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 …

Easter is a festival that brings hope to the entire world! There is a much stronger sense of hope in Macau at this time of the year. It just might have something to do with a significant history associated with this day. Here are a few reasons why Macau is one of the best places to visit for Easter.     Easter Traditions When it comes to Easter, the people of Macau find joy in taking part in the Easter traditions. As is the norm, believers take part in mass and especially the procession of the passion of Christ from the church premises around Sedona city and back.   Easter Orchestra The premises of St. Dominic’s church situated in the historic centre of the country …

Christmas day is looming, and you just want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city? Thinking of a relaxing Christmas break in a peaceful environment? A perfect pick would be Thailand at a Koh Phangan resort where you could chill with your partner in privacy. A few things to remember when spending Christmas in Thailand. Chilling Thailand being predominantly a Buddhist country, does not celebrate Christmas like the west. Although you may find some festive cheer around, the best way to celebrate is to chill at a resort such as the Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas where you can request for your own private villa. Christmas buffet There are a few restaurants in Koh Phangan that serve up a proper Christmas roast, but with a more tropical …

Planning to head to Bangkok this Christmas and wondering if the Thai capital will have a festive Christmassy cheer? The answer is a resounding “YES”! Here are some of the activities you can look forward to enjoying. Catch the Special Christmas Trees & Lights The city gets a Christmas makeover during the season and you can look forward to seeing a great many Christmas trees, lights and festive décor. Ratchadamri Road home to hotels the likes of Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel is a great place to see such decorations as are popular malls which include CentralWorld Square, Siam Paragon, MBK and Siam Discovery. Visit the Festive Christmas Markets During the season, you will also find colourful Christmas markets being set up, each offering lots of shopping opportunities. …

Away from the lavish lifestyles and the bustling capital city is the Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple which comes across as an idyllic escape where we can seek spiritual fulfilment. Historic appeal Being one of the largest temple complexes in Colombo, the Gangaramaya Temple is well-known for hosting the most colourful Vesak festival annually. It was established in 1885 and has a rewarding history of 120 years. The surrounding areas of the Beira Lake were once a swamp and now it has turned out to be a significant complex including this temple, the breathtaking lake, and the assembly hall. Location Located in the heart of Colombo, the Gangaramaya Temple has always been at the forefront of protecting religious values of the country. For those who are holidaying …

Have you heard of the second grandest festival in China? Mid-Autumn Festival is simply a celebration of autumn fantasies with dazzling lanterns and colourful festivities. Do read on! Overview The Moon Cake Festival or the Mid-Autumn Festival has a rewarding history that runs back to 3000 years. This celebration was derived from the moon worship custom which was celebrated during the Shang Dynasty. According to the Chinese lunar calendar, the festival usually falls on the 15th day of the 8th month. From time immemorial, Chinese people used to pay homage to the moon praying for a good harvest. Customs On the evening of the festival day, usually, the Chinese people have a meal together with all the family members. Also, there’s a special ritual to …