It was on the 11th November 1968 that Maldives became a republic after being a monarchy for a considerable time. And this day is celebrated all over Maldives on the 11th November each year, when much rejoicing and commemorations can be witness in all parts of the archipelago. If one wishes to participate in the Republic Day activities and capture the spirit of the celebrations, look for Maldives accommodation in a reliable Maldives hotel such as the Adaaran Club Rannalhi of which the reputation as a desirable abode for holidays precedes it. Many events and parades of different nature take place on the streets on this day as part of the celebrations but the most highlighted are the delightful parades of the National Security Services and the National Cadet …

The Loi Krathong Festival is one of the most anticipated celebrations on Thailand’s event packed calendar. The event is celebrated throughout the country and the festivities even spreads to parts of Myanmar and Laos. It is an interesting and somewhat unique festival. There are many places in Thailand where one can take part in the Loi Krathong Festival, although Bangkok, the Thai capital, is one of the best. The festival’s name literally means ‘Floating Decoration’ or ‘Floating Crown’, and refers to the practice of releasing miniature floats on the river. The festival, which typically takes place between the eleventh and twelfth month of the lunar calendar, was originally dedicated to Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, the three main Hindu deities. However, after becoming a Buddhist nation, …

A country full of vibrancy, constant movement and development – Vietnam is guaranteed to be a unique cultural experience like no other. With streets full of motorbikes transporting huge televisions and refrigerators wrapped onto them with string, there is always something unusual to witness in this fascinating Southeast Asian city. One event in particular that will fascinate and thoroughly entertain all visitors is the Vietnamese Kiep Bac Festival. This festival is essentially a pilgrimage to the Kiep Bac Temple, which honours the saint Tran Hung Dao and has been carried out for centuries. An old Vietnamese custom, this festival occurs on the 20th day of the 8th lunar month and interestingly displays a revival of a famed battle on Luc Dau River consisting of a …

Eastern Asia is one part of the world etched with rich culture and tradition. From festivities to rituals to food, each occasion, activity and cuisine is both colorful, interesting and has a symbolic history behind. Visitors to countries like Thailand never fail to be awed by the meticulous detail and fascinating stories that govern each event in the country. It is no different for the famous Hungry Ghost Festival whose name in itself is quite the crowd puller. The ‘Hungry Ghost’ festival is one interesting event that makes its way into the calendars of the Thai’s Singaporeans and the Chinese. The Chinese pay great importance to the satisfaction of their dead ancestors. They believe that their good fortune in this life rests on this deed. …

Observed in the Hindu calendar month of Bhaadrapada, the Vinayak Chathurthi festival usually falls between 19 August and 20 September lasting for a period of 10-12 days ending on Anant Chaturdashi. Book a Pondicherry hotel during the festival to take part in all the activity and Hotel Atithi is known to offer comfortable Pondicherry accommodation allowing you to participate the festivities with peace of mind. It is said that this is the day that Shiva declared his son Ganesha as superior to all the gods and it is believed that on this day, Ganesha bestows his presence on earth for his devotees on this day. Hindus prepare for this festival several months before hand by creating clay statues of the Ganesha which are then installed in houses and public places in pandals. …

The Middle East has always been known for its wild and raw edge. Perhaps it is the vast expanses of dry and harsh desserts that almost compels one to be daring enough to survive it; and that’s what makes up most of the Middle East. With the rough desserts dawns a whole world in itself; on the one hand you get the dessert culture and on the other you get the sport. And like with any new way of life, it is both fascinating and intriguing to learn about. The Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX) is a fantastic place to stop by and absorb an authentic touch of the Arabian life style. Although its key focus sectors are hunting and Equestrian, at …