Observed in the Hindu calendar month of Bhaadrapada, the Vinayak Chathurthi festival usually falls between 19 August and 20 September lasting for a period of 10-12 days ending on Anant Chaturdashi. Book a Pondicherry hotel during the festival to take part in all the activity and Hotel Atithi is known to offer comfortable Pondicherry accommodation allowing you to participate the festivities with peace of mind. It is said that this is the day that Shiva declared his son Ganesha as superior to all the gods and it is believed that on this day, Ganesha bestows his presence on earth for his devotees on this day. Hindus prepare for this festival several months before hand by creating clay statues of the Ganesha which are then installed in houses and public places in pandals. …

The Middle East has always been known for its wild and raw edge. Perhaps it is the vast expanses of dry and harsh desserts that almost compels one to be daring enough to survive it; and that’s what makes up most of the Middle East. With the rough desserts dawns a whole world in itself; on the one hand you get the dessert culture and on the other you get the sport. And like with any new way of life, it is both fascinating and intriguing to learn about. The Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX) is a fantastic place to stop by and absorb an authentic touch of the Arabian life style. Although its key focus sectors are hunting and Equestrian, at …

Vietnam is a country that boasts a vibrant array of cultural festivals that each showcases a different facet of its bejewelled society. One such example amongst many others is the festival of Keo Pagoda, which lasts for three days in honour of the famed Buddhist Monk of yore, Khong Lo. The festival is held twice each year; in the spring of the fourth day of the first lunar month and in the autumn from the 13th to the 15th day of the ninth lunar month. Emphasis, though, is given to the ninth lunar month’s 14th day as it is not only Khong Lo’s birthday but the 100th day after the official date of his death. Come closer and listen well, for legend tells of the …

The southwest province of Yunnan in China is home to the prefecture of Xishuangbanna, which offers a splendid cultural offering that is worth discovering. It is home to the Dai ethnic community, which accounts for 34% of the state’s population and the annual water-splashing festival in the month of April is a fun event celebrated and enjoyed to the fullest by locals and visitors alike. The best way to soak up the festivities is from a quality hotel Yunnan has to offer its visitors, such as the Anantara Xishuangbanna. With its elegantly-appointed interiors and scenic locale, it is an ideal hotel in Yunnan to host your stay. When you visit Xishuangbanna during the month of April, which coincides with the Chinese New Year, you are …

Located just south of the Indian peninsula is the tropical island nation of Sri Lanka. Also known as the ‘Pearl of the Indian Ocean’, Sri Lanka is nation with a rich heritage and multi-cultural society. It is also a popular tourist destination, as it is home to beautiful golden sandy beaches, magnificent mountains with lush greenery, renowned religious and historical sites, and a booming hospitality industry along with a wide range of recreational and leisure attractions. There are many religious and cultural festivals that are celebrated in Sri Lanka. One such festival which is of immense significance to the Hindu Tamils of the island is Deepavali. This festival, which is a celebration of good triumphing over evil, is also celebrated in India, Nepal, Malaysia, Singapore, …

A traveller planning to enjoy their holiday in Indonesia to the fullest should make it a point to make reservations at a Bali luxury spa resort. An ideal choice of a Bali spa resort is COMO Shambhala Estate Bali. An island rich in natural beauty, Bali has long been a famed tourist destination. Whilst there are numerous attractions for travellers to explore, local events and festivals offer a glimpse into the distinctive local culture. Some of these festivals celebrate the art of woodcarving whilst others include harvest festivals, harvest festivals, colourful parades, fasting ceremonies and more. Experience the wide range of vibrant dances, processions, purification and much more. When it comes to non-religious festivals, there is the country’s Independence Day. Thanuja Silva is a travel …

Yoga, music and dance comes together in festive form for five days in a row with the participation of international music artists, bringing Bali to life each year. The Bali Spirit Festival is based in the country’s cultural capital Ubud and visitors are therefore advised to seek out an Ubud hotel to lodge in during the festival. However, finding Ubud accommodation may not be very easy during this period and specially if you want a comfortable abode like Alila Ubud Bali, you may have to book well before hand. During these vibrant days of celebration, Bali sees hundreds of the world’s top dancers, musicians, artists, yoga instructors and the like bring together elaborate workshops, seminars, exhibitions, performances and concerts bringing the city to life. Soak up some culture and …

Phuket is known for its heavenly beaches and is a much loved tourist destination. However, few people realise that Phuket is actually a highly spiritual place. Although not very big in size, the Thai island is home to a fair number of temples and there is always some type of function going on. Travellers who are interested in learning more about foreign customs and cultures can do so by participating in the local celebrations. There are several interesting options depending on the time of the year. Those visiting between August and September may get a chance to take part in the Por Tor Festival. The Por Tor Festival, more popularly known as the ‘Hungry Ghost Festival’, is a Chinese festival that falls on the seventh …

China is a country that has so much cultural and ethnicity in everything that surrounds it. At almost any time of the year you can see some sort of cultural celebration that is happening there. China, the most populated country in the world, sets aside a fine set of tourist attractions each and every year. Some of their very unique festivals are the DuanWu Festival, which is a series of dragon boat races and where a traditional dish, Zongi is served; also the End of the Earth Moon Happy Festival which is an event that has folk singing, folk dancing and a host of other competitions. A truly unique event that China hosts is the Longevity Culture Festival in the region of Sanya. The event …

An eminent scholar, nationalist, philosopher, freedom fighter, yogi, guru and poet, Sri Aurobindo is a much celebrated character in India. His birth anniversary which falls on the 15th of August sees quite a lot of festivity, pomp and fanfare all over in India, particularly in Calcutta and Pondicherry where he had spent a significant amount of his lifetime. Pondicherry accommodation is not difficult to find if intending to participate in these celebrations as Hotel Atithi is a Pondicherry hotel known to offer the most comfortable abodes in town. There are many events taking place on the day of his birth, particularly at the famous Aurobindo ashram located in the area. This is a favourite spot among Sri Aurobindo devotees who make it a point to celebrate his birthday with much pride …