The period of transit from the last star sign to the first is supposed to be one of defame and bad luck and nothing auspicious is started during that period. In contrast, people try to engage in various religious activities or games and play items abstaining from their usual work, or studying or even for housewives their important household work. The onset of New Year becomes visible even in the weather, as the days grow longer and warmer and sunnier while the mangoes and fruits like Cashew nuts become rounder and riper, their aroma drifting through the villages. The flower called ‘Erabadu’ is one blossom that fills the trees during this particular season and the faithful and timely crowing of the Cuckoo bird is also …

If you want to experience paradise on earth visit Hua Hin, one of the oldest towns that Thailand has. Hua Hin is absolutely beautiful and is known by many both locally and internationally as one of the most romantic destinations to host a wedding. Hua Hin is a very small town. The town having a population of only around 70,000 gives it an authentic and un-spoilt charm. Way back in history Hua Hins unique beauty and serene ambience was recognized by royalty. King Prajadhipok somewhere in the early 1900 built his summer citadel in Hua Hin and named it the ‘Wang Klai Kang Won’ which is translated to ‘Far from Worries’; a perfect description to the tranquility one feels in Hua Hin. Whoever stayed in …

The month of April is the most celebrated month in the Sri Lankan calendar. It is a month for holiday, tradition, unity and pure cultural fun; the month of the renowned festival in the entire calendar; the Sinhala and Tamil New Year. A lot of astrological belief stands behind the significance of this festival. The period of the festival falls at the time when the sun moves from the House of Pisces to the House of Aries. On April 14th the sun stands directly above the island of Sri Lanka. The festival -known as Aluth Avurudu in Sinhala and Puththandu in Tamil- marks the end of the harvest season and commemorates the beginning of a new year in the Saka Era. Culture comes alive during …

Pondicherry is the capital of the Pondicherry Union Territory of Southern India. This being India’s largest French colony, it is referred to as the ‘French Riviera of the East’. The French architectural buildings have been preserved in their original design and many streets still retain their French name. A beautiful blend of the East and West, there is still a significant French influence, especially in the French quarter with boulevards and rues lined with Mediterranean styled houses, bakeries and cafes. In the months of February to March, Pondicherry celebrates one of the most significant Hindu Tamil festivals, the Masi Magam, with much reverence and pageantry. Each year Masi Magam is held on the full moon day of the ‘Magam Nakshastra’, which is month of Masi …

Also known as Rorda Mas, the Maldives Ramadan Festival is one that carries quite a lot of importance in the lives of Maldivians. Maldivian Muslims fast right through the month of Ramadan which falls on the 9th month of the Muslim calendar. This cultural event can only be fully experienced if the visitors lodge in one of the Maldives island resorts that are being raved about quite a lot. Naladhu Maldives is a Maldives Hotel that is popular among the many visitors that visit the country with the aim of participating in the country’s many colourful cultural events. The festival begins with the occurrence of the moon and lasts till the appearance of the next moon. Right through this period, Muslims fast during the day …

A cultural celebration that brings together two ethnic races, the Sinhalese & Tamil New Year offers visitors a chance to experience some unique traditions and fun festivities when in Sri Lanka. Those planning to travel by car around the island during this time can make use of a Sri Lanka car rental company such as Malkey Travel & Tours. Travellers in search of airport transfers Sri Lanka has to offer can also make use of the services offered by this company which has an impressive fleet of vehicles. Taking place during the month of April, the Sinhalese & Tamil New Year is a traditional festival that takes place at the end of the harvesting season. During this time people engage in such activities as cleaning their houses and preparing …

Bhutan is a hidden treasure that borders India and the Tibet Autonomous Region of China and is a nation over pouring with richness ; richness in endless expanses of lush scenery and richness in culture. For many, Bhutan is still being unearthed, its secrets are slowly reaching every curious ear which are now craving for a sneak peak, a moment in this incredible country. What borders beautiful Bhutan are the snow capped mountains of the Himalayas. It starts with that and expands into lush forests and sparkling lakes that are adorned by plenty of monasteries and historic forts. It is tranquil and un-spoilt in the most literal sense. It has been known as the happiest country in Asia and the Last Shangri La alive. Just …

This colourful festival in Vietnam is held in honour of Thien Hau Thanh Mau, the Mother of the Land is held on the 15th of the first lunar month in the Chinese calendar. Located right at the centre of Thu Dau Mot city, visitors must look out for comfortable serviced apartments Ho Chi Minh in order to lodge during the festival. One of such Ho Chi Minh serviced apartments known for its conveniences is Somerset Vista Ho Chi Minh City which is a delight in itself. The pagoda is decorated with glittering lights and hundreds of lanterns for the festival and lion dances are common on the festival day. Offerings of small pigs, fruits, sticky rice and cookies are made at midnight while the procession of lion dances, plenty …

As a larger than life development project that encapsulates a state-of-the-art mall and recreational facilities in the heart of Dubai Creek this visionary retail and entertainment space is the envy of the world in terms of sheer size and scope. Ideally situated on the Dubai Creek near the historic heartland of Deira lies what is now known as Dubai’s premier leisure space for the masses. Sprawled across a whopping 5.2 million square feet this monolithic edifice devoted to the country’s favourite past times of shopping, dining and entertainment is fast gaining attraction as one of its most popular tourist hubs. Appropriately dubbed the Dubai Festival City this 3km long recreational space is in fact a city within a city with breathtaking golf course, glimmering mallscape …

Although most of the world heralds in the dawning of a New Year on the 1st of January the citizens of Thailand wait till the hot summer days of April to hark in their traditional New Year in grand fashion. Dubbed the Songkran Festival the Thai New Year is a red letter event marked across the country from the 13th to the 15th of April every year. Although the dates for the festival were declared by the yearly consultation of a solar calendar the aforementioned dates have been selected to celebrate the festival in recent times. As a national holiday most Thais head to their hometowns to hark in the New Year with loved ones as family values play a vital role in the festivities …