Taking place on the final day of the Chinese New Year, the Spring Lantern Festival is a time for couples to celebrate love and this is particularly true in Hong Kong. If you are looking for a centrally located luxury hotel in Hong Kong from which to soak up the enchanting atmosphere associated with the festival, then The Langham Hong Kong makes an ideal option. Situated in Kowloon’s Tsimshatsui area, this 5 star hotel Hong Kong is within easy reach of transport services that let you easily explore the city. Traditionally held on the 15th day of the 1st lunar month, the Spring Lantern Festival is also known as Chinese Valentine’s Day and is a great time for couples to express their love. On this day it is customary that colourful and beautifully decorated lanterns be put up throughout the city including parks and markets. This lends to the romantic ambience in which to enjoy a leisurely walk with your loved one, or even begin a journey looking for that special someone to share your heart with!
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Pay homage to spirits of the water-Loy Kratong
Anantara Hua Hin Thailand Resort is one of the world renowned hotels located in the beach front of the amazing city Hua Hin. With the luxury accommodation facilities available this hotels is among the top of Hua Hin Hotels. Even though there is a wide range of Beach Hotels Hua Hin Thailand, this hotel offers more unique services and facilities to their guests who are on leisure trips or even business trips.
If you are visiting Hua Hin during the month of November, taking part in the Loi Krathong festival is a must. Loi Krathong or the Floating Crown festival is annually celebrated to pay respect to the goddess of the waters. A raft with a diameter of hand span is floated down the river; usually these are made out of the banana trunk. In order to protect the environment bread rafts have been introduced. These rafts are lit with candles and when all float down the river it creates a magical atmosphere to all the viewers.
Apart from thanking the goddess of water it is said that the candle respects the Buddha with light, floating the raft or Krathong symbolizes letting go of all one’s hate, rage, and befoulments.
Noppamas Queen Contests is a beauty contests that accompanies the festival which includes vibrant colours and such adding value to the already glamorous Loi Krathong festival.
Spring Lantern Festival – Love is in the Air!
Taking place on the final day of the Chinese New Year, the Spring Lantern Festival is a time for couples to celebrate love and this is particularly true in Hong Kong. If you are looking for a centrally located luxury hotel in Hong Kong from which to soak up the enchanting atmosphere associated with the festival, then The Langham Hong Kong makes an ideal option. Situated in Kowloon’s Tsimshatsui area, this 5 star hotel Hong Kong is within easy reach of transport services that let you easily explore the city. Traditionally held on the 15th day of the 1st lunar month, the Spring Lantern Festival is also known as Chinese Valentine’s Day and is a great time for couples to express their love. On this day it is customary that colourful and beautifully decorated lanterns be put up throughout the city including parks and markets. This lends to the romantic ambience in which to enjoy a leisurely walk with your loved one, or even begin a journey looking for that special someone to share your heart with!
Sepang Circuit Races 2013 –strictly for race fans!
Located amidst of the most happening shopping destinations the Grand Millennium Kuala Lumpur is one of the most luxurious and elegant Kuala Lumpur Hotel available. With spacious rooms and modern facilities this Hotel in Bukit Bintang has become one of the most favorite places to the visitors. The ‘Home of Motorsports’ or the Sepang International Circuit is one of the must visit places if you are in Malaysia.
Built with the purpose of making it Malaysia the hub for motor racing activities in the region this places is not only a physical facility for Motorsports. Many top class events are held at this venue each year attracting thousands and thousands of fans to Malaysia. In March 2013 Formula 1 Petronas Malaysia Grand Prix will be held in this circuit where large numbers of crowds are expected to witness this exhilarating event. Apart from this the Malaysian Super Series and Sepang 1000 Kilometer Endurance Race will be held this year in this circuit as well.
Sentosa Flower Festival 2013- An exciting floral extravaganza!
Sentosa Flower Festival is a much awaited annual event organized to celebrate the colours of Spring. If you are looking for conveniently located accommodation to catch all the action in Singapore, find a Orchard Road hotel Singapore as it gives you easy access to all the main attractions and exciting events. Orchard Hotel Singapore, which is a renowned hotel Singapore has in store for you, promises world class services during your stay in this vibrant city. This colourful event has an exciting programme lined up for all its visitors. Thematic Gardens, Giant Floral Walls, sculpture displays, Hawker streets and Festive markets are some of the breathtaking events which are organized in this floral extravaganza.
