Writers festivals are a great way to promote literature and writing by bringing together writers and the public through a series of literary events. The Singapore Writers Festival is such an event that has been taking place since 1986 when it was known as Singapore Writers Week. It is now an annual event held under the aegis of the National Arts Council promoting new Singaporean and Asian writers in the country’s three official languages of English, Chinese, Malay and Tamil, a rare multi-lingual literary event with a diversity of themes and topics. The event also puts Singaporean book-lovers in touch with new and established international writers for a truly global perspective. The 2013 event is scheduled to take place over 10 days in November and …

The vibrant Deepavali Festival is an important event for Hindus around the world. Just as in Hindu communities the world over, the Hindus of Malaysia celebrate this occasion with great joy and festivity. Deepavali is the Festival of Light, a celebration of the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Accordingly at this joyous occasion a multitude of oil lamps are lit to dispel evil and darkness. The event falls on the final day of the final month of the traditional lunar based calendar. The origins of the festival are steeped in myth and legend and several explanations are given for the event. In Malaysia most Hindus consider the festival to commemorate the slaying of the demon Narakasura by the might of Lord …

The vibrant little nation of Bhutan boasts an intriguing culture punctuated by Buddhist spirituality that lends it a charm all its own. Of particular note is the annual “Tschechu”, which is a religious festival that translates to “tenth day”, and is hosted by the various religious institutions of the country. The best way to experience the excitement of a tshechu is from a Bhutan hotel such as the splendid Uma Bhutan. Tschechus are celebrated in a variety of ways that differ from city to city, and an ideal way to experience all of it is via a series of Bhutan tour packages that the hotel can easily help organize for you. Held to celebrate the birthday of the renowned Guru Padmasambhava, tshechus occur on the …

The vegetarian festival in Thailand held in the month of October is an event of spirituality together with astounding religious acts that are carried out as devotions to the gods for obtaining blessings. The festival which has its origin from the Chinese immigrants who visited Thailand some time back, has today developed into a fully fledged ceremony with street shows of people in trances as well as religious rituals performed in the temples, in exclusive culinary preparations and people observing certain precepts in view of the event. Spanning over a nine day period in the ninth month of the Chinese calendar, the festival is the result of the belief that the Chinese immigrants who fell ill with Malaria, recovered due to a religious ritual they …

Part of what makes Bangkok such a fascinating city is the fact that you can find sprawling modern development side by side with cultural attractions steeped in religious traditions. The Erawan Shrine in Bangkok is one such example and is definitely worth seeing when in the Thai capital. If you are looking for a unique way to see the sights of the city then Bangkok cruises such as those offered by Anantara Cruises Thailand are just what you are looking for. This Bangkok cruise tour takes you along the Chao Phraya River and past some of the most famous landmarks of the capital. Make sure to also plan a visit to the Erawan Shrine which can be found in the Pathum Wan district and which features a statute of …

While the 31st December, the eve of the New Year is a special one for almost everybody all over the world, it is even special for Singaporeans. The Singapore New Year countdown is indeed everybody looks forward to. Celebrate this event at one of the most comfortable luxury hotels Singapore has on offer and a recommended choice would be The St. Regis Singapore which offers Singapore luxury suites fulfilling every possible need of its visitors. New Year is an important event for all since it signifies the ending of a year and the beginning of a new one, thereby signifying new beginnings. It is a symbol of hope which is why the dawning of the New Year is celebrated in a large bout of fanfare …