One of the most significant dates in the Buddhist calendar is Vesak. It is the day that commemorates the 3 main events in Lord Buddha’s life; birth, enlightenment and death. Singapore is an Asian country that has a large number of Buddhists and therefore Vesak is a public holiday here. It falls on the 15th of the 4th month in the Chinese Lunar Calendar. Various temples throughout Singapore have activities starting from dawn during Vesak. Devotees visit the temple with offerings of flowers, joy-sticks and candles. These simple offerings have meaning too as they symbolize that life also wilts away like the flowers or burns down like the candle and joy-stick. This day has more good deeds being performed as it is believed that the …

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 …

Indonesia is a land that is complete with many colourful aspects of life that are brought forth by the traditions and culture of varying origins and ethnic groups. Diversity flourishes here in beautiful degrees and festivities are held here of different religious backgrounds, making this country an ideal place to visit indeed. The Buddhist population that lives in Indonesia celebrates in great reverence and honour the day that marks the birth, enlightenment and the death of Buddha Siddharta Gautama, the day of Waisak. This day is indeed prominent to the Buddhists scattered A festival that is predominantly centred on meditation and goodwill, on the day of Waisak many Buddhists from all over the country gather in Borobudur to bask in the reverent wonder of this …

Thailand is indeed a city of great delights offering many fascinations to keep its travellers occupied. One of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, Thailand is certainly rich with the tang of the Asian cultures as well the zest of the modern development. A visitor to Thailand will undoubtedly not find time to laze around and spend time idly as the scintillating delights of the country are abundant and plentiful. Complete with beaches, shopping malls, fascinating structures of ancient appeal, as well the savour of the local customs and festivals, make this country truly a place of great entertainment. A visit to Thailand will indeed be an enriching experience for everyone given this plethora of loveliness and delights. Among the many festivals that …

The enthusiastically celebrated Cheung Chau Bun Festival is one of Hong Kong’s most joyously celebrated festivals. As its name indicates the event is centred in the island of Cheung Chau and many people of the island who work elsewhere return to the island for this celebration. The origin of this occasion is rooted in Taoist tradition and it is considered to be one of the customary Taoist Da Jiu celebrations. The Bun Festival draws many thousands of tourists from local areas as well as overseas to the island. The event is dated according to the traditional Chinese calendar and usually falls in the early part of May. This date coincides with the celebrations for the birthday of the Buddha. The Bun Festival originated as a …

Music, movement, colour and culture; those are the ingredients that make Balinese dance somewhat hypnotic in its effect as it sweeps you out of this world. Like the lush natural beauty that adorns this quaint and remarkably picturesque island, culture has an almost artistic touch in Bali. Be it song, dance or a mere religious ritual there is so much of essence in each performance. Bali being an island etched with rich culture boasts an array of dance performances. Largely dramatic, these performances give you a taste of authentic Bali like nothing else. The Balinese dance is in fact an ancient tradition that goes way back in time. It is primarily religious in nature, but there are those performed merely for entertainment as well. The …