Phuket has risen from its lazy traditional village to become a popular tourist hub in the east with its pristine beaches and warm waters drawing tourists from around the globe to bask in and enjoy the sun, sand and surf in this tropical paradise. Kathu is actually one of the three districts of Phuket Island. Muang and Thalang are the other two and Kathu includes the popular Pantong Beach and Kamala Beach as well as the island between Pantong and Phuket. Kathu used to be a tin mining industry based village especially in the 19th and early 20th century and although the tin industry is not flourishing as it used to, the little town has retained its traditional cultures and practices. The Kathu Festival is …

Guangzhou is one of the most prosperous found in China, and it is also the capital city of Guangdong Province. A hub for cultural, political, educational, scientific, and economic activities in the Guangdong Province, it is a lively locale that must be explored. Tourism is one of the major industries that flourishes in this city. The varied number of restaurants and dining locations that are scattered throughout the area could be seen overflowing with visitors throughout the year. There are a huge number of attractions to keep travellers of all stripes entertained and spellbound. The White Cloud Mountain is one spot that would awe and inspire both the younger and older generations. The Five Ram Statue in Yuexiu Park has been one of the places …

According to Chinese mythology, the seventh lunar month is ghostly in nature, with spectres roaming about the earth and spirits making their presences felt by the living. The origins of the tradition are not well known or publicised, and although the customs that are put into action seem to heavily relate to Chinese folk discipline, the commemoration seems to be practiced by Taoists and Buddhists. Unlike other times of the year when descendants pay homage to their ancestors, during the period of the Ghost Month, the deceased are supposed to visit their kith and kin that are still alive. It is customary for Buddhists to offer merit to their forefathers by way of performing good deeds and other meritorious actions. However, the Ghost Month calls …

Bali is probably the most well-known of Indonesia’s many islands. Home to some of the most amazing beaches in the world, it is the preferred holiday destination of many globetrotters. The island is not merely a beach destination and offers tourists a variety of things to do. This includes numerous festivals and celebrations. The Nusa Dua Festival is one popular event that takes place in Nusa Dua in South Bali. The Nusa Dua Festival is a Bali staple, being held every year since 1997. The festival was started to make Bali a more attractive tourist destination and it has now become equally popular among the locals as well as the foreigners. The festival is based on a theme which changes from year to year, although …

Tourists visiting Abu Dhabi in the middle of the year have some important events and festivals to look forward to. The emirate being a great cultural hot spot there is much to see, do and experience. It is a great cultural land mark where visits can be exposed to the Middle East in its entire splendour. One of the key events in the region’s calendar is the Accession Day. Similar to the British accession day, it is a holiday of great festivity and merriment celebrating the accession of the monarch to the throne. It is a celebration that marks the dawn of a new era under the new ruler and a festival of hope for the new future. The event marks the historically significant happening …

The town of Kataragama in Sri Lanka is famed as a popular pilgrimage destination for many devotees from all parts of the country and even overseas, attracting Hindus, Buddhists and even the indigenous Veddah community. Hindu and Buddhist veneration of Kataragama has been practiced for centuries, with followers of these two religions holding slightly different beliefs regarding the site. Tamil Hindus identify the presiding deity of the locality as Lord Katirkaman, who is identified as Skanda-Murugan, also known as Subramanya. Buddhists, on the other hand, consider the local divinity to be Kataragama Deviyo, a protective deity of Buddhists and their religion. In fact the town is revered as one of the sixteen most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the island. However there is no doubt …

In all the many Chinese Festivals that fill up the calendar perhaps nothing tops the spook chart than the Hungry Ghosts Festival. The name itself is a crowd puller and whoever makes the audience is fascinated by the range of events lined up from the beginning to the end. The story behind the festival is just as interesting as the festival itself. The Chinese believe that every year at around the time of the festival, the gates of Hell are opened and the spirits from here are set free to roam the earth. As tribute to these souls of the dead, this festival is commemorated and several Chinese people gather on this day to remember and pray for the deceased members of their family. In …

Honk Kong in itself is a city of festivities. It is a nation where tradition merges with a modern touch giving you an outcome of pure wonder. In the middle of every autumn season, Hong Kong becomes more so alive in the vibrant and exotic Mid Autumn Festival. It is actually an ancient Chinese harvest festival but in Honk Kong it is given unique and a modern treatment. Fiery dragons dance through the neon lit streets that are adorned by the glowing lanterns on this festive season. As the moon shines in its fullest form, Honk Kong comes alive in a complete spectacle. The Mid Autumn Festival falls every year on the 15th day of the 8th month in the Chinese Lunar Calendar. Its grandeur …

The month of Ramadan is the ninth in the Islamic calendar and is considered holy by all Muslims. Devotees observe a month-long fast where they forego food and water from sunrise to sunset. The end of Ramadan is marked by a large celebration. Ramadan (which is called ‘Roadha Mas’ by the locals) in Maldives is a grand occasion. After all, the Maldives is a Muslim nation, and the festivities take place throughout the month and not just at the end. Although meant to be a time of spirituality and introspection, there is also a streak of merriment. Inveterate shoppers especially enjoy the season as many shops run sales and offer discounts during the period, tempting locals and tourists alike to make a few purchases. Restaurants …

Celebrating the birth, death and the attainment of enlightenment of Lord Buddha, the Vesak Festival is of utmost importance to Buddhists all across the globe. Observe the many festivities that take place on during the season while lodging at one of the Sri Lanka hotels such as Heritance Ahungalla known to be one of the most sought after Sri Lanka beach hotels ideal for a holiday in this exotic location. Falling on a full moon poya day, typically on the 5th or 6th luna month, this festival of light blows full blast upon the island as glittering lights wink along the roadways and multicoloured lanterns gleam, gently swaying in the breeze. A common sight during this time are gigantic Vesak pandols depicting stories from Jataaka stories colourfully illustrated and …