent choice in Hotel Sigiriya, one of the fine hotels Sigiriya offers. This outstanding accommodation provides comfortable rooms and courteous service.

Fun Times – Jalan Jaksa Street Festival

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Jalan Jaksa in central Jakarta is a historic street that housed students of the Jakarta Law Academy during Dutch times. In the late 1960s the street developed in quite another direction when it became famous among international backpackers and the first budget hotel in the country was established there. With the addition of several more hostels and cheap hotels it became the central point from which backpackers took off to other destinations in the country. In the mid 1990s a street festival was started to popularize the area further and to celebrate the culture of the Betawi people who are indigenous residents of Jakarta. The 400 meter road now has 27 budget hotels and hostels and hundreds of rooms rented by local residents, restaurants, money changers, pubs, laundries, bookstores and travel agencies and is home to several interesting long term residents.

The street festival takes place over three days from 4 in the afternoon to midnight on Friday and Saturday and from 10pm to midnight on Sunday. During the festival the street is closed to traffic .The festival is also a short in the arm for Betawi culture which is on the wane as Jakarta becomes more cosmopolitan. It is also an opportunity to introduce urban youth to dying traditions. Many visitors agree that the festival is the best place to sample Betawi food in the form of brightly coloured glutinous cakes, soups, stews and noodle dishes hawked by street vendors. A photographic exhibition of old Jakarta, Jalan Jaksa and Kebon Sirih area as they were in the 1930s give the festival an interesting perspective. Watching demonstrations on making traditional paper lanterns, batik and local crafts, cheering on participants of ‘Paland Pintu’ traditional martial arts performances, shopping for cheap souvenirs and watching tattoo artists at work are some of the things that festival goers could do. Parades of local beauties accompanied by traditional drummers, dancers, and life sized puppets or ‘ondel ondel’ and Tanjidor or Betawi orchestras are also a part of the action. Traditional plays are enacted on the three stages set up in the middle of the street and local bands take the stage to play Indonesians pop songs late into the night.

Stay at the Somerset Berlian Jakarta to have the pleasure of experiencing green surroundings and spacious, contemporary two and three bedroom apartments that come fully equipped with all the necessities for a comfortable city stay for business and leisure travellers. This service apartment in Jakarta is located in the centre of the city making business and other important destinations, shopping, dining and entertainment areas easily reachable. Experience some of the most comfortableJakarta accommodation in a relaxing and secure environment.

Mid Autumn Festival – Especially for Kids!

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Vietnam is a country which has a vibrant culture and a combination of very friendly and hospitable people. The amount of places and festivals with a cultural value are wide and varied. One of the major festivals celebrated in the country is the Mid Autumn Festival. This festival is celebrated by both Chinese and Vietnamese people, but the celebrations are not exactly similar in both cultures.

Normally the fifteenth day of the eighth month in the lunar calendar is the day that the celebration takes part. This is grandly celebrated in Vietnam by families as a tradition. Folklore from Vietnam mentions that the adults in the community were very busy with the harvesting process and the children had to play alone. So to make up for this the parents took this festival as an opportunity to spend the day with the kids and make it a fun filled day for them. Because of this reason this festival is also called the Children’s Festival and is celebrated grandly.

The celebration includes both educational and fun activities. Lanterns are brought for children by the parents and the children light them in the dawn of the day of the festival and take part in the candlelit lantern procession. The procession is to signify the success in school and the lit candles represent brightness. Children make creative masks and perform Vietnamese dances. The Unicorn dancers are a very popular dance category.

At night under the silvery light of the full moon the parents tell the children fairy tales and serve them with moon cakes. These stories encourage the children to work harder and go forward towards their dreams. This truly is a family festival full of love, caring, gratitude and friendship. Find a Vietnam hotel for accommodation and enjoy these cultural events while getting pampered by the facilities in the hotel. Anantara Mui Ne Resort & Spa is one perfect resort in Mui Ne which would offer you an impeccable service. The friendly staff make your stay smoother and relaxed while the mouth watering delicacies prepared by the hotel will keep you well fed. Take your kids to Vietnam during this festive season and let them experience this special children’s day too!

Dragon boat Festival – Dragons, Tradition and good cheer

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A tradition that has come forward 20 centuries as a religious ceremony and folk custom the Dragon Boat festival known as Duanwu is now a world renowned festival and is fast emerging an international sport. A dragon boat is a watercraft that is human powered and is built out of teak wood in differing shapes and sizes.

For the purpose of the festival these boats are decorated with ornate heads and tails of Chinese dragons. The festival is held in June and includes a number of customary activities. The Chinese have dumplings, rice and drink Realgar wine to celebrate before the race.

Celebrated in Taiwan, Singapore and Malaysia this festival, marks the dawn of summer in the region and according to Chinese tradition is the peak annual period of male energy. Hence the most powerful and masculine image of the Dragon is naturally associated with the festival. People hang icons of Shong Kui , Mugwort and Calamus and take long walks wearing scented bags of medicine. These activities are believed to keep evil spirits at bay and bring prosperity in to their lives.

It is no doubt pleasing, to see how Hong Kong celebrates the hottest month of the year in good cheer while unveiling culture and tradition. Thousands of people gather at Victoria Harbour to cheer on some of the best dragon boat athletes and to absorb the summer fun at the Dragon boat carnival.

To absorb the good cheer and the festivities around the time, it’s highly advisable to seek accommodation within city limits where it’s convenient for you to pop in and out of the colourful atmosphere without the hassle of travelling far. Plenty of 4 Star Hotel Hong Kong offer reasonable prices and comfortable lodging to travellers around festival time. However a Hong Kong Boutique Hotel that stands out a class part from the rest of the hotels is the Cosmo Hotel. A stylishly decorated hotel, equipped with state of the art conveniences this premise truly awakens the senses of its guests with its colour adorned walls and spacious suites. A perfectly vibrant place to reside in while you absorb the vibrant colours of Duanwu !