At the end of January 2013 the annual Kala Pola celebrated the 20th anniversary of an event that has exposed the Sri Lanka public to art in its many forms. This open air art fair presented by the George Keyt Foundation held on Nelum Pokuna Mw, is the most prominent platform for artists and sculptors from around the country to present their work to a large and receptive audience. The first Kala Pola was held in 1993 with George Keyt, the prominent Sri Lanka artist in attendance after whom the event is named. This drew a modest 30 artists. The 2013 two day event drew 345 artists and sculptors with works in a range of mediums and 30,000 visitors. The Kala Pola gives aspiring artist …

The BMICH (the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall) is Colombo’s leading conference and events venue, the top choice of event planners in Sri Lanka. Its prestigious history, central location, and expansive facilities make it an ideal host for event management Sri Lanka by professional local companies in the industry such as Nkar Mice. The BMICH spans an impressive 37 acres and it enjoys the status of being one of South Asia’s most complete exhibition complexes. It boasts high-tech facilities as well as a selection of contemporary halls and rooms as well as a spacious delegates room that spans 16,000 square feet. It also employs an eco-tourist theme in the form of its “Eco Auditorium”, which presents an idyllic replica of Sri Lankan village life. The middle of the …

The Maldives provides you with quite a good blend of the modern and the traditional Islamic customs and most of the festivals are marked by important religious days. Ramadan being the most important celebrations of any Islamic nation, it is celebrated widely in Maldives as well. Marking the end of thirty days of fasting, this reputed day falls on the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is celebrated annually, heavily marked by a lot feasting, spreading the goodwill and joy of the season. Visiting the Maldives during this time of the year could prove to be a bit of a challenge as the business hours are cut down by half but nevertheless you definitely would get a chance to experience Muslim traditions and customs …

Although Christmas in not a public holiday in China; it is celebrated with the same grandeur and glamour exhibited in more opulent nations. Like Valentine’s Day or any other commercial festival, Christmas brings with it plenty of decoration and a whole festive holiday spirit. When you look at the many streets lined with sparkling Christmas trees and hear Christmas carols echo in the distance, you would really be surprised that Christmas is not a religious festival in China. Despite Christianity not being a primary religion in China, the country houses a substantial amount of churches. After all, China does have a population of 1.3 billion people and the Christians, according to statistics, make about 2 % of this population. Nevertheless the younger generation of China …

The Spring Lantern Festival is enthusiastically celebrated in China, neighbouring nations and by the Chinese diaspora around the world. In Hong Kong it is an occasion of joy and relaxation, when all sections of society unite to celebrate the event as one. The festival which occurs on the15th day of the earliest month of the lunar calendar falls on the final day of the New Year festivities. The event is also known as the Chinese Valentine’s Day as couples take the opportunity to spend cherished moments together on this occasion. In times past single people would try their hand at matchmaking pursuits on this special day. As you might expect on this night a myriad of lanterns are constructed, with innumerable colourful lanterns adorning storefronts, …

Colourful costumes overflowing with grandeur, energetic movements and thudding drum beats characterize this lively yet elegant dance portraying the proud and rich heritage of the Sri Lankan nation. Originating from the central hills region of the country, there are plenty of hotels Sri Lanka amongst which Hotel Hilltop is amongst the hotels Sri Lanka in which one can lodge in while exploring this ancient art. It is said that the origins of the dance lies in the Kohomba Kankariya, originally performed by Indian shamans who came to the island to cure a king who had a recurring dream. The Kandyan Dance is a venerated art form and follows a tradition of its own. In the olden days, this dance was performed by dancers who belonged …