Music, movement, colour and culture; those are the ingredients that make Balinese dance somewhat hypnotic in its effect as it sweeps you out of this world. Like the lush natural beauty that adorns this quaint and remarkably picturesque island, culture has an almost artistic touch in Bali. Be it song, dance or a mere religious ritual there is so much of essence in each performance. Bali being an island etched with rich culture boasts an array of dance performances. Largely dramatic, these performances give you a taste of authentic Bali like nothing else. The Balinese dance is in fact an ancient tradition that goes way back in time. It is primarily religious in nature, but there are those performed merely for entertainment as well. The …

Barong Dance is the most popular of all the Balinese Dances. It depicts the typical traditional dance form; where a story -typically a myth or legend- is narrated through a series of choreographed movements and expressions. Indonesian myth and legends have links to the religion that precedes the island; Hinduism. Their tales are so powerful that when emulated in the form of dance it becomes almost hypnotizing. The Barong Dance is one such performance; powerful and intense this dance is the very epitome of the battle between the good and the evil. The Barong Dance is purely classical and is comprised of a series of traditional moves. The tale narrated through this dance is actually a very interesting one. The dance begins with the beast …

Celebrating the birth, enlightenment and the death of Lord Buddha, Vesak is a veritable celebration of light. Celebrated by Buddhists all over the world, Sri Lanka cloaks itself in bright lights, lanterns and much festivity during this time of the year, enveloping the whole of the country in a sense of joyful celebration. There are many Sri Lanka hotels which offer guests accommodation during this time amongst which Heritance Ayurveda Maha Gedara offrs the additional advantage of treatments of Ayurveda Sri Lanka is quite famous for. Vesak in Sri Lanka falls on a full moon poya day in the month of May and is celebrated for a period of two weeks. During this time, entire families get together to make colourful lanterns and gigantic pandols decorated with multicoloured lights …

In hushed reverence and quiet veneration, the birth, enlightenment and the death of the Buddha is celebrated by Buddhists scattered the world over on the day of Vesak, the day marked as the most important on the Buddhist calendar. Bathed in the charm of this day, devotees find serenity sublime in the beautiful and symbolic celebrations and rituals that are faithfully followed on the day. In Singapore, where Theravada and Mahayana Buddhists together abide, the rituals followed slightly vary, while the common chord of peace and good deeds as well as repentance bind the hearts and minds of those who celebrate in strong and significant unison. The day of Vesak is celebrated on the 15th day of the 4th month of the Chinese Lunar Calendar …

As a well read man is a treasure to a nation, much emphasis has certainly been vested on the subject of reading since days of old. The Abu Dhabi International Book Fair is organized in this context with the aim of building up and developing the publishing and book industry as well as promoting the priceless habit of reading throughout the United Arab Emirates. The Abu Dhabi International Book Fair is said to be the fastest growing book fair in the Middle Eastern and the North African regions. Its strength lies in the professional organization that involves each facet of the fair that helps to make it a prominent event in the city. The visionary and the ambitious planning that is the essence of the …

Known to be the largest International Trade Fair for Beauty Products, Cosmetics and Perfumery in the Middle East, the Beautyworld Middle East is once again being held in 2014 from 27th May to 29th May 2014, allowing all those beauty conscious individuals a chance to truly explore the world of cosmetics. Finding   accommodation in Dubai during this period will not be an issue since Anantara Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa is a reputed Palm Jumeirah hotel that is known to cater to every single need of discerning travellers. Evolving steadily over the past 17 years since its inception, this show-stopping beauty show features a wide range of cutting edge products and services from around the world, thereby serving as a one stop destination for all your beauty needs, …