Sinhalese & Tamil New Year – Festivel Fun in Sri Lanka!

A cultural celebration that brings together two ethnic races, the Sinhalese & Tamil New Year offers visitors a chance to experience some unique traditions and fun festivities when in Sri Lanka. Those planning to travel by car around the island during this time can make use of a Sri Lanka car rental company such as Malkey Travel & Tours. Travellers in search of airport transfers Sri Lanka has to offer can also make use of the services offered by this company which has an impressive fleet of vehicles.

Taking place during the month of April, the Sinhalese & Tamil New Year is a traditional festival that takes place at the end of the harvesting season. During this time people engage in such activities as cleaning their houses and preparing family meals. Many people visit their villages during this time and get-together with their families, while it is also customary to prepare certain traditional foods as milk rice and such sweetmeats as “kavum”. During this time it is also customary to hold a variety of games that provide plenty of fun for young and old alike.

Tsechu Festival – A Vibrant Cultural Display

Bhutan is a hidden treasure that borders India and the Tibet Autonomous Region of China and is a nation over pouring with richness ; richness in endless expanses of lush scenery and richness in culture. For many, Bhutan is still being unearthed, its secrets are slowly reaching every curious ear which are now craving for a sneak peak, a moment in this incredible country.

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What borders beautiful Bhutan are the snow capped mountains of the Himalayas. It starts with that and expands into lush forests and sparkling lakes that are adorned by plenty of monasteries and historic forts. It is tranquil and un-spoilt in the most literal sense. It has been known as the happiest country in Asia and the Last Shangri La alive. Just one step into this nation and you will only second this statement. Apart from Gods gifts to Bhutan, man itself has made Bhutan a haven in itself. The rich Bhutanese culture is definitely something, with an array of colours, it has a vibrant edge to it. The Tsechu Festival in Bhutan marks the epitome of the beautiful Bhutan culture. Tsechu literally means day 10 and is celebrated every year somewhere in October. It is a Buddhist festival and is primarily centred around a notable figure in the philosophy of Buddhism. The Tsechu Festival is an affair with colour. Dancers adorn themselves in flared colorful costumes and intriguing masks and perform a cultural fiesta. The festival goes on for a total of 4 days and has such a buzz around Bhutan that people from all over the nation come together to a single place to enjoy the celebrations of the Tsechu Festival.

bhutan_tsechuBeautiful Bhutan is nothing short of tranquilizing. The vast stretches of exotic landscape can keep you glued to this nation for weeks on end. Stay at the Uma Bhutan for a wholesome experience of a Bhutanese holiday. To attain ultimate bliss a comfortable good night’s rest is Pivotal and you can certainly expect all this and more in this Paro hotel. The Bhutan hotel culture focuses a lot on hospitality and in Uma Bhutan you can experience the finest of everything that this nation is so famous for.

Visit the IT Show 2013 Singapore for the Newest and the Best Technology!

The rapid development and evolution of modern technology is an iconic feature of the 21st century where stagnant technical know-how and expertise has progressed in leaps and bounds resulting in a global phenomenon of new technologies being introduced almost every day. Consumers now live in an age where different firms vie for the prime spot in the industry by improving existing technology and competing with one another to promote theirs as being the best.

In such a day and age, the IT Show 2013 due to be held from the 7th to 10th of March this year in Singapore, is a natural result of the need to expand the consumer base and also to allow consumers to have a wide range of selection when it comes to choosing the gadgets that would make their lives infinitely more convenient.

The purpose of the IT Show, which has been conducted extremely successfully for decades, is to create connections within the industry that would allow innovative technology to thrive and introduce these novel improvements to the domestic and global markets. The Show this year anticipates the attendance of a stunning 830 exhibitors including high flying brand names such as Acer, Apple, Audio-Technica, Dell, Hewlett Packard, Microsoft, Samsung, Sony, Toshiba and many more. At the IT Show 2013, consumers will have the rare and convenient opportunity to meet representatives of these brands personally and to consult them for information and valuable guidance on purchases.

This year’s Show will be held on Levels 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6 of Suntec Singapore and is organized by Exhibits Inc. Private Limited. Being Singapore’s largest such Exhibition featuring Mobile, IT and Consumer electronics, this year’s venture anticipates over 700, 000 guests. The Show will be open to the public from 12 to 9pm on all its exhibition dates and as an added bonus, for every $100 paid during the show, guests will stand to win a number of cash prizes. With 12 such amazing cash prizes up for grabs, this show is a must visit for all those technology whizzes out there.

