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 …

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 …

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 …

Macau will yet again host the 31st edition of the Macao International Music Festival which has gone a long way to cement the city’s status as a musical stronghold.   The festival will be opened by a much-awaited production of Andrea Chenier, a lauded opera consisting of four acts by Umberto Giordano. It is guaranteed to be the high point of the upcoming cultural year of the region given the fact that it will be performed by Teatro Regio Torino. Special Guests The Vienna Philharmonic, considered to be one of the best orchestras in the world, will be the special guests this time around. They will be performing two concerts, the Golden Peak on the 29th of October which showcases the work of Strauss, and …

Byron Bay is one of the most musically oriented places in Australia and consistently hosts many large-scale music events, attracting celebrities and musicians from all over the world.   Image by Eva Rinaldi via Wikimedia  (CC BY-SA 2.0)   Not So Humble Beginnings Most festivals start off small before they become world-famous, the Splendour in the Grass Music Festival was not one of them. The fourth incarnation, in 2005, was sold out within 26 hours, and scalpers were selling tickets originally priced at A$125 for upwards of A$3000.   Famous Attendees The festival is massive, and much like other big festivals in Byron Bay has attracted some very famous attendees. These include Elon Musk as well as Amber Heard, who are notable fans of the festival. You’ll definitely …