The month of Ramadan is the ninth in the Islamic calendar and is considered holy by all Muslims. Devotees observe a month-long fast where they forego food and water from sunrise to sunset. The end of Ramadan is marked by a large celebration. Ramadan (which is called ‘Roadha Mas’ by the locals) in Maldives is a grand occasion. After all, the Maldives is a Muslim nation, and the festivities take place throughout the month and not just at the end. Although meant to be a time of spirituality and introspection, there is also a streak of merriment. Inveterate shoppers especially enjoy the season as many shops run sales and offer discounts during the period, tempting locals and tourists alike to make a few purchases. Restaurants …

Autumn is regarded as the golden season in Guangzhou. The sunny weather with clear blue skies during the day and moonlit nights is one of the best times of the year that everyone looks forward to. With such wonderful weather and cheerfulness in the air, it is the time for the Mid-Autumn Festival which is celebrated by families that stay up late into the night and enjoy a bite of moon cakes while gazing at the moon shining bright in a clear sky. There are a number of activities that are part and parcel of this fest. Families together make bamboo lanterns which are then lit up at night. The handmade lantern which is made in diverse shapes of flowers, animals, insects, fruits, places and …

Celebrating the birth, death and the attainment of enlightenment of Lord Buddha, the Vesak Festival is of utmost importance to Buddhists all across the globe. Observe the many festivities that take place on during the season while lodging at one of the Sri Lanka hotels such as Heritance Ahungalla known to be one of the most sought after Sri Lanka beach hotels ideal for a holiday in this exotic location. Falling on a full moon poya day, typically on the 5th or 6th luna month, this festival of light blows full blast upon the island as glittering lights wink along the roadways and multicoloured lanterns gleam, gently swaying in the breeze. A common sight during this time are gigantic Vesak pandols depicting stories from Jataaka stories colourfully illustrated and …

As the bright blue sky fills up with a myriad of colors and shapes, a sense of joy dawns upon the entire village. Young, old, rich poor step out to their porches to witness this beauty. Cheers of competitors echo through the streets and the sense of thrill and happiness in this event is infectious. There is only one event that brings out such a lot of spirit; it is none other than the Bali Kite Festival. Every year Sanur Beach booms with life as the Kite competition takes place and every year the vigor is the same; the fun is the same and every year tourists are drawn to this little beach to bask in the spirited ambience of this festival. The kites you …

Proving an excellent opportunity for all those in denial that the mountain biking season is over, the Mophie mountain bikes is a great race to witness. The race guarantees thrills and spills to the ardent and extreme sports fans and an adrenaline pumping adventure for the participants. If you are in for some fascinating action when competitors take out some serious tyres, a killer attitude and some exciting downhill racing on mountain bikes, the Queenstown Winter Festival is the place to be this June. Part of a tradition that started back in 1975, the Queenstown Winter Festival is a hearty affair that marks the beginning of winter in great spirit. Now the festival is the southern hemisphere’s largest winter celebration with street parties, mardi gras …

All those who witness Wonder Full, the amazing light, water and sound show lighting up the skies and water around the Marina Bay Sands integrated resort in Singapore is not going to forget it ever. For 13 spellbinding minutes occurring twice daily and three times a day on Fridays and Saturdays, viewers are getting wowed by this show that has no equal. Not only is this visually beautiful, but this is the first time that lasers, video projectors and other paraphernalia has been used to tell a story so compellingly. Lighting up the 20 ha area around Marina Bay Sands with a sound, light and water show titled “Beacon across the Bay” it is a novel way of encouraging more people to visit the integrated …