The day of Nyepi is a very important occasion for the Balinese. Falling at the dawn of the New Year according to the Balinese traditional calendar, Nyepi is a Hindu festivity which is native to Bali. A national holiday in Indonesia, Nyepi is a time for fasting, silence and meditation for the people of Bali. The subsequent day is celebrated as the commencement of the New Year, and is also a day of festivity. Nyepi is observed strictly, from 6 am in the morning to the same hour the following day. The occasion is considered to be a time for self-reflection, when any diversions and activities which might hinder with this objective are proscribed. Accordingly on this day there are many restrictions on the Balinese …

The capital of France, fondly known the world over as the ‘City of Love and Music’, is home to the Opera de Paris Garnier which was built for Emperor Napolean the Third. The name of the building is derived through its designer, Charles Garnier and work on the building commenced in 1862. However, its completion was delayed due to the astonishing discovery of an underground lake, part of which is said to exist even today, making this construction an architectural marvel. The Opera de Paris Garnier has the proud distinction of being one of the largest such theatres in the world and its interior design is just as majestic and is complete with marble columns, sculptures and gilded statues. The Grand Marble Staircase found inside, …

Modern day Singapore is a melting pot of diverse communities, ethnicities and cultures thanks to its strategic geographical location as a port where many Asians settled down in the country subsequent to arriving there for trade and commerce. Therefore, the diversity it affords as a nation and the peaceful relations and mutual respect that exist between these communities are truly unparalleled. It is this cultural diversity is celebrated in the Chingay Parade. The Chingay Parade is a celebration that takes place as the nation welcomes the Chinese New Year and was introduced by the then administration lead by Lee Kwan Yew in order to continue the spirit and merriment of their people even after the lighting of fire crackers were banned as a safety precaution. …

The Chinese Lunar New Year, or Spring Festival as it is also known is a very important occasion for all people of Chinese origin around the world. Hong Kong is no exception in this regard, with its people involving themselves enthusiastically in the celebrations. Since the lunar calendar differs from the Western Gregorian calendar, the date of the festival varies each year on the Western calendar. For 2013 the date of the occasion falls on February 10th, but celebrations often extend for as long as 15 days. Many fascinating customs and traditions are observed at this special time of the calendar. People of Chinese origin reunite with their extended families, ushering in the New Year with good fellowship and solidarity. It is considered auspicious to …

Known as the Lunar New Year, the famous Spring Festival of the Chinese New Year is a much anticipated time in Singapore. It is celebrated in every nook and corner, and the city comes alive with people from all walks of life celebrating this joyous occasion. The streets are dressed in beautiful red decorations and feature traditional music and mouth watering fragrances of local cuisine in many of the roadside night stands. Along every neighbourhood in Singapore the spirit of good cheer could be witnessed. It is also a great time to shop and purchase a wide array of local goods and products. The Chinese New Year Light Up is the time when crimson lanterns bearing different animal shaped ornaments are lit up to welcome …

One of the most important festivals for Chinese the world over including in Taiwan is the Chinese New Year. Those visiting the country and in search of hotels in Taichung from which to experience the festivities can stay at Millennium Vee Hotel Taichung. This modern Taichung hotel also offers special New Year promotions to help you enjoy your stay all the more. Spanning a total of 15 days, this annual event is marked by a variety of celebrations including family meals, the exchanging of gifts between loved ones, the lighting of firecrackers and the sharing of delectable cuisine. You can also indulge in some shopping at New Year markets in Huayin Street and Dihua Street, while not to be missed is the fascinating Lantern Festival which takes place on …