Honk Kong in itself is a city of festivities. It is a nation where tradition merges with a modern touch giving you an outcome of pure wonder. In the middle of every autumn season, Hong Kong becomes more so alive in the vibrant and exotic Mid Autumn Festival. It is actually an ancient Chinese harvest festival but in Honk Kong it is given unique and a modern treatment. Fiery dragons dance through the neon lit streets that are adorned by the glowing lanterns on this festive season. As the moon shines in its fullest form, Honk Kong comes alive in a complete spectacle. The Mid Autumn Festival falls every year on the 15th day of the 8th month in the Chinese Lunar Calendar. Its grandeur …

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 …

Kataragama is a town located in the south of the island nation of Sri Lanka that is a noteworthy pilgrimage destination for Hindus, Buddhists and the indigenous Veddah people alike. Even devotees from southern India come to this venerated site to pay their respects at the sacred shrines gracing the locale. The site of veneration is the Kataragama temple, known in the Sinhalese language as the Kataragama devalaya; it stands in honour of God Skanda-Murugan or Kataragamadeviyo as the locals call the deity. Tamil followers of the Hindu faith, both in Sri Lanka and southern India, call the location Katirkamam. The deity is variously known as Skanda-Murugan, Katiradeva, Subramanya, Kandasamy, Tarakajith and other names by the Hindu community. The god is depicted as having twelve …

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 …