With the conclusion of the Thirty Years War in 1648, the European powers came together to sign the Treaty of Westphalia that established political boundaries in Europe. With the establishment of such boundaries, many countries, especially the Portuguese, the Dutch, the French and the English, sought to extend their land and assert power over other entities as well. With the great era of exploration in the period that followed the Thirty Years War, troops from various European countries landed in modern day Asia, Africa and Australia in search of bountiful land that could be annexed to their own. The centuries that followed saw the colonial powers propagating their social and legal systems to their respective colonies and laying the groundwork for a truly global world …

The much anticipated Vishu Festival is celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm in all sections of Kerala, an Indian state located in the southern region of the country. All over Kerala, people of all ages involve themselves in the festivities of this distinctive and elaborate festival. As the occasion is considered to feature light and sound, Keralites illuminate their homes with decorative lights and enthusiastically light bunches of firecrackers. Many interesting festivities and rituals are associated with this event. The central ritual of the festival is the time-honoured Vishukkani, which is a special arrangement of a number of auspicious items considered to symbolize prosperity. These include vegetables and fruits, rice, arecanut, leaves of betel, yellow konna flowers, a metal mirror, coins and sacred texts, which …

Also known as Duanwu, the Dragon Boat Festival is a traditional holiday in the Chinese calendar and in parts of Asia where Chinese immigrants live. In Singapore this annual race comes to life at the Bedok Reservoir. A significant number of crews participate in the Dragon boat race which commemorates the famous Chinese scholar Qu Yuan. Overall the festival is meant to be a celebration; it is a display of Chinese culture and habits. Those who are not racing at the event generally feast on some of the delicious Chinese cuisine prepared for the day. The main items available are rice dumplings and rice wine and the Bedok Reservoir is filled with stalls that serve steaming dumplings for the spectators. Enjoying Chinese food is simply …

There is something magical about the month of May in Sri Lanka; the colourful lanterns adorning the streets, the throngs of people, the life, the ambience; all of this is part of the season of Vesak. The festival of Vesak is observed on the full moon that falls on the month of May and in Sri Lanka, celebrations go on for a week. It is one of the most beautiful times of the year. Despite being a festival of contemplation and rejuvenation, there is an aura of life and fun. Hundreds of locals from right round the island visit Colombo and Kandy to bask in this spectacular ambience. If you are a planning a holiday to Sri Lanka, choose the month of May, so that …

Vesak that commemorates Gautama Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and ‘parinirvana’ is one of the holiest days for Buddhists in Sri Lanka. The day for the commemoration has been determined according to the Buddhist Calendar and falls on the first full moon day in May, the 6th lunar month. Vesak was the Pali and Sanskrit name given to the lunar month falling between April and May. The day itself is an Uposatha day which is dedicated to meditation and practicing the Buddha’s teachings. Buddhists in Sri Lanka commemorate Vesak according to traditions laid down by hundreds of years of observing this holy day. Many Buddhists start the day by joining other worshipers at temples around the country for the first prayers. Offering flowers, lighting candles and joss …

Being a Buddhist country, Sri Lanka is one of the best places in the world to experience the Vesak Festival which is an important annual event for devotees. Those planning Sri Lanka travel excursions during this time can make use of Jetwing Travels which is a reputed name in the tour industry. They offer a variety of Sri Lanka tours that will take you around the country, which is a treat especially during Vesak. This festival generally takes place on the full moon during a particular lunar month which usually falls in May. Honouring the birth, enlightenment and death of Gautama Buddha, Vesak is a festive occasion and ceremonies and celebrations last for around a week. A unique feature during this time is the setting up and display of …