Enjoying Chinese New Year Celebrations in Taiwan
One of the most important festivals for Chinese the world over including in Taiwan is the Chinese New Year. Those visiting the country and in search of hotels in Taichung from which to experience the festivities can stay at Millennium Vee Hotel Taichung. This modern Taichung hotel also offers special New Year promotions to help you enjoy your stay all the more. Spanning a total of 15 days, this annual event is marked by a variety of celebrations including family meals, the exchanging of gifts between loved ones, the lighting of firecrackers and the sharing of delectable cuisine. You can also indulge in some shopping at New Year markets in Huayin Street and Dihua Street, while not to be missed is the fascinating Lantern Festival which takes place on the last day of the festival.
Nine Emperor Gods Festival – A Nine Day Celebration!
Bangkok is the capital city of the Southeast Asian nation of Thailand. The most populous city of Thailand as well, Bangkok serves as the hub of Thailand’s commercial and cultural activity. It is also one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations due to its unique lifestyle, leisure and cultural attractions, and its lively nightlife.
One of the most unique cultural festivals celebrated in Bangkok is the Nine Emperor Gods Festival. This event is a nine day long Taoist festival consisting of various traditions and rituals. This festival has a rich heritage, and is a very colourful and vibrant celebration, which provides great insights to the culture of Bangkok.
Celebrated at the beginning of the 9th Lunar month of the Chinese Lunar Calendar, the Nine Emperor Gods Festival is celebrated in several countries such as Singapore, Myanmar, Malaysia and Thailand. The Nine Emperor Gods are generally accepted to be 9 stars, considered to be the offspring of the Female Deity; Dou Mu, located around the Big Dipper. Other theories are that they are nine martyrs of the Qin Dynasty, who were underground Ming loyalists. There are many unique traditions associated with this event. The first is that the devotees who celebrate this festival become vegetarian for the nine days of its duration.
Prayers and other rituals are also performed throughout the nine days at river banks in a bid to invite the Nine Emperor Gods to earth, while also praying to dispel any bad fortune befallen on the people. However, the highlight of this event is the Sending off Ceremony of the Nine Emperor Gods. This ceremony involves the sending off the invited Gods bank through the river, which is accompanied by many colourful dragon boats and lion dances. This colourful festival also shows the social and religious solidarity in Bangkok, as thousands of devotees attend this event.
Located on the splendid banks of the river Chao Phraya is Anantara Bangkok Riverside Resort & Spa, a luxurious Bangkok resort. Offering accommodation in a range of stylish rooms and plush suites, the hotel is ideal for a soothing stay. One can also be pampered by the luxury spa, wellness, dining and leisure services and amenities of the resort, making it one of the most recommendable 5 star hotels in Bangkok.
Chinese Lunar New Year’s Day in Hong Kong – A Day full of Merriment!
Chinese Lunar New Year which falls on the very first day of the lunar month in the Chinese calendar is something that many Asian countries celebrate with much fanfare. Just like China, Hong Kong too celebrates this festival in a glamorous manner. The city is lit up and the streets get crowded with many people in the festive mood.
This event is also popular as the Spring Festival and the ceremony marks the end of the winter season. Among all the destinations, Hong Kong makes this festival quite vibrant and many tourists love to visit the city during this period. They follow the traditions as they were a thousand years back along with many entertaining additions.
During the New Year days the whole country is full of happiness and in a festive mood while people shop around the many boutiques that are open later than normal, giving customers a last minute opportunity to shop for the grand occasion. The parades hit the streets with lion dancers, dragon dancers and so many colourful pageants that illuminate the streets of Hong Kong. The New Years Eve is celebrate with families getting together with gifts being exchanged and having a very grand meal. They also bless each other for a prosperous New Year ahead. There are many auspicious events happening with almost everyone visiting temples and receiving blessings for a prosperous future.
