Author Archives: Caliope Sage

Waisak Day The Hushed Day of Quiet Meditation

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Indonesia is a land that is complete with many colourful aspects of life that are brought forth by the traditions and culture of varying origins and ethnic groups. Diversity flourishes here in beautiful degrees and festivities are held here of different religious backgrounds, making this country an ideal place to visit indeed.

The Buddhist population that lives in Indonesia celebrates in great reverence and honour the day that marks the birth, enlightenment and the death of Buddha Siddharta Gautama, the day of Waisak. This day is indeed prominent to the Buddhists scattered

A festival that is predominantly centred on meditation and goodwill, on the day of Waisak many Buddhists from all over the country gather in Borobudur to bask in the reverent wonder of this sacred day. A series of Buddhist organizers in the country have taken the lead to take turns in organizing the festivities of the day that include a procession of over 15000 devotees from Mendut temple to Pawon temple from where the procession reaches the Borobudur. The essence of the festivities is always constant with due respect and attention given to meditation and reverie, while colour and happiness is brought forth by many lights of festivity and delicious food. The many thousands that gather here on the day of Waisak, in unison chant mantras and meditate in silence to honour of the founder of their belief. The silence that follows the chanting of mantras is indeed overwhelming and intense, making it an experience truly wonderful indeed.

If you visit Jakarta in time for the festival of Waisak, you may also partake in this beautiful celebration. A 5 Star hotel Jakarta such as Keraton at The Plaza, Jakarta will treat you to ultimate bliss and sheer indulgence while you find pleasure in the hushed hour of quiet meditation of this day. A hotel in Jakarta such as this will also help you to reach the religiously prominent temples in the area in which celebrations do take place, so you will be able to breathe in the culture and the tradition of the lovely people of Indonesia.

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.

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Wesak Celebrations in Phuket Lighting up the Streets in the Joy of Celebration

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Phuket, Thailand is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, where sun shines upon the golden beaches every day. Blue ocean waters and the scintillating charm of the never ending festive atmosphere are cherished beyond measure by everyone who steps on these shores. Seafood and laughter, good times galore will certainly mark the great holiday spent here in this land of absolute charm.

Phuket has much more to offer to its visitors than the splendour of the beaches and the consequent oceanic entertainment, which quite definitely will be common to all beach cities around the world. The land is rich with culture and religion. The pulse of the people, who call this place their home, is felt in the rich celebrations and festivities that accompany religiously significant days in their calendars.

Buddhism being a religion that is widely practiced across the country, the day of Wesak that marks the birth of the Buddha as well as commemorates the beginning of his teaching is one of the most prominent festivals here in Phuket. The celebrations of Wesak that occur on the days of full moon on the month of May are indeed wonderful to behold, in all its colour and reverence, revealing the true nature, mild and wholesome, of this land marked by high entertainment.

Celebrations take place in all their splendour in the temples scattered throughout the vicinity, while candle light processions illuminate the dark cold streets on this special day. Tourists too may partake in these festivities if they wish, and celebrate with the locals a day of great significance to them, and have another colourful and bright facet added to their memory of the perfect holiday experience.

A Phuket resort that offers luxury and opulence beyond expectations such as Anantara Phuket Resort Thailand, can be considered if you wish to bask in the wonder of this colourful country, so rich in culture and tradition, while being pampered by its fineries. A Phuket beach resort such as this will make your perfect holiday spent in this sunny corner of the world, a wonderful memory, to be cherished for a lifetime.

The Rocket Festival To Tear Up the Mighty Skies

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Thailand is indeed a city of great delights offering many fascinations to keep its travellers occupied. One of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, Thailand is certainly rich with the tang of the Asian cultures as well the zest of the modern development.
A visitor to Thailand will undoubtedly not find time to laze around and spend time idly as the scintillating delights of the country are abundant and plentiful. Complete with beaches, shopping malls, fascinating structures of ancient appeal, as well the savour of the local customs and festivals, make this country truly a place of great entertainment. A visit to Thailand will indeed be an enriching experience for everyone given this plethora of loveliness and delights.
Among the many festivals that are celebrated by the locals in Thailand, the Rocket Festival is one of the most colourful, beautiful and symbolic festivals. The uniqueness of this festival further heightens the appeal of it and makes it one of the most striking festivals in the country. The Rocket Festival which is called the Bung Bang Fai in Thai, is celebrated in the north eastern region of Thailand and is mainly centred around the areas of Nong Khai, Ubon Ratchanthani and Yasothon.
Village crafted rockets tear up the skies during this festival that takes place based on the patterns of the moon from mid May to Mid June. This wonderful festival is believed to bring rains upon the fields of rice in the villages that thrive on the cultivation of rice. It is indeed a beauty to behold as the wonders of the country of Thailand, its culture and traditions are so richly encapsulated in the glory of this festival.
Become a part of the Rocket Festival and create memories that could be cherished forever while also indulging in the finest of luxury of Chiang Rai hotels to have the perfect, blissful holiday experience of your life. A hotel Chiang Rai offers such as Anantara Golden Triangle Thailand will indeed complement your perfect holiday with the ultimate standards of service and excellence, leaving you mesmerized and delighted well beyond measure.

