The Maldives provides you with quite a good blend of the modern and the traditional Islamic customs and most of the festivals are marked by important religious days. Ramadan being the most important celebrations of any Islamic nation, it is celebrated widely in Maldives as well. Marking the end of thirty days of fasting, this reputed day falls on the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is celebrated annually, heavily marked by a lot feasting, spreading the goodwill and joy of the season. Visiting the Maldives during this time of the year could prove to be a bit of a challenge as the business hours are cut down by half but nevertheless you definitely would get a chance to experience Muslim traditions and customs …

The National Day of any nation is a day of pride and joy. It is a day when a nation’s strength is celebrated by the unity of its people, and serves as an important reminder of a shared national identity. For nations that have known the yoke of colonial rule, it is a day where first independence is remembered. The United Arab Emirates, just like most other nations, has a national day. Back in the day, it was the British Protectorate Treaties that ruled this nation. On the 2nd of December 1971, the UAE for the first time was formally nationalized from these treaties and from this point on, the nation began functioning under its own jurisdiction, and eventually unified the different Emirates in to …

Spring is the time that Guangzhou is at its best. The flower festival in the province, the largest show of fresh flowers in Asia, usually takes place three days prior to the annual Spring Festival holidays in February. The extension of the 2013 flower festival to 18 days well after the Spring Festival is an indication of its popularity. As the holiday spirit is in the air this is the time that everyone takes to the streets to have fun and enjoy a fabulous collection of flowers and plants in all sorts of arrangements. Red lanterns festoon city streets, flower fairs proliferate all over the province and a carnival like atmosphere prevails everywhere. People throng the flower shows to enjoy the electric atmosphere, innovative flower …

Known for its pristine sun drenched beaches and exciting water sports, the island of Sri Lanka offers the perfect coastal getaway. This enchanting tropical paradise providing many exciting experiences that take you on a unique journey of discovery, as you learn more about the country’s rich cultural and natural heritage as well. A great destination to visit the whole year through, Sri Lanka is also an ideal place to herald in the New Year. Spending the 31st of December on the coast is well worth experiencing and one of the best locales to do so is in Negombo. Located along the West Coast, Negombo is conveniently situated near the Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake making it a great base for those entering and leaving the …

The Spring Lantern Festival is enthusiastically celebrated in China, neighbouring nations and by the Chinese diaspora around the world. In Hong Kong it is an occasion of joy and relaxation, when all sections of society unite to celebrate the event as one. The festival which occurs on the15th day of the earliest month of the lunar calendar falls on the final day of the New Year festivities. The event is also known as the Chinese Valentine’s Day as couples take the opportunity to spend cherished moments together on this occasion. In times past single people would try their hand at matchmaking pursuits on this special day. As you might expect on this night a myriad of lanterns are constructed, with innumerable colourful lanterns adorning storefronts, …

One of the most spectacular festivals in the Thai calendar is without a doubt the Loy Krathong Festival, Thailand’s very own “Festival of Lights”. Hundreds of glowing lanterns illuminate the sky, giving the entire nation a magical ambience. Enjoy the intriguing aspects of this beautiful Chinese festival, which goes all out in making this event memorable and truly special. During Loy Krathong, the locals perform a series of symbolic rituals, each quite interesting to watch and even more exciting to try out. The festival is believed to bless you with a fresh start as you wash away bad memories with the flames that sail away into the sea or up onto the magical night sky. The Loy Krathong falls every year on the full moon …