The ancient Chinese performed all the colourful activities and lit firecrackers to scare away the malevolent spirits. It is a very common tradition to greet everyone you meet saying ‘kung hei fat choy’ which gives the meaning ‘congratulations and be prosperous’. Those visiting during this time can experience a lively cultural festival that happens every year in a very grand scale with the participation of many locals and even tourists. It will surely be a memorable experience while you have a good insight of the cultural roots, beliefs, traditions and customs of this event.
While you are on vacation a fine place to accommodate yourself is Cosmo Hotel Mongkok which is a leading hotel in Kowloon. Ideal for those in search of Mongkok hotels from which to enjoy the New Year and take in the festive atmosphere, this hotel offers contemporary accommodation along with a range of modern comforts.
Sanam Luang – A blank Space in History? Or Not?
A 30 acre expanse of empty space and dying grass in the heart of the city, not a tree to shade the beating hot sun with homeless people prowling the corners begging for money and pigeon poop covering every bit of concrete that would have been a possible place to sit is far from being charming. Sanam Luang or the Royal Field in Thailand is a pretty bleak place on the ordinary day but it has seen the birth, revolution and the make of a nation and people. During one of the many ceremonies or protests that have taken place in Bangkok the park transforms to a busy bubble of chaos with hundreds of thousands of people gathering in colorful attire to witness history in the make.
Situated in the Phra Nakhon district facing the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, is the Sanam Luang in the heart of the historic center of Bangkok, Thailand. Sanam Luang was initially known as Thung Phra Men (Royal Cremation ground) and later renamed to Thong Sanam Luang which was shortened to become Sanam Luang as we call it today. It has been a part of the people since the time of King Rama I with Royal cremations taking place as well as other ceremonies open to the public. Paddy cultivation plays a vital role in the daily lives of the Thai people and the Sanam Luang which was an ordinary plot of land in front of the palace was used to grow rice. The Royal Ploughing Ceremony and the Ceremony of Calling of Rain for paddy cultivation was conducted at the Sanam Luang with the patronage of the then monarch.
Through the ages the park has served the people as a race track, a golf course and a place for kite flying. Even today although there is no need to grow paddy in front of the palace, the ceremony of calling the rain is still conducted at Sanam Luang and the most recent cremation ceremony was of Princess Bejaratana RAjasuda, the only daughter of King Rama VI in 2012.
Anantara Bangkok Sathorn is a sought out Bangkok Hotel which is ideal for both the business and leisure traveler. It is among the best of the Luxury Hotels Bangkok has to offer.
Royal Ploughing Ceremony: An Ancient Rite Continued
Historically, the economies of most Asian countries depended greatly on agriculture and as a result, even in modern times the harvesting season is given great importance and prominence in their calendars as they practice rites and rituals that have stood the test of time hoping that they will make the oncoming harvest a fruitful one.
The Royal Ploughing Ceremony which is still carried out in Thailand is one such example. This ceremony is presently carried out in Thailand and Cambodia but is no longer practiced in Burma subsequent to the abolishment of the Burmese monarchy. In modern day Thailand, the ceremony usually takes place during the month of May as determined by astrology.
The ceremony is made up of a number of rituals that are of intrinsic interest. The seeds of rice are sown while oxen are used to plough the field. Subsequently, depending on what the oxen devour out of an array of food including beans, grass, water, rice and corn, the astrologers are said to predict the fruitfulness or futility of the oncoming harvest. The Thai tradition began during the Sukhothai Kingdom in the 13th century and an illustration of the even was depicted on their currency in the 20th century.
In modern times, the Crown Prince of Thailand, Maha Vajiralongkom presides over the Royal Ploughing Ceremony when it is held at Sanam Luang in the capital of Thailand. The rice seed that is sown in the fields is obtained from the grounds of King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s Chitralada Palace grounds and subsequent to the sowing process, spectators gather the seed for it is said to be auspicious.
The Ceremony is truly a sight to behold as the Thai celebrate their deep rooted beliefs and cultural heritage and herald the new harvest in the hope that it is bountiful. If you are residing in a Bangkok hotel during the month of May, this event is one that you should attend if you wish to gain a spectacular insight into the culture of the Siamese people. Combine this insight into the local culture with the classic charm and contemporary elegance of Anantara Bangkok Sathorn, an urban sanctuary and one of the premier hotels Bangkok located just moments away from the heart of the city.