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 …

Couples looking to celebrate Valentine’s Day in a memorable way can base themselves at one of the luxury hotels Maldives such as Kurumba Maldives. A standout among Maldives resorts, it boasts an enchanting coastal location. On this special day lovers can take a swim or dive together depending on their level of skill. Sunbathing to perfect your tan is also a tempting option and as the dusk sets in set the mood for the night ahead with a candle light dinner on the beach, under the vast start studded sky. Taking a romantic picnic in one of the secluded Maldivian islands is also a favourite among couples. Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion …

A nation that gives a whole new meaning to the phrase ‘ethnic diversity’ is the nation of India whose multi-cultural and multi-ethnic communities live in harmony among diverse backgrounds. As a nation filled with a rich cultural heritage and racial and ethnic diversity, the populace of India practices a vast variety of faiths, beliefs and religions. This multi-belief system gives rise to a number of festivals that are celebrated annually. The Pongal Festival is one such festival celebrated by the southern state of Tamil Nadu in India. A harvest festival, Pongal spreads over four days of giving thanks to Mother Nature for a bountiful harvest and praying for fruitful seasons ahead. The festival usually falls in the middle of January when certain types of cereals …

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 …

Flowers are one of nature’s prettiest creations. What is astonishing about them is that each one is so unique in its appearance, shade and scent. From subtle colour differences to minute details that make them exquisitely beautiful, each flower seems a miracle. Celebrating this annually is the Hong Kong Flower Show. Held every year in March it is organized by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department of Hong Kong. Looked forward to by both local and foreign citizens, it is the most important event in the horticulture enthusiast’s calendar. While participants are primarily those who have some knowledge or have a keen interest in horticulture, the event is not just restricted to them. In fact most visitors are just people who appreciate beauty. This year’s …

The Maldives joins all other Islamic nations in the world to commemorate Eid ul Adha, the Feast of the Sacrifice, in honour of prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ishmael to show obedience to god. It is also a commemoration of the end of the Haj. Fifteen mosques in Male, Hulhumale and Vilingili are designated to conduct special Eid prayers. The Eid Adha is performed any time after sun rise, before the Zuhr time on the 10th day of the Dhul Hijjah according to the Muslim calendar, around the middle of October, and lasts for four days. Goats and sheep are sacrificed as god accepted a sheep in the place of Ishmael. As worshippers are encouraged to turn out in their best for Eid …