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.

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The Barong and Keris Dance – Intensely Captivating

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Barong Dance is the most popular of all the Balinese Dances. It depicts the typical traditional dance form; where a story -typically a myth or legend- is narrated through a series of choreographed movements and expressions. Indonesian myth and legends have links to the religion that precedes the island; Hinduism. Their tales are so powerful that when emulated in the form of dance it becomes almost hypnotizing. The Barong Dance is one such performance; powerful and intense this dance is the very epitome of the battle between the good and the evil.

The Barong Dance is purely classical and is comprised of a series of traditional moves. The tale narrated through this dance is actually a very interesting one. The dance begins with the beast Barong playfully enjoying the company of 2 monkeys. It then goes on to the ‘Keris Dance’ which narrates the actual legend of Rangda, the mother of the 10th century king of Bali, Erlangga. Her obsession with black magic got her condemned by her husband and as soon as he passed away she waged war on her son Erlangga by summoning the evil spirits from the jungle. This part is very powerfully portrayed in the dance and has a sinister aura about it. The troops of the evil spirits were too strong for Erlangga whose men fell into a trance of possession and turned their Keris towards themselves in a suicidal attempt. It was at this point that the help of Barong was beseeched. Barong the powerful beast cast an even stronger spell that protected the soldier’s from the blade of their Keris. In the end Barong and Erlangga emerge victorious.

This powerful myth in the form of dance captivates its audience. It is through such performances history and myth blend together creating a reality. Despite how entertaining it is, the Barong dance is in fact quite dangerous. There is a risk of serious injury by the pointed blade of the Keris. Perhaps it is this risk that makes the dance even more intriguing and adds a sense of thrill to it.

While choosing from the hotels in Seminyak, the W Retreat & Spa Bali Seminyak tops the list. This 5 star hotel Seminyak has certainly beats all the others.

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 of light

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Celebrating the birth, enlightenment and the death of Lord Buddha, Vesak is a veritable celebration of light. Celebrated by Buddhists all over the world, Sri Lanka cloaks itself in bright lights, lanterns and much festivity during this time of the year, enveloping the whole of the country in a sense of joyful celebration. There are many Sri Lanka hotels which offer guests accommodation during this time amongst which Heritance Ayurveda Maha Gedara offrs the additional advantage of treatments of Ayurveda Sri Lanka is quite famous for. Vesak in Sri Lanka falls on a full moon poya day in the month of May and is celebrated for a period of two weeks. During this time, entire families get together to make colourful lanterns and gigantic pandols decorated with multicoloured lights are being put up everywhere in the country depicting stories of Buddha’s life. One is not lacking of forms of entertainment during this period as various types of performances are being held all over the country alongside roads which are keenly participated by many people each night. Also seen commonly during this time of the year is the offering of free food and drinks alongside the roads to the poor and whoever may have it as an act of charity and good will.

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+

Vesak Celebrations in Singapore – A Day of Celebration Spent in Quiet Reverence

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In hushed reverence and quiet veneration, the birth, enlightenment and the death of the Buddha is celebrated by Buddhists scattered the world over on the day of Vesak, the day marked as the most important on the Buddhist calendar. Bathed in the charm of this day, devotees find serenity sublime in the beautiful and symbolic celebrations and rituals that are faithfully followed on the day.

In Singapore, where Theravada and Mahayana Buddhists together abide, the rituals followed slightly vary, while the common chord of peace and good deeds as well as repentance bind the hearts and minds of those who celebrate in strong and significant unison. The day of Vesak is celebrated on the 15th day of the 4th month of the Chinese Lunar Calendar in Singapore, on which good deeds and righteous gestures are practiced far and wide owing to the belief that such deeds performed on the sacred day multiplies merit many times over. Hence blood donations are organized in grand scale, mantras are chanted and caged animals are released.

The many statues of the Buddha are illuminated with lights on this day where candlelight processions take place on the streets, while some “bathe” a Buddha statue symbolizing the showers of the waters of the nine dragons that bathed Buddha after birth.

When in Singapore during the time of this festival the Lian Shan Shuang Lin Temple is a great place to observe the quiet celebrations of Vesak. This majestic temple is the second largest temple in Asia as well as being the oldest temple in Singapore. In Chinatown also one may find the beauty of Vesak pulsating with devotion at the spiritual centre of The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple while admiring the wonderful combination of the Buddhist mandala and the remnants of glory of the Tang dynasty expressed in the Buddhist art culture on display there.

