The islands of Maldives are most renowned for their stunning beaches. However the country celebrates various festivals that reflect local cultural heritage. Find a centrally positioned Maldives Island resort to base yourself at in order to make the most of your visit. Kuramathi Island offers a selection of charming Maldives villas for travellers to choose from. There are various historical and religious festivals celebrated in the islands with some incorporating traditional performances. Independence Day celebrations as well as the National Day are among the main celebrations while prominent religious events include Ramadan and EIid-Ul-Adha. Be sure to experience the vibrancy of some of the local festivals during a holiday spent in this enchanting beach destination. Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. …

For all Sinhalese and Hindus, April is all about festivity. From the end of March even the environment seems to feel this heart-warming change. The trees look much greener with flowers blossoming covering up every inch making it look like Mother Nature’s decorations done specially for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year. To add to this beautiful site, the sound of the cuckoo bird can be heard as the background music throughout this special time. While nature gets ready to celebrate this festival in its own way, the people in Sri Lanka too start adding their contribution to enhance the excitement. Everything is done according to an auspicious time, so when the time gets closer the astrologers in the country get together to give the …

As greater emphasis is placed on national defense and security, and the technology advances to create devices that make life in the 21st century amazingly secure and comfortable by providing convenience and ease at the finger tips of man, more and more interest is vested on the new machines that are being called to life. In this setting, the Sofex Jordan takes place in the month of May 2014, in the city of Jordan, while countless people swarm in to witness the glory of this century expressed in mean machines. Sofex Jordan will exhibit the latest additions to the portfolios of peacekeeping equipment, homeland security, ammunitions and numerous security related products and services. Manufacturers and suppliers of Armored Vehicles, Military Transport Vehicles, Counter Infiltration Equipment, …

The optics industry in the Middle East knows no greater stage than Vision X Dubai 2014 which is fast becoming the benchmark in eye care and eye fashion wear. A Dubai airport hotel such as Millennium Airport Hotel Dubai would offer good accommodation should you be on the lookout for even a 5 star hotel Dubai boasts of having. Scheduled to be held from the 25th – 27th of November 2014, the Dubai World Trade Centre will yet again come alive with visitors from all corners of the globe arriving to witness such an important exhibition. A total number of 85 exhibitors from 15 countries will be there to offer you valuable information on the latest technology advancements in the eye care sector. A host of seminars, workshops and …

The much anticipated Sinhala and Tamil New Year is one of the most vibrant festivals celebrated in the island nation of Sri Lanka. As its name suggests the festival is observed by both of the two largest communities in Sri Lanka. Falling on the 14th of April this festival is closely linked to the local astrological traditions which regulate the event. Overall the new year celebrations can be seen to be a complex blend of Buddhist, Hindu, astrological and other indigenous traditions. Many of the new year customs, rituals and festivities are thought to have originated as celebrations marking the completion of the harvest. After the arrival of Buddhism the existing customs were modified in the light of the new religion. Many interesting festivities are …

As the veils of powdery mists engulf the mighty mountain range, re-telling a love story that is as old as time, the air grows colder and the soft winds whisper the secrets so charming, to tree and turret. Flowers bloom bright and dance to spring time songs, while melodies echo of the gay singing birds. “Little England”, they called it, this little town where romance beams every step of the way, Nuwara Eliya. In a land that sees no winter snow, the dawn of spring is rarely celebrated. However in this little town of romance, when all the colours in the world burst out in jubilant song in flower and bud everywhere and the happy chorus of the birds singing spring time songs echo thorough …

The capital city of the Southern China province of Sichuan is the vibrant city of Chengdu. Considered to be one of the most important economic and transport hubs of that region in China, the city of Chengdu is home to a rich heritage and colorful culture. Chengdu is popular for traditional Chinese art and literature, historic landmarks, museums and parks, and serene scenic beauty. Chengdu has also been given the title of ‘China’s Peach Homeland’ by China’s State Council. This is because Chengdu is home to as many as 17 million peach trees which bloom during the spring. The blossoming of peaches during the spring in Chengdu is one of the most serene sights the city has to offer, which is why each year the …

The Indonesian festival of Nyepi or traditional New Year is celebrated primarily in the exotic island of Bali. It is primarily a Hindu festivity but non-Hindus conform to the traditional customs as a show of respect for their fellow residents. Festive customs commence two days before the advent of the new year. On this date many hundreds of persons from each of the villages transport artefacts from temples to the beaches so that they can be ritually purified. People attire themselves in vibrantly coloured clothes and make their way to cheerful processions beginning from the early hours of the morning. Women will carry heaped offerings of prepared rice, fruits and other food on their heads whilst men carry a lengthy sheet of white and yellow …

Renowned the world over as one of Asia’s most culturally diverse nations the island metropolis of Singapore is no ordinary holiday destination in the region. As the metropolitan home of a plethora of cultures the Lion City is also a festival capital in Asia with various local festivals celebrated by its multi-ethnic populace decorating its annual calendar. Marked with great pomp and pageantry the festivals highlighting the diverse heritage of Singapore’s vibrant population are nothing short of mesmerizing with the entire city transforming its appearance for the coveted events that are viewed as national celebrations rather than secular events. The Chinese Lunar New Year is one such festival where the entire country comes together in the month of January to mark the birth of a …

Known as “Little England” for its old world colonial charm and cool climate in Sri Lanka’s mountainous central region, Nuwara Eliya is an ideal place to experience the country’s Sinhala and Tamil New Year celebrations. Travellers in search of Nuwara Eliya accommodation which to stay at during this festive period can consider Jetwing Warwick Gardens. Featuring Edwardian style Nuwara Eliya bungalows, this idyllic property makes for a great base from which to head off on your travels in Sri Lanka’s hill country. Sinhala and Tamil New Year takes place in April and this month is one full of traditions and customs that can be enjoyed while in Nuwara Eliya. Festivities kick off on April 1st when a customary ceremony is held featuring bands from local …