Loy Krathong is referred to as the Festival of Lights, where almost every water body is illuminated by lights and candles and floating krathongs. About Loy Krathong Loy Krathong is an annual festival held on the 12th lunar month. The festivities take place during the evening where the entire city is lit up with lights, hence Loy Krathong is also referred to as the Festival of Lights. This is also a festival of luck as people gather around the water bodies of Phuket to launch the Krathong; a lantern decorated with joss sticks and candles. Origins It is believed that Loy Krathong originated approximately 800 years ago in Sukhothai. In the local dialect, Loy means “to float” while Krathong refers to a bowl or leaf …

Tipat War is one of the most popular, traditional food fights in Bali. This is an annual event hosted in the village of Kapal. When is it This is a joyful event held in the fourth month of the Balinese calendar, which usually falls on September and October. Accommodation for participants are available in any Seminyak resort in Bali . Visitors may pick budget or luxury hotels based on their convenience, options include Anantara Seminyak Bali Resort. What is it? This is an event when the village’s throw rice cakes at each other to celebrate the rice harvest every year. This is in fact considered one of the biggest traditional food fights in the world. How it starts The local men in the village would gather to the …

Celebrating the Cruel-Free Lifestyle If you agree with the great Einstein that “nothing will benefit health and increase the chances for survival of life on earth as the evolution to a vegetarian diet”, then the Phuket Vegetarian Festival is perfect for you! What’s it About? Just as the name suggests, the Phuket Vegetarian Festival is all about celebrating vegetarianism. It originates from the belief of the Chinese community that abstaining from meat and other stimulants in the time of the 9th lunar month in the Chinese calendar, gives good health and peace of mind. When is it? The event takes place from the 20th to the 28th of October at some of Phuket’s major shrines like Put Jaw, Bang Niew, Jui Tui, Kathu, and Cherng …

Vegans and Vegans to be – head over to the Bali Vegan Festival, where you can enjoy the life of a vegan while celebrating the environment, the earth and animals. Vegans unite! The festival aims to bring together entertainers, environmentalists, healers and yoga teachers, vegan chefs and lifestyle advisers from around the world. Celebrate good times C’mon! The Bali Vegan Festival is a celebration of mother earth. It will celebrate everything that cruelty free and spread awareness for having compassion and love to the earth and its animals. When? The festival is set to commence from the 6th of October and last till 8th October 2017. The festival starts at 8 am. Come here early if you want to get the best view of the …

The culture of Thailand is just as renowned as her lush natural beauty. Anyone who is familiar with Thailand or even Asia in general will be aware of the legendary Songkran festival. What is Songkran? This festival is associated with new beginnings and purification, which is why the country turns into a massive water-fight. During Songkran, Thai people also gently and respectfully wash the hands of their elders, and even wash Buddha statues with water scented with flowers. In the modern day, things are taken to the extreme with people taking to the streets with water guns.   When is it? This iconic festival officially takes place over the course of three days starting on the 13th of April and concluding on the 15th. Many …

Dubai is a major tourist destination in the world and in order to provide a wholesome experience for tourists the country is packed with festivals and events throughout the year. Most festivals are closely related to Islam due to the dense Muslim population of the country. Here are a few of the most popular festivals in Dubai. Dubai shopping festivals This is a massive shopping fiesta usually scheduled from January 1st to the 2nd February. Stocked with tons of clothes, shoes and bags for bargain prices, this is a shopper’s paradise. The festival involves every shop in the city, fireworks, and fun activities for kids and many more. Festival of Taste This is a vibrant city with diverse varieties of food. This is held in …

The Vegetarian Festival of Phuket is an annual event that commences on the 20th of October 2017 and lasts a total of eight days. What is it for? The vegetarian festival celebrates the Chinese belief that refraining from the consumption of meat and other stimulants will help the believers in obtaining peace of mind and good health. Origins It is believed that a Chinese opera group contracted malaria while touring the island. Over the next few days, they adopted a vegetarian diet and prayed to the Nine Emperor Gods. After their prayers were answered, the locals celebrated with a festival to honour the Gods. The Ceremonies Some of the ceremonies which are held to please the gods include body piercing; with large rods, knives, skewers …

The Hungry Ghost Festival, locally known as Por Tor is an event of merit-making for the Chinese community, where flowers, special food and candles are offered to their ancestors. Where to go to? If you’re staying at a Phuket luxury hotel, check how far Por Tor Kong Shrine is and the fresh market on Ranong Road is to witness the biggest celebrations for the festival. Properties such as Anantara Layan Phuket Resort are located in close proximity. Don’t miss Por Tok Kong Shrine is the main shrine that hosts the annual 7 day and 7 night’s event. The Fresh Market is decorated during the festival and hosts a range of activities begin at noon and last until midnight which include lion dances, live concerts, magic shows and cabaret …

Indonesia celebrated its 72nd Independence day on the 17th of August 2017 in glorious style. The 17th of August has been declared a national Holiday in all of Indonesia. About Indonesia The huge Indonesian archipelago, made up of more than seventeen thousand islands stretching from South East Asia to the Pacific, is like many countries in one. When you are here, visiting the popular province in Indonesia, Bali, is a must as there is so much to see and do. You may choose to book into a Bali resort hotel such as the Anantara Seminyak Bali Resort. Special Publication A special publication was released by Indonesia Investments dedicating itself to this historic day. It was highlighted by stories such as the former President Soekarno’s continued fight for the …

Phuket is a holidaymaker’s paradise for many reasons. If you are planning a trip, be sure to include these must-visit attractions in your itinerary.   Vegetarian Festival   The Phuket vegetarian festival in Thailand is an event filled with colour and gaiety that is celebrated each year between 20 to 28th October. Good Health As its name suggests the festival lays emphasis on the abstinence of any kind of meat and is a totally vegetarian fair. Supposedly this festival is dedicated to the nine emperor Gods to induce good health and peace of mind. Phuket is amongst the top vacation destinations in Thailand. Origins Get to know more about this festival and local fairs and events in blogs such as The Vacation Gateway. In fact, the origins of this festival can be …