Author Archives: Caliope Sage

Nation’s Father’s Day- Birthday of King Bhumibol Adulyadej

Posted on by

His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej very much loved by the good people of Thailand is considered as the Father of the Thai Nation. It is on his birthday, 5th of December that is celebrated as a public holiday commonly referred to as the Nation’s Father’s Day. There are many Bangkok serviced apartments from where one could observe this national holiday but choose a comfortable serviced apartment in Bangkok such as the exclusive Ascott Sathorn Bangkok to ensure a comfortable stay. On this day of many celebrations which is also considered as Thailand’s National Day, households, private and public companies, streets and monuments are decorated with lights in true festive spirits. Sometimes also fondly referred to as  Pho Lhuang – Royal Father,  His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej will make a public appearance from the  balcony of the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall in Bangkok much to the delight of his people who eagerly await his presence.

 

Jayani Senanayake is a writer who dabbles in travel and all things exotic. Under the pseudonym of Calliope Sage, she writes of the allures that must simply be discovered. Google+

Vinayak Chaturthi Festival – Dedicated to Lord Ganesha

Posted on by

Observed in the Hindu calendar month of Bhaadrapada, the Vinayak Chathurthi festival usually falls between 19 August and 20 September lasting for a period of 10-12 days ending on Anant Chaturdashi. Book a Pondicherry hotel during the festival to take part in all the activity and Hotel Atithi is known to offer comfortable Pondicherry accommodation allowing you to participate the festivities with peace of mind. It is said that this is the day that Shiva declared his son Ganesha as superior to all the gods and it is believed that on this day, Ganesha bestows his presence on earth for his devotees on this day. Hindus prepare for this festival several months before hand by creating clay statues of the Ganesha which are then installed in houses and public places in pandals. Offerings of modakas, Coconut, jaggery, durva, (trefoil) blades of grass and red flowers are made while the statue is anointed with kum kum and sandalwood paste. Mantras are chanted right throughout the festival such as Vedic chants and hymns from Rig Veda, the Ganapati Atharva Shirsha Upanishad, and the Ganesha stotra.

 

Jayani Senanayake is a writer who dabbles in travel and all things exotic. Under the pseudonym of Calliope Sage, she writes of the allures that must simply be discovered.

Google+

Bali Spirit Festival – Bringing Bali to life

Posted on by

Yoga, music and dance comes together in festive form for five days in a row with the participation of international music artists, bringing Bali to life each year. The Bali Spirit Festival is based in the country’s cultural capital Ubud and visitors are therefore advised to seek out an Ubud hotel to lodge in during the festival. However, finding Ubud accommodation may not be very easy during this period and specially if you want a comfortable abode like Alila Ubud Bali, you may have to book well before hand. During these vibrant days of celebration, Bali sees hundreds of the world’s top dancers, musicians, artists, yoga instructors and the like bring together elaborate workshops, seminars, exhibitions, performances and concerts bringing the city to life. Soak up some culture and mingle with like-minded people. Head to the Bali Spirit Festival – you will not regret it.

Jayani Senanayake is a writer who dabbles in travel and all things exotic. Under the pseudonym of Calliope Sage, she writes of the allures that must simply be discovered.

Google+

Camel Beauty Pageant in Abu Dhabi – A joyous mishmash

Posted on by

An indispensable creature gracing the harsh desert lands with style, the camel beauty pageant in Abu Dhabi is inevitably one of the most looked forward to events in the country. This popular event sees a massive influx of tourists every year to this part of the world and therefore, it is always wide to reserve a Hotel in Abu Dhabi for your accommodation needs well before hand. Kingsgate Hotel Abu Dhabi offers you a variety of accommodation options while being a hotel Abu Dhabi is greatly proud of. Peer into the very soul of the desert, the soul of the Bedouin for whom the camel is worth much more than money or gold by catching a glimpse of this uniquie beauty pageant that one can only witness at the depths of Abu Dhabi. Outside the desert city of Madinat Zayed is where all the actions take place while vehicles loaded with Bedouin trickle into the location, proudly flaunting their camels in trains of water tanker trucks and flatbed trucks dedicated entirely for their prized specimen. The event starts at dawn. Decked out in gold, silver and corals, the majestic camels step outside their encampments eager to strut their stuff. A social mishmash of sorts, the men grace the occasion in their white desert attire, smoking pipes and exchanging greetings with one another while jovially contributing to the festiveness that permeates through the air.