For those who would like to visit the country illuminated by a million lights of reverence during the festival of Vesak, Singapore apartment hotels such as the Citadines Mount Sophia Singapore is an ideal place to seek accommodation in as it is one of the leading serviced apartments Singapore has.

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+

Justin Timberlake Live on Yas Island – Timberlake to rock Abu Dhabi

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Starting out in the Mickey Mouse Club as a child and moving onto the hit 90’s boy band N’Sync and thereafter releasing hit singles, Justin Timberlake has managed to rocket to fame in a short period of time for his music and lately for his acting career as well.

2013 saw the 33 year old singer/actor dominate the global charts with his bestselling album 20/20 experience and 20/20 experience 2 of 2. The du Arena at Yas Island Abu Dhabi will feature Timberlake bringing this thrilling album as part of his World Tour to an eagerly awaiting audience on the 23rd of May 2014.

Timberlake last visited the UAE in 2007 as part of his Justified Tour which was staged at the Abu Dhabi Emirates Palace. The concert wowed an astounding 13’000 strong fan base and ticket sales for the 2014 Tour which began in mid January have already taken off.

Whilst the 2007 tour featured much loved hits such as What Goes Around Comes Around, Rock Your Body and Cry Me a River, it is hoped that the 2014 edition will feature these along with newer hits such as Mirrors, Suit & Tie and Let the Groove get in.

Yas Island is a much loved and much used famous arena for International performers and concerts and is a mere 45 minute drive away from Dubai and 10 minutes from downtown Abu Dhabi.

With 4 Emmy Awards and 9 Grammy awards under his belt, Timberlake is fast moving onto a promising acting career as well as owning two thriving restaurants. He was also named Favourite Pop/Rock Male Artist at the 2013 American Music Awards. Happily married to actress Jessica Biel in 2012, Timberlake is an all round artiste with much promise.

For those visiting the UAE during this time, getting your hands on these concert tickets is a must. Looking for a hotel in Abu Dhabi will prove easier not only in terms of getting to the concert but also in order to enjoy the sights and sounds of Abu Dhabi at leisure. If looking for such accommodation Abu Dhabi then visitors should consider the luxurious and well facilitated Eastern Mangroves, Abu Dhabi.

Beautyworld Middle East 2014 – A place for all your beauty needs

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Known to be the largest International Trade Fair for Beauty Products, Cosmetics and Perfumery in the Middle East, the Beautyworld Middle East is once again being held in 2014 from 27th May to 29th May 2014, allowing all those beauty conscious individuals a chance to truly explore the world of cosmetics. Finding   accommodation in Dubai during this period will not be an issue since Anantara Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa is a reputed Palm Jumeirah hotel that is known to cater to every single need of discerning travellers. Evolving steadily over the past 17 years since its inception, this show-stopping beauty show features a wide range of cutting edge products and services from around the world, thereby serving as a one stop destination for all your beauty needs, enabling the visitors to learn about the latest market trends from across the globe.

Lotus Lantern Festival – In honour of wisdom and light

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Paying tribute to a millennial tradition, the Lotus Lantern Festival held with the aim of paying tribute to Buddha’s coming into the world, is a grand and vibrant event celebrated over a period of 3 days. It would be a good idea to seek out an appropriate Seoul apartment to fully soak in the activity during this period. Somerset Palace Seoul is a recommended Somerset Palace Seoul offers comfortable Seoul serviced apartments that would prove to be ideal for the purpose. According to Buddhist beliefs, lanterns, more importantly light signifies wisdom. Therefore, the lantern festival is held in respect for the Lord Buddha, who brought immense wisdom and enlightenment to his followers. Bringing throngs of foreign and local tourists together, Seoul sees hundreds and thousands of magnificent lotus lanterns of various sizes lighting up the city during this time. Also to be expected during this period is parades, performances and songs, all in honour of the great Lord Buddha. The Lotus Lantern Festival is essentially a family oriented festival. One sees entire families getting together and making lanterns of different shapes and colours while engaging in the multitude of programmes arranged just or the occasion.

 

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.

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Chonburi Festival in Thailand – Buffaloes to the fore!

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An annual festival in the Chonburi festival of Thailand, the buffalo races are quite popular amongst not only the locals, but also the foreigners. While visiting, there are plenty of luxury hotel resorts in which you can seek accommodation amongst which Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas stand out from amongst the luxury hotels in the region. According to records, buffalo racing in Chonburi is an event that has been in continuation for 70 years during which King Rama VI has also been an ardent viewer. The event is usually held a day before the full moon day in October and is held in great festivity. The buffalos are colourfully decorated in vibrant cloths and garlands of flowers, a sight which is quite delightful to witness. The trick is to ride the buffalo bareback and guide it down the track using only the reins and the whip. The riders are from the local community and it is a test of balance as well as agility for the riders. Great prices await the winners at the end of each event which serves as a great motivational factor for participation.

 

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+