Author Archives: pushpitha

Festivals in Trang – Excitement and celebration

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Trang – a beautiful southern province of Thailand – is a world in its own to discover and there’s always lots to do, such as going to the late-night coffee shops or visiting the wet markets. However, the greatest delights are the multitude of festivals that keep taking place throughout the year that unfurl in joyful celebrations of colour and merriment.

The amazing traditional fairs and festivals are definitely phenomena to be witnessed and enjoyed. Full of life and constructed upon strong beliefs, these celebrations fulfill all religious duties in the most entertaining way. Some festivals are not even done for religious purposes; instead, celebrations are carried out for the sake of something worth celebrating.

The Cake Festival, for instance, is where a huge variety of frosting-free, different flavoured cakes are made by the people of Trang and sold to enthusiastic customers with raging sweet tooths. These talented individuals have been baking cakes for decades and they emply this particular skill through this festival, which takes place during the month of August. Some of the delectable flavours include coffee, orange, a blend of two or more flavours, and a lot more as bakers get deliciously creative with their options.

In the month of March is the Food Festival, for which Trang is renowned owing to the mouthwatering array of food on offer. Every type of regional cuisine along the likes of Thai, Chinese, as well as local creations, is sold in food stalls at the most affordable prices and food-eating competitions are held too. It is a true haven for foodies to treat their palates to some amazing culinary creations.

The Vegetarian Festival on the other hand is one where the Thais of Chinese in Trang become vegetarians for 9 days and is held in October, particularly on a full-moon night. These devotees dress in white for the duration of the 9 days and a medium who is believed to have the spirit in him, is given offerings that are kept at the front door of their homes. A procession bearing the medium is carried out in all out glory, accompanied by the deafening bang of firecrackers where the crowd waits expectantly for the medium to display supernatural powers. The blessing of the sprit, good fortune, and virtue are what the participants of this festival gain from it.

The Buddha Image procession and Trang Cultural Festival is to remind the locals of ancient customs and traditions and the importance of preserving them while also passing them on to future generations. These traditions present the quintessence of Trang and the festival commemorating it is held at the end of the Buddhist Lent period. Vibrant floats depicting images of the Buddha are constructed and a competition takes place to decide which is best. Concerts and performances brighten it up followed by local sports competitions. A great way to keep the customs going this Festival should not be missed. Other interesting festivals include the Taphao Shell Festival, Trang Roast Pork Festival (a delectable delight), Moon Festival, H.M. the King’s Birthday Celebrations, the Red Cross Fair, and the list goes on.

If you are looking for a luxury Trang resort that offers easy access to all these amazing cultural events, the Anantara Si Kao Thailand is one possible option. Its gracious hospitality and charming surrounds make it one of the best Krabi resorts to host your adventures in the city.

 

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

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The Vegetarian Festival – depicting the olden days of Thailand

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The vegetarian festival in Thailand held in the month of October is an event of spirituality together with astounding religious acts that are carried out as devotions to the gods for obtaining blessings. The festival which has its origin from the Chinese immigrants who visited Thailand some time back, has today developed into a fully fledged ceremony with street shows of people in trances as well as religious rituals performed in the temples, in exclusive culinary preparations and people observing certain precepts in view of the event.

Spanning over a nine day period in the ninth month of the Chinese calendar, the festival is the result of the belief that the Chinese immigrants who fell ill with Malaria, recovered due to a religious ritual they observed at the time, especially praying to the Nine emperor gods, with an adherence to a strict vegetarian diet. In the present day, Thai people practice what is known as ‘Jay’ where they restrict themselves to a strict vegetarian diet including the omission of certain pungent spices like garlic that are claimed to arouse a strong passion or anger. They observe some eight precepts, where they also refrain from alcohol and practice meritorious thoughts and deeds and keep themselves clean.

Outside the street, the festival takes a different form, with surprising and self mortification items that devotees perform, that although would be superb for a tourist to observe, is definitely not for the soft hearted. These include body piercing with somewhat less bleeding or scarring as well as walking over burning charcoal while in a trance. These sights are plenty on the road as people perform these acts with the belief that god protects such performers. Taking on a more religious tone, other devotees take their household god statues to the temples for a spiritual cleansing. In the streets, one cannot ignore the aroma of deliciously prepared vegetarian Thai dishes that somehow appear and taste deceivingly like meat.

There is many a Phuket resort for the traveller who intends to stay in Thailand to experience more of its treasures and ravishing sights. Anantara Phuket Resort Thailand is a true paradise set in the sight of the lovely beach of Mai Khao, the longest in Thailand with some clusters of tropical flora surrounding the heavenly villas that are simply built to pamper anyone and everyone. This amazing Phuket beach resort is definitely worth stepping over to experience these lovely beaches and the coastal experience to its maximum and carry away lifelong memories and some spectacular snapshots of the coast.

 

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

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Muscat International Jewellery Exhibition – a sparkling experience

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Are you interested in Jewellery? Well then, the Muscat International Jewellery Exhibition is where you should head to, if you’ve more than a passing interest in all things to do with precious and semi-precious stones, as well as semi-precious and precious metals. This exhibition, widely known as the MIJEX, is a one-of-a-kind event that is held annually to showcase exquisite jewellery creations of expert jewelry designers.

