Phuket is known for its heavenly beaches and is a much loved tourist destination. However, few people realise that Phuket is actually a highly spiritual place. Although not very big in size, the Thai island is home to a fair number of temples and there is always some type of function going on. Travellers who are interested in learning more about foreign customs and cultures can do so by participating in the local celebrations. There are several interesting options depending on the time of the year. Those visiting between August and September may get a chance to take part in the Por Tor Festival. The Por Tor Festival, more popularly known as the ‘Hungry Ghost Festival’, is a Chinese festival that falls on the seventh …

China is a country that has so much cultural and ethnicity in everything that surrounds it. At almost any time of the year you can see some sort of cultural celebration that is happening there. China, the most populated country in the world, sets aside a fine set of tourist attractions each and every year. Some of their very unique festivals are the DuanWu Festival, which is a series of dragon boat races and where a traditional dish, Zongi is served; also the End of the Earth Moon Happy Festival which is an event that has folk singing, folk dancing and a host of other competitions. A truly unique event that China hosts is the Longevity Culture Festival in the region of Sanya. The event …

An eminent scholar, nationalist, philosopher, freedom fighter, yogi, guru and poet, Sri Aurobindo is a much celebrated character in India. His birth anniversary which falls on the 15th of August sees quite a lot of festivity, pomp and fanfare all over in India, particularly in Calcutta and Pondicherry where he had spent a significant amount of his lifetime. Pondicherry accommodation is not difficult to find if intending to participate in these celebrations as Hotel Atithi is a Pondicherry hotel known to offer the most comfortable abodes in town. There are many events taking place on the day of his birth, particularly at the famous Aurobindo ashram located in the area. This is a favourite spot among Sri Aurobindo devotees who make it a point to celebrate his birthday with much pride …

Thousands flock to Thailand every year enticed by its exciting shopping, cultural diversity and of course, its iconic islands such as Phuket. Phuket’s location at the tip of Thailand provides it with an amazing and unobstructed ocean view which coupled with a tropical monsoon climate makes it a tourist paradise. However, natural beauty is not all that this island paradise has to offer as it provides insight to the history and culture of ancient Siam through many cultural performances, one such being the Siam Niramit. The Siam Niramit is a performance that fuses the cultural heritage of the country with the artistic ability of the people which culminates in a show like no other. Performed by over 100 persons, the recital is composed of three …

Ramadan, sometimes referred to as Ramazan, is the ninth and holiest month in the Islamic calendar. The month, which lasts between twenty nine and thirty days (as it follows the lunar cycle), will be spent in fasting and prayer. In 2013, the month will occur between July and August. It is obligatory for all Muslims to fast between sunrise and sunset, forsaking food and water during this period. It is generally not a popular time to visit Abu Dhabi as the flow of activity in the emirate is disrupted. Offices work shorter hours and many restaurants remain closed during the daytime. On the other hand, this also means that crowded tourist spots are no longer crowded and that one need not wait in long lines …

Celebrated every year on the 1st of October, the National day of Hong Kong and China was established in 1949 amidst grand festivities at the iconic Tiananmen Square. This signified the start of a golden era in the People’s Republic of China. Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau come alive with celebrations on this day, and public places like Tiananmen Square in Beijing and Victoria Harbour in Hong Kong are treated to spectacular fireworks displays and animated festivities, along with colourful concerts for the public to enjoy. If you are visiting Hong Kong around the time of the National Day, make sure you take part in the festivities and most of all, choose a good place from which you can see the sky line of …