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 …

Each year on the 13th of March elephants in Thailand have a special day all to themselves. On this day they do not have to toil for their keep. Elephant day was first mooted in 1998 and is now firmly established as an important national event. Celebrations start a week ahead mainly to draw attention to efforts for elephant conservation and to protect their disappearing habitat. Each region, resort, elephant camp and conservation centre has their own programmes for commemorating Elephant Day. One of the best outcomes of the day is seeing a large number of elephants in one place looking as if they enjoy the attention. On this special day many events are organized to honour and express appreciation for the animal that has …

Chinese New Year is a widely celebrated festival – celebrated either in the month of January or February, depending on the lunar calendar. All around the world, hundreds of communities celebrate this time by lighting beautiful lanterns, conducting parades and spending time as a community or family. The streets are lit up in beautiful lanterns, decorated with Chinese calligraphy. People adorn themselves with new clothes and give gifts to children. Shops offer special deals on all items. For nights on end, long dancing dragons fill the street in the traditional dragon parades, which also feature acrobats and dancers. Fireworks light up the night sky and the streets are filled with the colour red, which is said to be able to ward off beasts. The Chinese …

Indonesia is undoubtedly a top-notch destination in terms of culture, outdoor activities and holiday retreats that one would always want to be a part of. The festivals and events play a major role in showcasing the country’s rich cultural influences of which some go back in time. If one is searching for luxury hotels, Indonesia affords plenty of opportunities to select one that will suit your budget. Starwood Indonesia which features amongst Indonesia 5 star hotels will entice you with a truly memorable experience that will give you the time and space to discover a host of all the upcoming festivals in the country. October sees the ever popular and engaging Kuta Karnival Bali Food Festival which sees foodies the world over commune in Bali for a true taste …

Kerala in India is a destination with a distinctive culture. A 3 Star hotel in Kerala such as Poovar Island Resort presents an ideal option for those in search of a Kerala resort at which to hold their wedding reception. Traditional weddings in Kerala incorporate some unique rituals to mark the unity of two people. Customarily, the bride pays a visit to a temple along with her close relatives on the very morning of her wedding day. Here she prays for a happy wedded life. Usually marriage ceremonies in Kerala are held at large halls which have the capacity for a large amount of guests, among which there are friends and relatives of both the bridegroom and bride. The responsibility of arranging this ceremony belongs …

If you are looking for a unique way to ring in the New Year, then consider heading to the Maldives where you can combine a fun holiday in the tropics with much celebration and festivities. An ideal option would be to stay at a Maldives island resort such as Kuramathi Island where you can herald in the New Year in an intimate getaway by the sea. This luxurious resort features charming Maldives villas that provide an ideal home away from home in this tropical paradise. Those wanting to witness the pomp and pageantry of locals during New Year can head to such destinations as the capital Male, where one can witness a variety of festivities. December 31st see the city streets come alive at night with dancers, drummers and …

The year is coming to a close and it is time to make plans for the New Year’s Eve celebrations. For those who want to welcome the New Year in a different and a unique way, one of the best options to do is to celebrate it in a different part of the world. For the enthusiastic traveller and the adventurer one of the finest places to celebrate the dawn of 2014 is in Hong Kong. The city hosts some of the most spectacular fireworks and great parties to welcome the New Year and it is also one of the regions in the planet which will be first to welcome the New Year. Every year, hundreds of thousands of people gather at the Victoria Harbour …

The celebration of the New Year on the 1st of January each year is in fact according to only one calendar: the Gregorian calendar, the existing calendar which has been unofficially acknowledged by a number of high profile institutions thereby making it the most accepted. While the Gregorian calendar remains the most accepted, a number of countries, depending on the regions they belong to, celebrate the dawn of the New Year according to various calendars. As a result, nations of the world celebrate this event at different times of the year such as the Cambodian New Year, the Filipino New Year Celebration, the Islamic New Year, the Sinhalese New Year, Baby New Year, Twelve Grapes and more. The Chinese New year is one such celebration …

An archipelago of numerous islands in the Andaman Sea makes up Langkawi, the Jewel of Kedah. Known as the land of all one’s wishes these pretty islands offer a getaway to paradise. It is an entirely duty-free area and the entire island is full of activities to keep visitors engaged with. From scenic waterfalls to picturesque rice gardens and thrilling adventure parks to rustic villages, the time spent here will give you a diverse range of experiences. The highlight of Langkawi is its many beaches, soft sandy shores that can be quiet sanctuaries or happening party hotspots depending on what you are looking for. Pantai Cenang is the most popular beach in Langkawi and stretches continuously for 2 kms. Pantai Kok in contrast is a …

Declared a public holiday each year the Chinese New Year is no ordinary cultural festival in the Lion City of Singapore. Marked during the last days of January this engaging local festival is celebrated with great pomp and pageantry by the island nation’s Chinese community although it is equally popular among Singaporeans of all faiths and visitors alike. The 2014 Chinese New Year falls on the 31st of January and this year harks in the Year of the Horse. Also known as the Lunar New Year and the Singapore Spring Festival this one of a kind event brings together the traditions of the Chinese celebration with all its customs and rituals and combines it with vibrant parades and street parties. Taking place from the first …