Vesak is a holy day for millions of Buddhist around the world as it commemorates Gautama Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and ‘parinirvana’ or passing away. The exact day of the festival varies according to the lunar calendars of various cultures but in Theravada Buddhist countries following the Buddhist Calendar it generally falls on a full moon day on the 6th lunar month which is usually in May. The name Vesak itself is a derivative of the name for the lunar month occurring from April to May. Although festivals to mark Vesak had been taking place for several centuries, the decision to celebrate Vesak worldwide as Buddha’s birthday was taken at the first conference of the World Fellowship of Buddhists held in Sri Lanka in 1950. The …

Among the many festivals that takes place in India to celebrate diverse occasions is Ram Navami commemorated in the Hindu month of Chaitra that falls between April and March, to celebrate the birth of Rama. It is a hugely important festival for the Hindus as Rama is considered an incarnation of the god Vishnu. In some parts of India it is celebrated as Vasanta Navratri over nine days. In households observing the festival the day begins with a prayer to the sun and at mid day, the supposed time of Rama’s birth, special prayers and poojas are performed in Ram temples big and small all over India. Some people start the festival with a fast and some others fast for the whole nine day duration …

Eaton Smart, New Delhi Airport Transit Hotel is one of the Hotels in New Delhi Airport offering comfort and relaxation to all transit passengers. This New Delhi Airport Hotel is set up in a way that passengers feel refreshed after an exhilarating journey, and makes it easier for them to continue their journey. If you’re dropping by in India during the months of February and March, a must see festival is the Holi festival. This is one of the biggest celebrated festivals in the country. Main purpose of this festival is to celebrate spring. The spirit of celebrating the festival remains the same within all ages throughout the country. The entire environment changes with festivity during this season. Loads of different food is cooked for the family members as …

A Thai Arts and Cultural performance known the world over as one of the largest stage productions, the Siam Niramit Cultural show is a spectacular show now listed in the Guinness World records. The show features over 150 performers and around 500 costumes are used for the entire performance. Special effects have been added as a result of advanced technology as of recent years, keeping up with the moving world. The show has three separate acts. The first act is on Thailand that then was and is named ‘Journey Back in to History’. The second act takes you beyond your imagination and is based on Hell, Himapaan and Heaven. The third act takes you on a journey through joyous festivals celebrated in this colourful country. …

Thailand never fails to surprise its visitors with these most vibrant Thai cultural shows which would also give a chance to the holiday-makers in the country to get a glimpse of this rich cultural heritage. Some of the Thai cultural shows that a traveller should not miss out are Siam Niramit, Thai Classical Dance Drama, Thai Mask Dance, Thai Village Shows, ancient sword fights and Thai Puppet Shows. Siam Niramit is a traditional Thai performance presented with the participation of more than 150 traditional performers on a huge stage along with many sound and lighting effects. There are 500 numerous colourful costumes being used during these shows. Siam Niramit is a magnificent opportunity for anyone who is visiting this great enchanted kingdom to get a …

The sea gypsies of the seas around Thailand have been roaming these waters for centuries. Sailing from island to island, they make a living by fishing and foraging whereever they land and trading any excess in the mainland. They have stubbornly held onto their nomadic lifestyle in the modern age and only a few are settled in the coastal villages of south Thailand. But on the full moon day of the sixth and eleventh month each year, all members of this elusive group come ashore to join the rest of their clan in a very special festival called Loi Ruea. Initiated to give thanks to the Sea God and gain favour and blessings for the future, the festival takes place in several Chao Le villages …