The town of Kataragama in Sri Lanka is famed as a popular pilgrimage destination for many devotees from all parts of the country and even overseas, attracting Hindus, Buddhists and even the indigenous Veddah community. Hindu and Buddhist veneration of Kataragama has been practiced for centuries, with followers of these two religions holding slightly different beliefs regarding the site. Tamil Hindus identify the presiding deity of the locality as Lord Katirkaman, who is identified as Skanda-Murugan, also known as Subramanya. Buddhists, on the other hand, consider the local divinity to be Kataragama Deviyo, a protective deity of Buddhists and their religion. In fact the town is revered as one of the sixteen most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the island. However there is no doubt …

In all the many Chinese Festivals that fill up the calendar perhaps nothing tops the spook chart than the Hungry Ghosts Festival. The name itself is a crowd puller and whoever makes the audience is fascinated by the range of events lined up from the beginning to the end. The story behind the festival is just as interesting as the festival itself. The Chinese believe that every year at around the time of the festival, the gates of Hell are opened and the spirits from here are set free to roam the earth. As tribute to these souls of the dead, this festival is commemorated and several Chinese people gather on this day to remember and pray for the deceased members of their family. In …

Honk Kong in itself is a city of festivities. It is a nation where tradition merges with a modern touch giving you an outcome of pure wonder. In the middle of every autumn season, Hong Kong becomes more so alive in the vibrant and exotic Mid Autumn Festival. It is actually an ancient Chinese harvest festival but in Honk Kong it is given unique and a modern treatment. Fiery dragons dance through the neon lit streets that are adorned by the glowing lanterns on this festive season. As the moon shines in its fullest form, Honk Kong comes alive in a complete spectacle. The Mid Autumn Festival falls every year on the 15th day of the 8th month in the Chinese Lunar Calendar. Its grandeur …

The month of Ramadan is the ninth in the Islamic calendar and is considered holy by all Muslims. Devotees observe a month-long fast where they forego food and water from sunrise to sunset. The end of Ramadan is marked by a large celebration. Ramadan (which is called ‘Roadha Mas’ by the locals) in Maldives is a grand occasion. After all, the Maldives is a Muslim nation, and the festivities take place throughout the month and not just at the end. Although meant to be a time of spirituality and introspection, there is also a streak of merriment. Inveterate shoppers especially enjoy the season as many shops run sales and offer discounts during the period, tempting locals and tourists alike to make a few purchases. Restaurants …

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 …

As the bright blue sky fills up with a myriad of colors and shapes, a sense of joy dawns upon the entire village. Young, old, rich poor step out to their porches to witness this beauty. Cheers of competitors echo through the streets and the sense of thrill and happiness in this event is infectious. There is only one event that brings out such a lot of spirit; it is none other than the Bali Kite Festival. Every year Sanur Beach booms with life as the Kite competition takes place and every year the vigor is the same; the fun is the same and every year tourists are drawn to this little beach to bask in the spirited ambience of this festival. The kites you …

All those who witness Wonder Full, the amazing light, water and sound show lighting up the skies and water around the Marina Bay Sands integrated resort in Singapore is not going to forget it ever. For 13 spellbinding minutes occurring twice daily and three times a day on Fridays and Saturdays, viewers are getting wowed by this show that has no equal. Not only is this visually beautiful, but this is the first time that lasers, video projectors and other paraphernalia has been used to tell a story so compellingly. Lighting up the 20 ha area around Marina Bay Sands with a sound, light and water show titled “Beacon across the Bay” it is a novel way of encouraging more people to visit the integrated …

Often regarded as the most colourful and grandest cultural melees in Sri Lanka the “Festival of the Tooth” is no ordinary religious procession in the island of Sri Lanka. Held annually during the months of July/August this larger than life display of performance art forms is a highlight in the country’s tourist calendar each year. Attracting visitors from around the world the Esala Perahera as it is locally known takes centre stage in the country’s hill capital Kandy and is one of the oldest cultural processions in the nation’s history. Hosting a monumental cultural display each year the Esala Perahera is a Buddhist festival at heart and commences with the Esala Full Moon Poya Day in July and culminates with the Nikini Poya Day in …

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 …

If you happen to be in New Zealand during the season of snowflakes and snowmen, this is one event to look forward to. The unique race takes place from one sand peak to another powder white mountain summit, namely the Remarkables Ski Area to the Coronet Peak in Queenstown New Zealand. The event coincides with the school holidays of the local schools, making it a popular event that kids look forward to annually. The competition includes mountain biking, running, paddling, skiing and snowboarding between the peaks. The organizers have all the gear and equipment you require, therefore you only need to sign up and be present on the day to join in the fun. Competitors can enrol individually, in pairs or in groups of five …