The traditional New Year is celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm by the majority of the residents of Sri Lanka. Interestingly the timing and nature of the New Year celebrations bear affinity with the corresponding traditions amongst several South and South-east Asian peoples. The Sri Lankan New Year falls on the 13th and 14th of April and is marked as a public holiday in the country. This auspicious occasion is considered to herald the ending of spring and the harvest season. The distinctive traditions and rituals are said to be derived from the rich history and cultural traditions of the nation. These beliefs were influenced by the advent of Buddhism, the main religion of the country, to create the colourful and vibrant customs and rites …

The day of Nyepi is a very important occasion for the Balinese. Falling at the dawn of the New Year according to the Balinese traditional calendar, Nyepi is a Hindu festivity which is native to Bali. A national holiday in Indonesia, Nyepi is a time for fasting, silence and meditation for the people of Bali. The subsequent day is celebrated as the commencement of the New Year, and is also a day of festivity. Nyepi is observed strictly, from 6 am in the morning to the same hour the following day. The occasion is considered to be a time for self-reflection, when any diversions and activities which might hinder with this objective are proscribed. Accordingly on this day there are many restrictions on the Balinese …

The capital of France, fondly known the world over as the ‘City of Love and Music’, is home to the Opera de Paris Garnier which was built for Emperor Napolean the Third. The name of the building is derived through its designer, Charles Garnier and work on the building commenced in 1862. However, its completion was delayed due to the astonishing discovery of an underground lake, part of which is said to exist even today, making this construction an architectural marvel. The Opera de Paris Garnier has the proud distinction of being one of the largest such theatres in the world and its interior design is just as majestic and is complete with marble columns, sculptures and gilded statues. The Grand Marble Staircase found inside, …

Modern day Singapore is a melting pot of diverse communities, ethnicities and cultures thanks to its strategic geographical location as a port where many Asians settled down in the country subsequent to arriving there for trade and commerce. Therefore, the diversity it affords as a nation and the peaceful relations and mutual respect that exist between these communities are truly unparalleled. It is this cultural diversity is celebrated in the Chingay Parade. The Chingay Parade is a celebration that takes place as the nation welcomes the Chinese New Year and was introduced by the then administration lead by Lee Kwan Yew in order to continue the spirit and merriment of their people even after the lighting of fire crackers were banned as a safety precaution. …

One of the most important festivals for Chinese the world over including in Taiwan is the Chinese New Year. Those visiting the country and in search of hotels in Taichung from which to experience the festivities can stay at Millennium Vee Hotel Taichung. This modern Taichung hotel also offers special New Year promotions to help you enjoy your stay all the more. Spanning a total of 15 days, this annual event is marked by a variety of celebrations including family meals, the exchanging of gifts between loved ones, the lighting of firecrackers and the sharing of delectable cuisine. You can also indulge in some shopping at New Year markets in Huayin Street and Dihua Street, while not to be missed is the fascinating Lantern Festival which takes place on …

Bangkok is the capital city of the Southeast Asian nation of Thailand. The most populous city of Thailand as well, Bangkok serves as the hub of Thailand’s commercial and cultural activity. It is also one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations due to its unique lifestyle, leisure and cultural attractions, and its lively nightlife. One of the most unique cultural festivals celebrated in Bangkok is the Nine Emperor Gods Festival. This event is a nine day long Taoist festival consisting of various traditions and rituals. This festival has a rich heritage, and is a very colourful and vibrant celebration, which provides great insights to the culture of Bangkok. Celebrated at the beginning of the 9th Lunar month of the Chinese Lunar Calendar, the Nine …