The Muscat International Jewelry Exhibition 2013 is to be held from the 8th to the 12th of October at the Oman International Exhibition Center. This amazing fair offers the best opportunities of businesses and of course a great chance for those who are looking on exploring new markets to expand their client base.

Very unique jewellery creations, accessories and mesmerizing gemstones are a few of the products found in the Muscat International Jewellery Exhibition. This Exhibition runs over four days and serves to attract not only locals but tourists as well. This is actually the best occasion that provides a very rare glimpse of the rich artistry of the jewellery industry so do not miss this amazing chance. Also, bear in mind that the event’s locale, the Oman International Exhibition Centre, is open from Sundays to Thursdays from 7.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. when you come to visit the exhibition.

With an exquisite array of platinum, gold, silver, antiques, diamonds, gem sets, pearls, and featuring industry tools such as jewellery machinery and packaging materials, you will find everything and anything that relates to jewellery under one convenient roof. In addition, please note that the organisers will work closely with exhibitors and visitors to ensure a pleasurable experience for all who visit this stunning exhibition of all things jewellery-related.

Are you looking for a place to reside while you are in Muscat? The choices are simply ample in kind, from comfortable motels to five-star hotels. Stay in an Oman beach resort that will make your holiday even more memorable, with gracious hospitality and stylish amenities. A good choice would be the Millennium Resort Mussanah that is meticulously built to provide exceptional comfort and service to all guests. This Oman Muscat hotel is designed with a vibrant blend of Arabian and Asian themes and boasts panoramic views of the beautiful ocean. So come and visit this beautiful country and create a cherished journey to remember in Muscat.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

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The Vegetarian Festival – depicting the olden days of Thailand

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The vegetarian festival in Thailand held in the month of October is an event of spirituality together with astounding religious acts that are carried out as devotions to the gods for obtaining blessings. The festival which has its origin from the Chinese immigrants who visited Thailand some time back, has today developed into a fully fledged ceremony with street shows of people in trances as well as religious rituals performed in the temples, in exclusive culinary preparations and people observing certain precepts in view of the event.

Spanning over a nine day period in the ninth month of the Chinese calendar, the festival is the result of the belief that the Chinese immigrants who fell ill with Malaria, recovered due to a religious ritual they observed at the time, especially praying to the Nine emperor gods, with an adherence to a strict vegetarian diet. In the present day, Thai people practice what is known as ‘Jay’ where they restrict themselves to a strict vegetarian diet including the omission of certain pungent spices like garlic that are claimed to arouse a strong passion or anger. They observe some eight precepts, where they also refrain from alcohol and practice meritorious thoughts and deeds and keep themselves clean.

Outside the street, the festival takes a different form, with surprising and self mortification items that devotees perform, that although would be superb for a tourist to observe, is definitely not for the soft hearted. These include body piercing with somewhat less bleeding or scarring as well as walking over burning charcoal while in a trance. These sights are plenty on the road as people perform these acts with the belief that god protects such performers. Taking on a more religious tone, other devotees take their household god statues to the temples for a spiritual cleansing. In the streets, one cannot ignore the aroma of deliciously prepared vegetarian Thai dishes that somehow appear and taste deceivingly like meat.

There are many luxury hotel resorts for the traveller who intends to stay in Thailand to experience more of its treasures and ravishing sights. Anantara Phuket Resort Thailand is a true paradise set in the sight of the lovely beach of Mai Khao, the longest in Thailand with some clusters of tropical flora surrounding the heavenly villas that are simply built to pamper anyone and everyone. It is one of the best luxury hotels on the island and is definitely worth stepping over to experience these lovely beaches and the coastal experience to its maximum and carry away lifelong memories and some spectacular snapshots of the coast.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

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Rotorua Home & Garden Show 2013 – For a beautiful home

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Scheduled to take place between the 11st to the 3rd of November 2013 at the Energy Events centre in Tauranga New Zealand, the Rotorua Home and Garden Show is an event you should not miss if you want a new look to your home. A hotel in Rotorua will provide accommodation facilities from where you can head off to this fascinating event. The Millennium Hotel Rotorua which is a famed Rotorua hotel would be your ideal companion for a visit to the Garden Show.

The show will see industry experts engaged in seminars where you will be educated on the perfect products and services to purchase while offering inspiring ideas for your home and garden. A range of garden displays coupled with delicious eatables will be on offer. Visitors will also be able to take part in fun filled activities where a host of exciting prizes can be won.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry. Google+

Crazy Paris Show – A unique performance

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Known for its eclectic mix of contemporary dance and entertainment, the Crazy Paris Show performed by an executive team originally from Paris has been in existence in Macau for 27 years, delighting many a tourist over the years. There are many Macau Hotels in which one can seek accommodation out of which a favourite Macau hotel would be Galaxy Macau Resort Hotel which combines convenience with elegance. Catch all time favourite dances such as the French Can Can , Pole Dancing, India Dance and Sway while snapping your fingers and tapping your feet to the beat. Held at the Grand Lisboa, the dance performances are held daily, each day seeing a whole new artistic approach to the dances and performances. One day spent at the Crazy Paris Show will not be the same as the next!

