Poson Full Moon Poya Day celebrates the arrival of Buddhism to Sri Lanka. It is a day that is celebrated with light and colour and neighbourly harmony, a very special occasion second only to the Vesak Festival for Buddhists ihttps://www.flickr.com/photos/lakpura/15369289710n Sri Lanka.   Observing Poson with the locals There are many sites of significance to Buddhists all over Sri Lanka, each more wonderous and full of stories as the next. If you stay in the Fortress Resort and Spa, you will only be less than half an hour away from the Japan Peace Pagoda which is a Buddhist temple with breath-taking ocean views. Peace Pagoda The Japanese Peace Pagoda, Unawatuna is one of the eighty as of the year 2000, peace pagodas built under the guidance …

Providing breathtaking thrills for drivers and spectators alike, the annual Macau Grand Prix has become one of the highlights of the racing calendar. Here’s some background information on this famed event. History Initially a sports car race, the Macau Grand Prix first took place in 1954 and evolved over the years to incorporate Formula 3 cars. In the 1970s touring cars were also introduced followed by a motorcycle race in 1976. The FIA GT World Cup was also added in 2008, making this a truly special event. The Circuit One of the highlights here is the Guia Circuit, a challenging 3.8 mile street circuit that is within easy reach of Hotel Okura Macau and other such centrally located luxury hotels in Macau. The circuit is known for its tight …

While Macau may be full of glitz, glamour and gaming at its lavish casinos, this destination has a rich history too. A great place to start your journey of discovery would be Senado Square. Getting There Senado Square can be found in the Historic Centre of Macau which has been named as a UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Within a 12 minute drive from Hotel Okura Macau, this site can be reached by public bus services including the following routes which have stops nearby: 3, 6A, 18A, 33, N1A. What to Expect A visit to Senado Square with its old world charm offers a fascinating contrast to the atmosphere you will find at luxury hotels in Macau. Home to neo-classical buildings, a mosaic-tiled pavement, an old post office …

During the month of April, Sri Lanka celebrates a festival known as the ‘Sinhalese and Tamil New Year’, which is a major anniversary celebrated by most Sri Lankans. It is a time in which not only Sinhalese, but all Sri Lankans come together as one to celebrate. Astrology Astrology plays a rather important role in Avurudu, as the dawn of the new year doesn’t take place at a specific time every year. The auspicious or ‘nakath’ time is specified according to astrological calculations. The duration of time between the old year and new year can take as long as 12 hours and 48 minutes, this is because of the sun crossing he astrological border of the House of Pisces to House of Aries. Every part …

A main Buddhist religious festival celebrating the triple anniversary of Lord Buddha. In Sri Lanka, a majority Buddhist country, this festival brings about brightly lit streets full of creative and intricate lanterns to admire. What is Vesak? The birth, attainment of enlightenment and passing away into Nirvana are the three notable events that Vesak symbolizes. The day is spent in reflection, with devotees offering flowers, lighting lamps and burning incense in the name of God. Several traditional ceremonies occur throughout the island on and before the days leading to Vesak. The day of celebration varies each year. How is it celebrated? Numerous roadside stalls are erected in the evenings, distributing passers-by free drinks and refreshments! Performances and theatre performances close to various temples are a …

The traditional New Year celebrations in Sri Lanka is a time marked by families getting together and various customs being observed by the country’s Sinhala and Tamil communities. A National Holiday The traditional New Year or the Sinhala and Tamil New Year generally falls on 13th and 14th April each year. In the villages, it is also celebrated as a harvest festival and it is a national holiday as well. Look to book family or honeymoon hotels in Sri Lanka in advance during this time; places like Amaya Hunas Falls, Kandy give you a chance to experience some of the New Year festivities. Rituals and Customs The New Year period is marked with a series of auspicious times at which various customs are followed. These include boiling milk in …