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 …

Known as “Little England” for its old world colonial charm and cool climate in Sri Lanka’s mountainous central region, Nuwara Eliya is an ideal place to experience the country’s Sinhala and Tamil New Year celebrations. Travellers in search of Nuwara Eliya accommodation which to stay at during this festive period can consider Jetwing Warwick Gardens. Featuring Edwardian style Nuwara Eliya bungalows, this idyllic property makes for a great base from which to head off on your travels in Sri Lanka’s hill country. Sinhala and Tamil New Year takes place in April and this month is one full of traditions and customs that can be enjoyed while in Nuwara Eliya. Festivities kick off on April 1st when a customary ceremony is held featuring bands from local …

When the Magham star of the Vedic sky falls upon the fullmoon day in the Tamil month of Masi, it is the time for the Masi Magam, one of the most important festivals in the Hindu almanac. Seek Pondicherry accommodation in a suitable Pondicherry hotel during this time to feel the full swing of the festivities and Hotel Atithi is a recommended choice which is ideal for the purpose. Held between February and March, the Masi Magam Festival is celebrated with much pomp and fanfare in the French corner of India Pondicherry attracting large throngs of devotees and tourists each year.  It is quite a vibrant festival, with people getting dressed up in the most colourful cloths and attending the proceedings with so much enthusiasm. …

The much anticipated Songkran Festival is an important celebration in the Thai calendar. Celebrated from the 13th to the 15th of April, the occasion is considered to mark the arrival of the New Year according to the nation’s traditional calendar. A national holiday in Thailand, this festival has evolved into a joyous and merry occasion when everyone joins in the fun and laughter. Even foreigners are welcomed to join in the festivities. Today, the main festivity during Songkran is the enthusiastic splashing of water upon one another. Thais take the opportunity to wander the streets of cities armed with buckets of water, garden hoses and water guns. Groups of revellers will position themselves along roads and at intersections, enthusiastically drenching pedestrians, cars, taxis, tuk tuks …

Many festivals in Thailand mark an important event in the history of the nation or a cultural highlight, such as a birthday of royalty or the dawn of a new year. The annual Thao Thepkasattri – Thao Sri Suntorn Festival which is celebrated in Phuket is no exception. This particular event commemorates the heroic deeds of two local sisters, Thao Thepkasattri and Thao Sri Suntorn (also identified by the names Khunying Chan and Khunying Muk). According to local legend these two heroines rallied the local forces at a time when the island of Phuket was besieged by Burmese invaders. These events took place more than two centuries ago, but even today are fervently celebrated by the local residents. The local city organizes many attractive celebrations …

Floating away like colorful dreams across the March skies of the paradise island, will be hot air balloons of many colors and shapes during a happy festive time. While those below view the spectacular sight enraptured, the ones on high will be speechless at the vista spread beneath their feet. The Annual Hot Air Balloon Festival in Sri Lanka, will come alive in its vibrant form in the month of March, when the weather is fine and the sun shines bright all day. The event, which is organized by Air Magic, which is a leading hot air ballooning company in Sri Lanka, will last for 10 fun-filled days in Colombo, and is visited by many enthusiasts from all across the world. Close to 40 participants …