Jayani Senanayake is a writer who dabbles in travel and all things exotic. Under the pseudonym of Calliope Sage, she writes of the allures that must simply be discovered. Google+

Sri Aurobindo’s birth anniversary – An event of grandeur

Posted on by

An eminent scholar, nationalist, philosopher, freedom fighter, yogi, guru and poet, Sri Aurobindo is a much celebrated character in India. His birth anniversary which falls on the 15th of August sees quite a lot of festivity, pomp and fanfare all over in India, particularly in Calcutta and Pondicherry where he had spent a significant amount of his lifetime. Pondicherry accommodation is not difficult to find if intending to participate in these celebrations as Hotel Atithi is a Pondicherry hotel known to offer the most comfortable abodes in town. There are many events taking place on the day of his birth, particularly at the famous Aurobindo ashram located in the area. This is a favourite spot among Sri Aurobindo devotees who make it a point to celebrate his birthday with much pride and dignity. Because of the grandeur of the event,  Sri Aurobindo’s birth anniversary  is regarded as one of the main events in Pondicherry, celebrated with much elegance and pageantry.

Jayani Senanayake is a writer who dabbles in travel and all things exotic. Under the pseudonym of Calliope Sage, she writes of the allures that must simply be discovered. Google+

Summer Fest Abu Dhabi 2013 – fun and festivity at its best

Posted on by

Yas Island located near the city of Abu Dhabi brings an amazing extravaganza in this holy month of Ramadan. That is the one and only SummerFest Abu Dhabi, spanning throughout the month of Ramadan and Eid Al Fitr.

This amazing show began on the 27th of June 2013 and it is happening until the 17th of August. The SummerFest Abu Dhabi is actually a family friendly wonderland featuring lively concerts, dramas, international stars, celebrity appearances, premieres, summer play grounds, fun fair rides and various other games.

This magnificent extravaganza is held in four action packed halls at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre and du forum on Yas Island. With the gargantuan three-story obstacle course, rock climbing sites, zip lines, a gigantic maze and extreme tower bag jumps, this fun filled carnival offers an experience of a life time. The SummerFest Abu Dhabi also possesses a live action cartoon village featuring life size replicas of much loved characters from the most popular cartoons. And the LEGO zone is a must visit place in this fest.
With jaw-dropping shows of the all time favorite ‘Banana’s In Pyjamas’ kids would resist leaving this wonderland behind. At du forum comedians would make you laugh until you start to tear while the Arabic singers captivate you with their enchanting music at the Eid Al Fitr celebrations.

If you come to Abu Dhabi for this summer you will be lucky as there are plenty of seasonal deals and promotions at shopping centers and hotels. So do not miss this incredible experience where you could enjoy quality time with your loved ones.

If you are looking for accommodation in Abu Dhabi, Middle East hotels offer the best deals of all in this festive season. Tourists looking for UAE hotels that are both luxurious and well placed for exploring this wonderful extravaganza should consider staying at the Millennium & Copthrone Hotel Middle East. This amazing hotel is located in the heart of the city giving you easy reach to the famous Al Wahda Mall and other shopping destinations. For a first class experience head over to Abu Dhabi and indulge in the luxuriant comforts they have in store for you.

Jayani Senanayake is a writer who dabbles in travel and all things exotic. Under the pseudonym of Calliope Sage, she writes of the allures that must simply be discovered. Google+

Accession Day – A Day Of Merry Making

Posted on by

Tourists visiting Abu Dhabi in the middle of the year have some important events and festivals to look forward to. The emirate being a great cultural hot spot there is much to see, do and experience. It is a great cultural land mark where visits can be exposed to the Middle East in its entire splendour.
One of the key events in the region’s calendar is the Accession Day. Similar to the British accession day, it is a holiday of great festivity and merriment celebrating the accession of the monarch to the throne. It is a celebration that marks the dawn of a new era under the new ruler and a festival of hope for the new future.
The event marks the historically significant happening when Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan overthrew his brother in a bloodless coup in 1966 to assume the throne of the UAE in Abu Dhabi, which is regarded to be the state’s main emirate. However later in 1971, he became the president and ruled the country until 2004. He was considered to be a visionary leader in bringing in economic prosperity to the land and the country saw a massive transformation for the better. There were great investments made in education, infrastructure, and economy and there was a rise of interest in sports amongst, men, women and children.


