Kecak dance is said to have its origins in trance rituals of Bali. This was combined with music and dance that is an integral part of Balinese life and a dance drama performed by a group of men, based on the epic Ramayana was born. Originally a men only dance, it is performed by about 50 to 150 men with bare upper bodies wearing checked sarongs, sitting in concentric circles swaying in a trance like rhythmic manner who throw up their arms, stand and lie prone in unison, chanting ‘chak a chak a chak’ to the accompaniment of the gamelan suara as they depict various scenes from the Ramayana. The voice of the narrator rise high above the chanting explaining the unfolding drama. Many dance …

The vibrant Mid-Autumn Festival is celebrated enthusiastically in Singapore’s Chinatown just as it is in Chinese communities all around the world. If you are interested in visiting the city-state at this joyous time of the year you will find an excellent accommodation in The St. Regis Singapore. One of the outstanding 5 star hotels Singapore offers this quality rest provides fine accommodations and painstaking service to assure a delightful stay. The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Mooncake Festival is a traditional event that the Chinese have celebrated over the course of many centuries. It may be thought of as the Chinese equivalent of the American Thanksgiving and involves all members of the family. According to the traditional lunar calendar the occasion falls on 8th September in 2014, …

Falling on the 15th day of the 7th month of the lunar calendar, the Hungry Ghost Festival which is referred to as ‘Yu Lan’ by the locals involves one thrilling spectacle. It’s certainly not your local rendition of Halloween but this festival is closely associated with ancestor worship. Should you be holidaying at a Wan Chai hotel Hong Kong such as Cosmopolitan Hotel Hong Kong during this time, consider taking in the sights and sounds of this festival. Also held to appease the spirits, locals can be seen busily engaged in burning faux money, tending fires by the road and making offerings to their ancestors who have long since passed into the after world. Amongst the charitable deeds, visitors will also have the opportunity to watch Chinese operas being …

Although Songkran, celebrated in Thailand from 13 to 15th April each year is known as a water festival where spraying water on everyone seems to be the primary activity, it in fact heralds the Thai New Year. Coming at one of the hottest months, many people make this an excuse to get soaked and to have weeklong celebrations. Occupying a prized location, Citadenes Sukhumvit 16 Bangkok offers convenient access to important business and commercial locations and fun city activities. Businesses and offices shut down and half the population of Bangkok leaves for their home towns for long awaited family reunions. Water splashing, besides being a fun activity, is a symbol of washing away the misfortunes of the previous year, beginning the New Year afresh. This is similar …

Travellers in search of luxurious Abu Dhabi hotels will find no finer alternative to the Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara. Conveniently situated in a strategic location this stylish rest serves as the perfect base from which to explore the metropolis that is Abu Dhabi. As a melting pot of varied cultures the thriving desert holiday destination of Abu Dhabi is no light weight when it comes to engaging, local celebrations. Populated by immigrants and expats from around the world the vibrant diversity of Abu Dhabi is put on display each year with colorful religious festivals hosted by various communities in Abu Dhabi society. As one of the most progressive and religiously tolerant Islamic nations in the world this bustling metropolis is a shining example to the …

The capital and largest city of South Korea is the bustling city of Seoul. Considered to be centre of South Korea’s administrative, cultural and financial activity, Seoul is home to many historic landmarks, tourist attractions, and world heritage sites. Therefore, Seoul is also a popular tourist destination and offers accommodation and serviced apartment Seoul in luxury residencies such as Somerset Palace Seoul. South Korea has a vibrant culture and this is exemplified by its many colourful festivities and elaborate celebrations. Ranging from religious festivals to annual cultural celebrations, South Korea has festivals that occur all year around. Thus a visit to South Korea at any time of the year offers you the chance to be a part of intriguing festivals and their respective rituals and customs. One of …