When planning your visit to the IT Show 2013, pay attention to your accommodation needs and of course, transportation possibilities. While Suntec is accessible conveniently via transport, accommodation in luxury hotels Singapore must be carefully considered. Opting for one of the 5 star hotels Singapore would give you the opportunity to truly relax and enjoy yourself during your stay in this city state and if shopping is high on your agenda, choose to reside at The St. Regis Singapore whose location on Orchard Road will make all your shopping dreams a convenient reality.

Enjoying a Traditional Tea Ceremony in Shanghai

Those looking to experience traditional elements of Shanghai’s cultural heritage should definitely try to take part in a tea ceremony. If you want to truly explore the city while at the same time indulge in some luxury pampering, then staying at a  Boutique hotel Shanghai such as 88 Xintiandi, Shanghai is a good option. Fearing luxurious residences in Shanghai, this stylish business hotel in Shanghai can be found in the lively Xintiandi entertainment district. A tea ceremony in Shanghai lets you enjoy watching traditional rituals and customs that go into preparing tea as in days of old. This includes smelling the tea before it is prepared, steeping methods and even how to properly ‘taste’ the tea. There are a variety of teas that can be used including oolong tea, green tea and black tea each with their own aroma and taste that is sure to soothe your soul!

Wai Khru – The Festival of Tattoos

Body art is a rather controversial art form that is often associated with modern pop culture. But many cultures across the world have used tattoos and body art to separate tribes and mark status. For the Thai, they have a magical and religious significance, with each marking giving a certain property to the wearer.

Every March the devotees of Wat Bang Phra, a temple specializing in these spiritual tattoos, flock to take part in the mass tattooing ceremony of Wai Khru or ‘Honour the Teacher’. Hundreds of people solemnly stand in line waiting to be marked with a design that carries with a unique spirit or property. It is believed that some have protective properties and the ability to repel attacks. The intricate designs come in forms of tiered pagodas, animal motifs and symbols from a mixture of Buddhist, Hindu and Brahmin beliefs. The pattern is first drawn on the skin and permanently marked with a long sharp needle dipped in ink tapped on the skin.

Sometimes as tattoos are finished, the wearer will go into a trance brought in by the spirit of the tattoo. People growl like animals, run through the streets and shake violently, many mimicking the animals in their tattoos. Volunteers and other onlookers restrain these devotees and try to bring them out of the trance. The ceremony is brought to a peaceful end in the evening with the monks showering the gathered with blessed water for protection and good luck.

The Thai tattoo culture is becoming increasingly popular among tourists with an interest in anthropology and body art. Although the temple at Wat Bang Phra is one of several such tattooing temples in Bangkok the festival of Wai Khru attracts a large crowd to its grounds. Situated near the city, it can be accessed easily from any Bangkok resort.

Thailand is also renowned for its traditional Ayurvedic treatments, a feature that can be enjoyed from many 5 star hotels in Bangkok. With wonderful views of the city across the river, luxurious amenities and relaxing atmosphere, the Anantara Bangkok Riverside Resort & Spa is a great spot to unwind after a long day of discovering Thailand.

In the Whirl of Things – Bolimalaafath Neshun Folk Dance

One of the best ways to get acquainted with the people of a country is through their music and dance. Folk dances make this possible as they are performed by members of the public at social gatherings and are performed to traditional music that has remained unchanged for hundreds of years. However not all traditional dances can be deemed folk dances as some have ritualistic origins and others are court dances.

Although small in size the Maldives has a rich cultural heritage and its songs and dances are a window to the history and culture of its people. While many of its dances reflect the influences of neighbouring nations and visiting travelers and merchants, the Maldives has several dances that are quite home grown. Since the Maldives had a royal court up till 1968, the songs and dances also reflect the influence of the royal court as many of the songs and dances had their beginnings there.

Bolimalaafath Neshun folk dance for instance, performed exclusively by women is based on the practice of offering gifts to the sultan during festivals. The gifts take the form of beautiful shells which were a valued commodity during ancient times. They are put in specially decorated and packaged boxes or vase known as the Kurandi Malaafath. A group of 24 women dressed in colourful traditional attire that have been perfumed by passing them through burning incense, dance and sing as a group to the accompaniment of traditional music and break off into groups of twos, threes and fours that step forward during the dance to present the gifts to the sultan. The songs generally express sentiments of patriotism or loyalty. Although there is no sultan anymore the dance, an important part of the country’s culture is still performed on occasion, though without the gifts.

Stay at the Anantara Kihava Maldives Villas to experience an idyllic tropical beach holiday. One of exceptional Maldives resorts guests are offered a luxurious collection of beach and over water villas and residences that ensures privacy and tranquility, key ingredients for a relaxing holiday. If detoxifying, and rejuvenating is high on the agenda, then this hotel, one of key Maldives spa resorts can offer a series of the latest treatments using natural ingredients that will leave no doubt as to the efficacy of its treatments.

