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 …

Eastern Asia is one part of the world etched with rich culture and tradition. From festivities to rituals to food, each occasion, activity and cuisine is both colorful, interesting and has a symbolic history behind. Visitors to countries like Thailand never fail to be awed by the meticulous detail and fascinating stories that govern each event in the country. It is no different for the famous Hungry Ghost Festival whose name in itself is quite the crowd puller. The ‘Hungry Ghost’ festival is one interesting event that makes its way into the calendars of the Thai’s Singaporeans and the Chinese. The Chinese pay great importance to the satisfaction of their dead ancestors. They believe that their good fortune in this life rests on this deed. …

A fascinating aspect of Thai culture is the nine-day purge known as the Phuket Vegetarian Festival. Held each year in the month of October, the festival includes an unusual parade that may take you aback the first time that you witness the strange sights. People pierce their tongue, cheeks and other parts of the body with sharp metal objects. Some even go to the extent of carrying large metal tools through their piercings. For instance, some carry bicycles, large swords and rifles which are pierced through the cheek and the tongue and balanced by both hands. The ritual is intense and is somewhat gruesome to watch, and it is not the type of thing that most tourists are accustomed to. However, the strength and the …

The United Arab Emirates is leading the way in a world of different sectors. It is not just the buildings that kiss the clouds or the ever so sophisticated man made islands that makes headlines everyday; for this nation hits the charts in so much more. Leisure, sports and entertainment are among the most popular areas and by its side there is a number of more serious industries as well; medicine is one of them. The UAE has some of the most top notch state- of- the- art hospitals and medical institutions. Research in many areas are in an optimum state and the countries attractive salary packages -among others- catch the attention of the most renowned minds in the industry to contribute their wealth of …

A fascinating aspect of Thai culture is the nine-day purge known as the Phuket Vegetarian Festival. Held each year in the month of October, the festival includes an unusual parade that may take you aback the first time that you witness the strange sights. People pierce their tongue, cheeks and other parts of the body with sharp metal objects. Some even go to the extent of carrying large metal tools through their piercings. For instance, some carry bicycles, large swords and rifles which are pierced through the cheek and the tongue and balanced by both hands. The ritual is intense and is somewhat gruesome to watch, and it is not the type of thing that most tourists are accustomed to. However, the strength and the …

Hong Kong, one of the Special Administrative Region’s of the Republic of China, is one the most developed region’s in Southeast Asia. Known for its magnificent skyline and vibrant society, it is also one of the world’s most important financial centres. Hong Kong’s rich heritage, historical and cultural landmarks, recreational attractions and events, and unique lifestyle have also made it popular amongst tourists. An annual event which has gained international repute in just a short span of years is the Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival. Celebrating some of the finest wines in the world, accompanied by exquisite dishes, this enthralling event is both grand and lively. Attracting wine and food lovers from all over the globe this festival was even recently added into the …