When the Magham star of the Vedic sky falls upon the fullmoon day in the Tamil month of Masi, it is the time for the Masi Magam, one of the most important festivals in the Hindu almanac. Seek Pondicherry accommodation in a suitable Pondicherry hotel during this time to feel the full swing of the festivities and Hotel Atithi is a recommended choice which is ideal for the purpose. Held between February and March, the Masi Magam Festival is celebrated with much pomp and fanfare in the French corner of India Pondicherry attracting large throngs of devotees and tourists each year.  It is quite a vibrant festival, with people getting dressed up in the most colourful cloths and attending the proceedings with so much enthusiasm. …

The much anticipated Songkran Festival is an important celebration in the Thai calendar. Celebrated from the 13th to the 15th of April, the occasion is considered to mark the arrival of the New Year according to the nation’s traditional calendar. A national holiday in Thailand, this festival has evolved into a joyous and merry occasion when everyone joins in the fun and laughter. Even foreigners are welcomed to join in the festivities. Today, the main festivity during Songkran is the enthusiastic splashing of water upon one another. Thais take the opportunity to wander the streets of cities armed with buckets of water, garden hoses and water guns. Groups of revellers will position themselves along roads and at intersections, enthusiastically drenching pedestrians, cars, taxis, tuk tuks …

Many festivals in Thailand mark an important event in the history of the nation or a cultural highlight, such as a birthday of royalty or the dawn of a new year. The annual Thao Thepkasattri – Thao Sri Suntorn Festival which is celebrated in Phuket is no exception. This particular event commemorates the heroic deeds of two local sisters, Thao Thepkasattri and Thao Sri Suntorn (also identified by the names Khunying Chan and Khunying Muk). According to local legend these two heroines rallied the local forces at a time when the island of Phuket was besieged by Burmese invaders. These events took place more than two centuries ago, but even today are fervently celebrated by the local residents. The local city organizes many attractive celebrations …

The Dragon Boat Festival in Singapore is a spectacular annual event which is conducted at the Bedok Reservoir located in the environs of the city. At this much looked forward to event you will be able to see dragon boat crews hailing from many different parts of the globe vying for supremacy in this prestigious and keenly contested competition. In this demanding sport, teams of 22 strong and powerful rowers strain every sinew to help their teams to achieve victory. This unique and enthralling sport has its origins in imperial China in ancient times. Like many activities in this part of the world, dragon boating inherits a rich historical heritage. The legend goes that there was once a great minister and poet, Qu Yuan, who …

The mountainous nation of Bhutan offers many attractions for the visitor and there is no better time to visit this fascinating country than during the much anticipated Takin Festival. The festival is named after the Takin, a unique animal which has the distinction of being the national animal of Bhutan. Visitors will have the opportunity to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, grazing placidly in the grasslands. These animals, unmistakable and surprisingly agile, thrive in the mountain environment. The festival is held in the locality of Gasa within the Jigme Dorji National Park which is counted amongst the largest natural sanctuaries in the nation. This part of the country is beautiful and picturesque, offering sensational panoramas of pristine scenic vistas. This lovely natural …

Shanghai’s largest Buddhist Temple, the Longhua Temple, bursts into a bright flurry of festivity, joy, and colour during the third lunar month (April) of each year. If you are visiting the country or the city, witness this air of festivity permeate everything from your flight to stylish serviced apartments Shanghai has to offer all visitors, such as those at the Ascott Huai Hai Road Shanghai which makes for some excellent accommodation Shanghai. Accompanying the vibrant peach blossoms which burst into life during the spring season, the Longhua Temple emerges with its festival best witness by the colourful lights that decorate the temple interior and exterior, lending the site an enchanting air. Coupled with the enthralling tinkling of the bells, the whole site blooms into a sacred spectacle that …

The home of Tamil cinema and the ‘Gateway to the South’, the city of Chennai is one place you just have to come over to. With a range of places to visit, Chennai is an alluring cosmopolitan that will entice beyond your wildest dreams. The festivals of the area that pay tribute to its rich culture is a time of merrymaking colour and joy for all those fortunate enough to be a part of them. A Chennai serviced apartment will be a good choice of accommodation when in the city. Somerset Greenways Chennai which affords serviced apartments Chennai has to offer should be thought of when examining the numerous choices on offer. Karthikai Deepam which is celebrated on a full moon day between November and …

Each culture has its share of festivals to celebrate religious events, changing of seasons and happenings of local historical importance. These festivals not only reflect the cultural and religious diversity of a country it also provides an outlet for cultural expression. As such the Caribbean region has its own share of colourful religious and secular festivals. In the Bahamas, Nassau and New Providence Island, Junkanoo is celebrated in two stages, the day after Christmas and on New Years’ Day. Nearly a thousand participants in flamboyant costumes dance through the streets to Goombay music. Prizes are awarded for the best costumes. The origin of the event can be traced to West Africa. Kadooment Day with 18th century roots, linked to its sugar cane industry is a …

The Maldives is undoubtedly an experience that one must discover. From its exciting water based activities, succulent seafood to its absorbing culture, the isles would usher in a mood of complete serenity. Selecting the soothing ambience of a Maldives resort will let you enjoy the company of traditional folk dances. Cocoa Island Maldives which falls under the category of Maldives luxury resorts would serve you well on your travels. Bodu Beru music is a form of tribal dance that usually occurs during important festivals and in involves the use of hollow coconut wood drums and the singing of folk music. The Bolimalaafath Nesgun dance is where Maldivian women form groups and sing to the beats of music. This practice which was carried out when offerings were made to the …

Rock music has always been a special genre of music that a certain crowd enjoys, and since the 60s, there has been a significant rise in the number of people who appreciate rock music. Rock music is now more varied than before; it has branched out into several categories like classic rock, alternative rock, hard rock and heavy metal. Much of the appeal for rock music lies in the dissenting nature of rock lyrics and rock musicians. Usually rock groups are declaring a war against lies, injustice, norms and conformity to societal roles. This draws the attention of listeners who are unsatisfied with what they experience in life and the disappointments they have had to face. The modern world is complex and increasingly confusing and …