To showcase the greatness of the Shiekh there are celebrations that last for almost a week and all organizations get ready for the celebrations way in advance. There are concerts and dances, fireworks and many other celebrations throughout the state. People dress up in the national costumes and bear the flag and it is hoisted in houses and offices and even seen on vehicles. There is a lot of patriotism in the air and an atmosphere of celebration.
A time in the Middle East that should not to be missed for its unique nature and cultural significance, even foreigners staying at the many Abu Dhabi hotels located across the emirate or even at a one of the luxury hotels Abu Dhabi, such as Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara can be part of the celebrations, which are sure to make one look at this part of the world with new eyes.

Jayani Senanayake is a writer who dabbles in travel and all things exotic. Under the pseudonym of Caliope Sage, she writes of the allures that must simply be discovered.

Google+

Vesak Festival – The festival of light

Posted on by

Celebrating the birth, death and the attainment of enlightenment of Lord Buddha, the Vesak Festival is of utmost importance to Buddhists all across the globe. Observe the many festivities that take place on during the season while lodging at one of the Sri Lanka hotels such as Heritance Ahungalla known to be one of the most sought after Sri Lanka beach hotels ideal for a holiday in this exotic location. Falling on a full moon poya day, typically on the 5th or 6th luna month, this festival of light blows full blast upon the island as glittering lights wink along the roadways and multicoloured lanterns gleam, gently swaying in the breeze. A common sight during this time are gigantic Vesak pandols depicting stories from Jataaka stories colourfully illustrated and adorned with thousands of glittering lights twinkling rhythmically. The Vesak Festival for Sri Lankans is a time where religion and festivity come together to create a unique combination not experienced anywhere else.

 

Jayani Senanayake is a writer who dabbles in travel and all things exotic. Under the pseudonym of Calliope Sage, she writes of the allures that must simply be discovered.

Google+

Hong Kong Fashion Week for Spring / Summer – Get your style on this summer!

Posted on by

Mad about fashion? Can’t stop shopping at big labels in the industry? Well then Hong Kong is calling! The Hong Kong Fashion week for spring and summer 2013 will be held in July from the 8th to the 11th. The event will be held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre and will feature high end fashion labels from all over the world.

Buyers are offered a mind blowing shopping experience and a fantastic spread of the most talked about collections for spring and summer this year. Accessories and garments that would be the limelight in fashion industry during these seasons this year would be on grand display at the Fashion Week Hong Kong.

The highlight of the gallery are the ‘Brand name Gallery’ which will feature a premium selection of clothing lines to promote the brand name garments in an elegant setting as well as garments that will cater to the mass merchandise market and Fashion Gallery that will feature high end fashion labels. There would also be a display of bridal and evening wear along with fun children’s wear and swimwear. Has it got your attention yet?

To witness local and international talent in the fashion industry, see mini fashion parades, shows and shop till you drop, head over to the most amazing fashion week of the year in Hong Kong. After all Asia’s world city will never disappoint you with the array attractions and activities it has in store for its guests. And while you experience this fashionable affair and explore this beautiful country that is always ahead of the game, whether its technology or style, reside at a place that believes in pampering its guests.

Looking for a place to reside in while you associate yourself with fancy labels and stylish boutiques? Choose a hotel that understands your travel requirements perfectly. If on the lookout for a Hong Kong hotel that lets you hop in an out of attractions, exhibitions and retail outlets in the heart of the commercial hub choose Cosmopolitan Hotel Hong Kong. This Wan Chai hotel Hong Kong will definitely add to your experience of the amazing Hong Kong as you wine, dine and sleep in true luxury.

 

Jayani Senanayake is a writer who dabbles in travel and all things exotic. Under the pseudonym of Calliope Sage, she writes of the allures that must simply be discovered.

Google+

Jakarta Independence Day – A day for togetherness

Posted on by

It is on the 17th of August that the Indonesians celebrate their independence day. Weeks before the actual date the preparations begin, with much fluff and fanfare. In order to take part in these joyous celebrations, seek serviced accommodation Jakarta that best fits your needs. Among the many serviced apartments Jakarta, many prefer Somerset Grand Citra Jakarta which offers comfortable accommodation for travellers of all sorts. Streets are decorated with red and white flags and banners while people flock together and engage in community games such as greased pole climbing (panjat pinang), sack race (balap karung) and cracker-eating (makan kerupuk). The spirit of nationalism permeates through the air while various TV shows and theatre plays demonstrating the struggle for independence are aired during this time. A time for togetherness and unity, the Jakarta Independence day is indeed an event that must be experienced if one is to truly understand what makes this fascinating country truly unique.