Celebrated around the world on January 1st, New Year’s Day is an event that attracts much revelry and partying the world over. It is a time of year when people band together regardless of country, class or creed and join hands to face the new dawn and the endless possibilities it will bring. The event is generally marked by lighting fireworks at the magical stroke of midnight as the night sky is lit up with a dazzling array of lights. Each country however, has special ways to celebrate this occasion. In America, one of the most popular places for festivities is Times Square in New York City where you can countdown the famous ball drop. In China such major cities as Beijing and Shanghai give …

Renowned as one of the most popular tourist destinations in South India, Pondicherry has a great historical background as a French colony. Pondicherry is one of the francophone locations in the world and you can still witness the colonial past etched into the great city and lives of the locals. This coastal town in South India still has remnants of colonial statues, churches and buildings. This popular tourist destination in India boasts of several architecturally significant churches influenced by the unique fusion of cultural heritage. The Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Eglise de Notre Dame des Anges, the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception and Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine are some of the significant churches you can visit during …

Separated by a strip of peninsular, Had Rin Nok and Had Rin Nai are two entirely different beaches on two sides of the island peninsular of Ko PhaNgan in South Thailand. Had Rin Nai also known as Sunset Beach is the quieter and peaceful of the two, boasting of resorts and more family friendly accommodation options. This stretch of coast is considerably narrower than its twin and the sand slightly rough to the touch, while the sea is considerably shallower during the off season time. In contrast, Had Rin Nok, known as Sunrise Beach, is a thriving, bustle of activity, home to the famous Full Moon Party that is held every month around the time of the full moon. Clubs and backpacker accommodation line the …

A harvest festival that has its origins in South India, Thai Pongal is a thanksgiving festival held in honour of the Sun God Surya. Occurring every year from January 13th to the 15th, the timing of Thai Pongal is calculated according to astronomic events. The festival coincides with the movement of the Sun to Makaram or Capricorn. During this auspicious celebration, houses are decorated with banana and mango leaves while intricate and coulourful patterns called ‘Kolams’ decorate the floor. Boiling of milk and its spilling over is a significant tradition during the Tamil Thai Pongal. It represents abundance and prosperity that will be plentiful in the household. While the milk spills over people shout ‘Pongalo Pongal’ and watching the milk spill over is thought to …

As for everyone, the New Year is a season of festivity and celebration for the Chinese communities as well. Even though the Chinese people living in Paris are away from their homeland they do not forget or abandon the day without any kind of festivity. Just like in their nation the Chinese communities get together and shake the Paris streets with their many vibrant cultural events that take on till dawn. In 2013 they will organized this event just as they did in the past years may be in a much grandeur scale. This event has become one of the most loved and popular events of the year that has grabbed the attention of people from around the world. The Parisians crowd the roads of …

The popular Chingay Parade is one of the most popular events that are held on the day of the customary Chinese New Year. At present it has developed into a major street event which boasts the presence of the procession of myriad colors. The origin of this parade comes from China even though it is an annual street pageant that is taken place in both Singapore and Malaysia to commemorate the date of birth of the Chinese gods. The term Chingay was created by the Chinese people living in South East Asia. Chingay means True Art according to Penang, and a mini adorned stage according to Singaporeans. You will witness a glamorous show off jugglers, dragon dancers, clowns, lion dancers, acrobats and percussionists bringing to …

Located close to downtown Los Angeles, Descanso Gardens offers a lush green sanctuary for the senses. Those in search of Pasadena hotels that are within easy reach of downtown Los Angeles and such attractions as these gardens can stay at The Langham Huntington Hotel & Spa, Pasadena. Set amidst stunning natural landscapes, this luxurious Huntington hotel can be found near the foot of the San Gabriel Mountains, making for an ideal starting point for a nature tour. Apart from being a perfect spot for relaxation, Descanso Gardens also provides an idyllic setting for a variety of events and programs. Those with a “green thumb” can take a gardening class, while morning Tai Chi and yoga classes give you a chance to find true peace for …

Boasting a rich history, Malaysia offers a truly unforgettable holiday adventure and those wanting to experience the country’s rich heritage should definitely visit during the annual Kuala Lumpur Festival. The best way to experience the very best of what the country has to offer is by choosing from tour packages to Malaysia offered by such reputed travel specialists as Paradise Vacations. Their special holiday packages cater to your specific needs and budgets. Featuring traditional and international cultural performances in the capital, the Kuala Lumpur Festival takes place in numerous venues across the city. Be it traditional songs, classical music concerts, plays or even exotic local cuisine, you can enjoy them all at this festival. From Chinese Opera to traditional dance and shadow puppetry to dancing contests, the Kuala Lumpur …

Considered the site where Lord Buddha obtained Enlightenment, Bodhgaya in India is a key attraction especially for Buddhist devotees. Those planning Buddhist pilgrimage tours to Bodhgaya can make use of the packages offered by Mackinnons Travels. A reputed name amongst Sri Lanka travel agents, it offers visit to some of the key sites in the area including the Mahabodhi Temple and Bodhi Tree and the Sujata Temple. The Mahabodhi Temple is in fact a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is definitely worth a visit. As you explore the area you will also come across a variety of Buddhist temples constructed by different countries including Sri Lanka, China, Nepal, Bhutan and Japan. Each temple bears its own distinct style and offers a truly memorable pilgrimage and sightseeing tour. Google+

Although predominantly a Western tradition, Easter is celebrated in a big way in Bangkok as well. It is not so much the religious concept than the multitude of Easter traditions that are incorporated into this nation. And who doesn’t like the fanciful eggs and bunnies all part of the festive season? This portrayed in chocolates gives one the ultimate essence of festivities. So what is behind the eggs and the rabbits? Unlike what many tend to believe Easter is not originally a Christian concept. It goes far back to the Pagan time when the universe resonated with a series of mysterious forces. Winter was dark and sterile but when spring began to dawn, the earth blossomed back to life and fertility prospered once again. The …