The Lantern Festival which is also widely popular as the Shangyuan Festival in China falls on the fifteenth day of the first month in the Lunar Calendar. This is generally during February or March according to the Gregorian calendar. This festivity has become very significant ever since the Western Han Dynasty which was during 206 BC to AD 25. When this festival began during the Han Dynasty, China was a country which was thriving with Buddhism. It is said that the monks lit lanterns to reminisce the relics from the cremation of Lord Buddha after attaining Nirvana. Following this, beginning from the empire to every household in China lights a lantern on this special day. With time this became a very majestic festival which went …

For the ultimate holiday experience, select a Phuket beach resort such as Anantara Phuket Resort Thailand, an ideally located Phuket resort. When in the region there are various things to do and events to enjoy, especially local festivals. One of the most unique festivals in the island is the Vegetarian Festival. Phuket Seafood Festival where local culinary experts showcase their skills and the Chinese New Year are also popular events. However a prominent event you will get to experience here is the Songkran Festival. Bringing an array of entertainment options is the Phuket Old Town Festival whilst Wat Chalong Fair which coincides with the Chinese New Year brings shopping opportunities, entertainment and more.

Chinese Lunar New Year which falls on the very first day of the lunar month in the Chinese calendar is something that many Asian countries celebrate with much fanfare. Just like China, Hong Kong too celebrates this festival in a glamorous manner. The city is lit up and the streets get crowded with many people in the festive mood. This event is also popular as the Spring Festival and the ceremony marks the end of the winter season. Among all the destinations, Hong Kong makes this festival quite vibrant and many tourists love to visit the city during this period. They follow the traditions as they were a thousand years back along with many entertaining additions. During the New Year days the whole country is …

Renowned as a holiday Mecca for the masses, Indonesia’s tourist capital is no ordinary city in Asia. Abound with natural beauty and a rich cultural heritage the Balinese are a group of people entrenched in their traditional way of life with every occasion in the cycle from birth to death marked with rituals as ancient as time itself. This preoccupation with marking and celebrating every significant event in the natural world as well as life is such a part of the Balinese identity that folk life in the country would be bereft without the age old customs and wisdom passed on from generation to generation. The Galungan Festival is one of Bali’s most prestigious religious and cultural mêlées marked in Wuku years. Taking centre stage …

Travellers based at luxury hotel resorts get to indulge in the finest comforts and luxury hotels such as Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas take the ultimate holiday experience to a whole new level. When in Bangkok, travellers are spoilt for choice when considering what to do. However, the region’s vibrant events and festival may make the choice for you. Some of the most interesting festivals taking place in the city are Nights at Wat Arun, Chinese New Year, Thai Kite Festival and Bangkok Songkarn Festival. Most of these celebrations afford a glimpse into the country’s unique cultural aspects whilst keeping you entertained. Google+

Historically, the economies of most Asian countries depended greatly on agriculture and as a result, even in modern times the harvesting season is given great importance and prominence in their calendars as they practice rites and rituals that have stood the test of time hoping that they will make the oncoming harvest a fruitful one. The Royal Ploughing Ceremony which is still carried out in Thailand is one such example. This ceremony is presently carried out in Thailand and Cambodia but is no longer practiced in Burma subsequent to the abolishment of the Burmese monarchy. In modern day Thailand, the ceremony usually takes place during the month of May as determined by astrology. The ceremony is made up of a number of rituals that are …