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 …

The Hung Shing festival held on the 13th day of the second lunar month is held in honour of the historical figure Hung Hei who once upon a time had been a respected astronomer and geographer who worked as the governor of Panyu in Guangdong province during the Tang dynasty. He was later on deified for the service rendered by him towards the merchants’ and fishermen of the province by making use of his extraordinary ability of predicting the weather. It is believed that even after his death, Hung Hei has continued to protect and guard the people of the province against natural disasters just as he had during the time that he was alive. The festival celebrates the birthday of Hung Shing Tai Wong, …

Also known as the Spring Festival, the Chinese New Year is the most popularly celebrated festival of the Chinese celebrated all over the world. The celebrations commence on the first day of the Chinese calendar and goes on till the 15th on which the Lantern Festival falls making it the longest lasting Chinese festival in the events calendar. During this time, Things to do in Phuket are many. However, it is important finding a place for lodging and a boutique Hotel in Phuket is probably the best choice that one may have since places to stay in tend to fill up quite quickly during this time. Thanyapura is a popular place chosen by many during this time which promises warmth and the generosity of the season all the way. …

The history of the proud tradition of horse racing can be traced back to the ancient civilisations of the Greeks and Egyptians while additional evidence also indicates that horse racing was practiced in Babylon and Syria as well. As time progressed, this beloved sport was considered an industrious affair during the Roman Empire but its title, the “Sport of the Kings” can be traced directly to the British royalty’s passion for the sport. While the three main styles of this sport are flat racing, steeple chasing and harness racing, it is also an industrious affair which prompts fan to place bets and gamble thereby making it a multi-billion dollar industry. With such a lot of economic and monetary importance attached to this sport, which race …

As a larger than life development project that encapsulates a state-of-the-art mall and recreational facilities in the heart of Dubai Creek this visionary retail and entertainment space is the envy of the world in terms of sheer size and scope. Ideally situated on the Dubai Creek near the historic heartland of Deira lies what is now known as Dubai’s premier leisure space for the masses. Sprawled across a whopping 5.2 million square feet this monolithic edifice devoted to the country’s favourite past times of shopping, dining and entertainment is fast gaining attraction as one of its most popular tourist hubs. Appropriately dubbed the Dubai Festival City this 3km long recreational space is in fact a city within a city with breathtaking golf course, glimmering mallscape …