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry. Google+

Jakarta International Film Festival – a blockbuster spectacle

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Those vacationing in Jakarta during the month of December would do well to make the Jakarta International Film Festival part of their itinerary. Acknowledged as the country’s premier film festival, this showpiece event was inaugurated in 1999 and plays host to an array of films of various genres. If you are looking for a serviced residence in Jakarta, then try Ascott Jakarta. These Jakarta serviced apartments will provide you with a luxurious stay while you are in the city.
The event is famous for its workshops and script development competitions and from the year 2006 has hosted an Indonesian Feature Film Competition that has been well received by both locals and tourists alike. In 2010 viewers were thrilled by the showings of Waiting for Superman, Outrage, When We Leave and a host of other local blockbuster hits.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry. Google+

Mid-Autumn Festival Singapore

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The mid-autumn festival held in Singapore was brought by their Chinese ancestors and is still celebrated with much mirth and ardour. A yearly even in August or September, the festival has many legends attached to it. Also called the Mooncake or Lantern festival, the traditional date for the festival is the 15th day of the 8th lunar month. Originally a harvest festival over the centuries, it has become a celebration of fertility and harvest.

Moon worship is an integral aspect of this event and it is believed that the sun and moon are a couple while all the stars are their children. According to such beliefs, the moon becomes round when she is pregnant and after giving birth she changes to a crescent. Another legend associated with the moon is that of Chang’e; the moon goddess of immortality. While one version of it states that Chang’e became a goddess by drinking the elixir of immortality to prevent her husband’s evil apprentice stealing it, another states that she drank it to prevent her husband who became a tyrannical ruler, reign forever.
Similar to Thanksgiving, the mid-autumn festival is more of a family gathering where you spend quality time with your loved ones. People also head over to Chinatown to soak in the carnival atmosphere. The origins of lanterns becoming part of this festival is unknown, over time however they have evolved to become the symbol of the event. Today thousands of lanterns, in various hues, brightly lit and beautiful decorate the city.

Mooncakes are another important element of the mid-autumn festival. Distributing a round mooncake to everyone in the family and sharing it together is considered a symbol of unity and reunion. Mooncakes can be found in a variety of flavours like lotus, egg yolk, durian, chocolate, coffee, ice cream and many other scrumptious tastes.

This celebration attracts tons of visitors and the city can get very crowded, therefore finding suitable accommodation means booking Singapore hotels in advance hotels in Singapore are available for any budget and early booking offers are also available. Millennium & Copthorne Hotels Singapore is one of the renowned hotels.

Sultan Camel Race – The race of the camels

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A major highlight of Omani culture is the Sultan’s Camel race which is fast becoming a popular attraction for all those who happen to pay a visit to the country. Held at the Royal Camel Corps racetrack in Al Falaji, this year’s event witnessed large crowds of fans present to cheer their favourite camel along. Choose a Muscat hotel to stay at before when planning a trip to the races. The Millennium Resort Mussanah with its unsurpassed level of service will prove to be the best choice of accommodation an Oman Muscat hotel can offer.

Presided over by His Highness Sayyid Shihab bin Tariq Al Said, the race captured 176 of the finest Omani camels who raced against each other during 6 rounds of pure action and excitement. The closing ceremony showcased the Bedouin lifestyle and rich tradition through a variety of camel beauty pageants, Ardha running and heritage shows.

Longevity Culture Festival – Life Beyond 100 Years!

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China is a country that has so much cultural and ethnicity in everything that surrounds it. At almost any time of the year you can see some sort of cultural celebration that is happening there. China, the most populated country in the world, sets aside a fine set of tourist attractions each and every year. Some of their very unique festivals are the DuanWu Festival, which is a series of dragon boat races and where a traditional dish, Zongi is served; also the End of the Earth Moon Happy Festival which is an event that has folk singing, folk dancing and a host of other competitions.

A truly unique event that China hosts is the Longevity Culture Festival in the region of Sanya. The event is celebrated by the Mount Nanshan once in two years in the lunar month of September. It hosts a range of cultural activities and seminars on culture for senior locals and tourists to participate in. It invites seniors to take participate in the painting, rock climbing, hiking and a range of other activities. These activities happen over a week which is referred to as the ‘Double Night Festival.’ This is done because the Chinese region, Sanya is said to have the longest life expectancy in China. This is an event that is open for people over the age of 100. They are the ones who are involved in all the activities that surround the Longevity Culture Festival. Now isn’t that fascinating?

The celebration now carried out mainly to promote tourism throughout the land in terms of the development of the elderly populous. It aims to carry forward the cultural aspects of the country, teaching people what China is really all about. Resorts are a great place to stay so look for a resort in Sanya that offers great comfort. A Sanya resort such as the Anantara Sanya Resort & Spa is a true gem. The Longevity Culture Festival is one that is rich in promoting culture and history. While it is no secret that Chinese are known for their strength and endurance, this festival of citizens that features persons over a 100 years of age, is truly amazing!

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

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