The much anticipated Sinhala and Tamil New Year is one of the most vibrant festivals celebrated in the island nation of Sri Lanka. As its name suggests the festival is observed by both of the two largest communities in Sri Lanka. Falling on the 14th of April this festival is closely linked to the local astrological traditions which regulate the event. Overall the new year celebrations can be seen to be a complex blend of Buddhist, Hindu, astrological and other indigenous traditions. Many of the new year customs, rituals and festivities are thought to have originated as celebrations marking the completion of the harvest. After the arrival of Buddhism the existing customs were modified in the light of the new religion. Many interesting festivities are …

As the veils of powdery mists engulf the mighty mountain range, re-telling a love story that is as old as time, the air grows colder and the soft winds whisper the secrets so charming, to tree and turret. Flowers bloom bright and dance to spring time songs, while melodies echo of the gay singing birds. “Little England”, they called it, this little town where romance beams every step of the way, Nuwara Eliya. In a land that sees no winter snow, the dawn of spring is rarely celebrated. However in this little town of romance, when all the colours in the world burst out in jubilant song in flower and bud everywhere and the happy chorus of the birds singing spring time songs echo thorough …

The capital city of the Southern China province of Sichuan is the vibrant city of Chengdu. Considered to be one of the most important economic and transport hubs of that region in China, the city of Chengdu is home to a rich heritage and colorful culture. Chengdu is popular for traditional Chinese art and literature, historic landmarks, museums and parks, and serene scenic beauty. Chengdu has also been given the title of ‘China’s Peach Homeland’ by China’s State Council. This is because Chengdu is home to as many as 17 million peach trees which bloom during the spring. The blossoming of peaches during the spring in Chengdu is one of the most serene sights the city has to offer, which is why each year the …

The Indonesian festival of Nyepi or traditional New Year is celebrated primarily in the exotic island of Bali. It is primarily a Hindu festivity but non-Hindus conform to the traditional customs as a show of respect for their fellow residents. Festive customs commence two days before the advent of the new year. On this date many hundreds of persons from each of the villages transport artefacts from temples to the beaches so that they can be ritually purified. People attire themselves in vibrantly coloured clothes and make their way to cheerful processions beginning from the early hours of the morning. Women will carry heaped offerings of prepared rice, fruits and other food on their heads whilst men carry a lengthy sheet of white and yellow …

Springtime in Beijing is a magical time of year, especially in the vibrant Pinggu district, heralded as one of the top ten destinations in the world for lovers of all things floral. Check into a stylish serviced apartment in Beijing, which is the ideal way to soak up the various scents, sights, and sounds that pervade the city during this season. The Somerset ZhongGuanCun Beijing in particular features a centrally located selection of Beijing serviced apartments guaranteed to make any stay in the region unforgettable. Time your visit to coincide with the area’s gorgeous spring, and you will be treated to a heavenly experience when the thousands of peach trees in the Pinggu district burst into bloom. Covering an expansive stretch of about 14,674 hectares, the vibrant peach …

Renowned the world over as one of Asia’s most culturally diverse nations the island metropolis of Singapore is no ordinary holiday destination in the region. As the metropolitan home of a plethora of cultures the Lion City is also a festival capital in Asia with various local festivals celebrated by its multi-ethnic populace decorating its annual calendar. Marked with great pomp and pageantry the festivals highlighting the diverse heritage of Singapore’s vibrant population are nothing short of mesmerizing with the entire city transforming its appearance for the coveted events that are viewed as national celebrations rather than secular events. The Chinese Lunar New Year is one such festival where the entire country comes together in the month of January to mark the birth of a …