Located on the western end of the Lesser Sunda Islands, is the Indonesian province of Bali. Known for being home to a wealth of traditional as well as modern art, dance and music, Bali is an island rife with colour and culture. It is also a major tourist destination owing to its booming hospitality industry, scenic beauty, and cultural and recreational attractions. The major religion in Bali is Hinduism, and thus is a major platform for various Hindu festivals and customs. One of the most unique festivals celebrated in Bali is the Nypei Festival. Nyepi, literally translates to ‘silence’, and is connected to the celebration of the New Year according to the Saka calendar. Although typically a Hindu holiday, this unique event is celebrated by …

A 30 acre expanse of empty space and dying grass in the heart of the city, not a tree to shade the beating hot sun with homeless people prowling the corners begging for money and pigeon poop covering every bit of concrete that would have been a possible place to sit is far from being charming. Sanam Luang or the Royal Field in Thailand is a pretty bleak place on the ordinary day but it has seen the birth, revolution and the make of a nation and people. During one of the many ceremonies or protests that have taken place in Bangkok the park transforms to a busy bubble of chaos with hundreds of thousands of people gathering in colorful attire to witness history in …

Located off the tip of Malaysia is the bustling nation of Singapore. Considered to be one of the most developed and urban nations in the Southeast Asian region, Singapore serves as a hub for the financial and economic system of the region. Due to its many vibrant shopping districts and complexes, recreational attractions, and cultural landmarks, it is also one of the top tourist destinations in the world. The majority of Singapore’s population are Chinese, and therefore one of the most grandly celebrated festivals here is the Chinese New Year. This annual event, which is celebrated on the dawn of the new Lunar Year, is filled with rich traditions and customs which culminate in a vibrant, colourful and grand festival. The Chinese New Year is …

Bali is a traveller’s paradise and Bali hotel accommodation caters to their discerning needs. However with one of the ideally located Bali hotels such as Anantara Seminyak Bali, you will be assured of a remarkable holiday in the region. Attractions in the region include various religious and cultural festivals. Harvest festivals, parades to the sea, fasting & retreat ceremonies, temple festivals and more are among these events. One of the main religious festivals in Bali is Nyepi Festival which marks the beginning of the New Year. Held before this is the Melasti Festival which is dedicated to driving evil spirits away from the island.

Tipped to be one of the most popular public holidays in the island nation of Sri Lanka, the National Day celebrations is a commemorative occasion to mark the country’s independence from Britain. Having gained independence from the British Crown on that hallowed day in February, 1948 the national celebrations of Independence Day recount memories from the colonial era and the hard fought freedom from foreign rule that was won due to the sacrifices and foresight of many national heroes and iconic political forces. Falling on the 4th of February each year, the Independence Day of the island formerly known as Ceylon by its foreign rulers, is a grand occasion that celebrates the country’s progress in the post-colonial era and in modern times with larger than …

Rich in history, Bali has a rich cultural and religious heritage that can be experienced through such events as the Odalan Festival. An ideal base from which to explore the island and observe its many rituals would be Regent Bali, which is amongst the leading luxury resorts in Bali. Situated in the Sanur District, this Bali luxury resort enjoys its own private beach and tropical gardens in which to unwind in. A ceremony that marks a temple’s anniversary, the Odalan Festival pays respect to Hindu deities. Those visiting during the event can look forward to seeing such features as a form of contemplative prayer known as “muspa”. Various traditional performances such as barong dance and shadow puppetry can also be sometimes witnessed at such events. Google+