While the world welcomes New Year with the beginning of a new calendar, in most cultures all around the world, the New Year is welcomed in many different ways, sometimes even at a different time. The Chinese New Year is one of them where the citizens of China along with most of their neighbours such as Hong Kong, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia, welcome the New Year with the onset of spring. The festival, also called the Spring Festival, starts on the first day of the very first month, continues for fifteen days and comes to an end with the Lantern Festival. As the New Year draws close, a number of open air markets are set up selling wares such as fire crackers, toys and …

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 …

For 7 whole years Phuket has hit the charts with its ever popular International Blues Festival. For seven years, February mostly has been ‘the’ month in Phuket. If you love music this is certainly where you should be in February; grooving to the endless rhythms that blares before you. The Phuket International Blues Rock Festival is a cup of tea whatever your taste may be. Whether you are the head banger or the foot tapper, you will find something to keep you grooving throughout the festival. Every year the Blues Rock Festival gets bigger and better than it did before. So far it was in the year 2012 when the festival actually blew the charts. Every review you come across talks of the festival as …

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.