Festival des Arts Martiaux – An adrenaline pumping experience

The Martial Arts Festival of Paris better known as Le Festival des Arts Martiaux is a rare festival that brings all of the world’s greatest martial arts techniques to a single arena. However, one must simply lodge in a luxury hotel Paris to fully witness this momentous occasion. Le Royal Monceau Paris is a 5 star hotel Paris that is known for its class, elegance and the ultimate luxuries that it offers each and every one of its guests, taking care to pamper them in every way possible. The Paris experience is simply not complete without a visit to this hotel that is spinning out legends as we speak.

This is one adrenaline pumping event to almost everyone who enjoys a good fight. Every year 15,000 visitors come to the Palais Omnisports de Paris-Bercy to witness this grand gathering and to see with their own eyes the many tactics of the masters of the art. From Europe to Japan, China to Brazil, the very best are portrayed here and it must be emphasised that this indeed is the place to be for all ardent martial arts fans all over the world.

Food Talk – The Annual Phuket Seafood Festival

August seems to be the month when Phuket goes mad about seafood. For two days in the middle of the month Phuket is the ‘go to’ place to sample the succulent seafood of Thailand. With the motto of ‘Good Taste Best Price’ the annual Phuket Seafood Festival aims to showcase the variety of seafood found around Phuket. Visitors can sample an array of discounted seafood dishes prepared in various styles by chefs from food shops and restaurants of the island. Adding to the buzz is Phuket Lobster Week that promotes lobster like no other. The festivals aims to introduce visitors to a wide range of seafood dishes and it is certainly the best time to sample the seafood that one has always wanted to try.

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Visitors can taste the signature dishes of restaurants and food shops all over town from the best places to street food stalls. Food is cheap and it is also a wonderful opportunity to try Thai specialties like fish grilled on coconut husks served with tamarind sauce to delicious regional cuisine and a range of international dishes to be washed down with beverages ranging from beer to Chinese tea, fresh juices and coffee. Seafood markets especially along the beach offer fresh catches daily for those who want to try out their own favourite recipes. Various preparations of all kinds of sea food are available at more than 60 venues from 3 in the afternoon to 10 pm. For cost conscious diners discounts of 50% are available between 7.30 and 8 pm. Entertainment is provided via competitions for bar tending involving some neat tricks with bottles and glasses, imaginative vegetable carvings, table decorations and cooking classes by well known chefs, attended by some of Phuket’s finest service staff in action. The seafood festival is a delicious way to be introduced to the delights of a country, a gastronomical one in this case.

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Enjoy a stretch of the widest sandy beach, quiet sunny days and panoramas of ocean, exotic tropical gardens and jungle at Anantara Phuket Resort Thailand. The range of well appointed, contemporary pool villas at this Phuket resort ensures privacy and relaxation for individuals, couples and families. Whether it is diving in clear blue water, taking an elephant trek through rain forests or tasting delicious Thai cuisine, guests at this Phuket beach resort are guaranteed a wonderful holiday experience.

Vietnamese Lunar New Year the most important festival in Vietnam

As a refreshing substitute to a hotel, Somerset Ho Chi Minh City offers its guests a resort-type retreat with beautiful and spacious peaceful apartments in Ho Chi Minh City. So if anyone is searching for Serviced Residence in Ho Chi Minh City the Somerset Ho Chi Minh should be definitely considered. If you’re in Vietnam during the early months of the year make sure that you witness the Vietnamese Lunar New Year which is a unique experience.

Vietnam Tet Holiday

The Vietnamese Lunar New Year also known as Tết or Tết Nguyên Đán is the most important festival celebrated throughout Vietnam. This festival marks the arrival of spring. It takes place on the first day of the first month of the Lunar Calendar. Many Vietnamese people get ready for this festival by preparing cleaning the houses and preparing special holiday food. This is the season for family reunions and pilgrims, forgetting their past and hoping for the coming year to be prosperous and blessed.

Experience the Rich Islamic Culture in Abu Dhabi’s

Set on a waterfront, Eastern Mangroves, Abu Dhabi is one of the Hotel in Abu Dhabi which provides modern accommodation to all its guests. The beauty of this hotel and the hospitality has become the reason that this hotel is opted over other Accommodation Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi is a country where Islam is the main root.

Even the rules and regulations of the country are based on the Islamic religion. There are mosques all over the country where all people are religious. All over the city all religious needs are facilitated. It is hard for anyone else to work and live in Abu Dhabi without having any knowledge or respect towards the Islamic religion.