During the month of April, Sri Lanka celebrates a festival known as the ‘Sinhalese and Tamil New Year’, which is a major anniversary celebrated by most Sri Lankans. It is a time in which not only Sinhalese, but all Sri Lankans come together as one to celebrate. Astrology Astrology plays a rather important role in Avurudu, as the dawn of the new year doesn’t take place at a specific time every year. The auspicious or ‘nakath’ time is specified according to astrological calculations. The duration of time between the old year and new year can take as long as 12 hours and 48 minutes, this is because of the sun crossing he astrological border of the House of Pisces to House of Aries. Every part …

Since Christianity isn’t a popular religion in Thailand, Christmas may not come across as unconventional in this country. New Year, on the other hand, is a celebration that goes big in the local community. Tropical Christmas Christmas may not be an official holiday in Thailand, nevertheless, the day is celebrated even though not on a grand scale. What’s unique in Koh Samui is that Christmas has a tropical feel to it rather than the usual wintery feel. If you are curious to know if Santa visits Koh Samui, well, he certainly does and in the most eccentric ways at that!   Things to know Since the rains hit Thailand in November, this weather condition can carry on to December as well. However, the weather may …

Macau will yet again host the 31st edition of the Macao International Music Festival which has gone a long way to cement the city’s status as a musical stronghold.   The festival will be opened by a much-awaited production of Andrea Chenier, a lauded opera consisting of four acts by Umberto Giordano. It is guaranteed to be the high point of the upcoming cultural year of the region given the fact that it will be performed by Teatro Regio Torino. Special Guests The Vienna Philharmonic, considered to be one of the best orchestras in the world, will be the special guests this time around. They will be performing two concerts, the Golden Peak on the 29th of October which showcases the work of Strauss, and …

Byron Bay is one of the most musically oriented places in Australia and consistently hosts many large-scale music events, attracting celebrities and musicians from all over the world.   Image by Eva Rinaldi via Wikimedia  (CC BY-SA 2.0)   Not So Humble Beginnings Most festivals start off small before they become world-famous, the Splendour in the Grass Music Festival was not one of them. The fourth incarnation, in 2005, was sold out within 26 hours, and scalpers were selling tickets originally priced at A$125 for upwards of A$3000.   Famous Attendees The festival is massive, and much like other big festivals in Byron Bay has attracted some very famous attendees. These include Elon Musk as well as Amber Heard, who are notable fans of the festival. You’ll definitely …

The Byron Bay Bluesfest is considered one of the biggest music festivals in the world, and attracts hundreds of thousands of people every year from all over the world. Inception The Byron Bay Bluesfest was founded by Kevin Oxford in 1990 and started off with a notable but fairly humble crowd of six thousand attendees. Enter Peter Noble Peter Noble took ownership and control of the festival in 1994, and immediately worked his magic into building up the scale of the event. He received a Medal of the Order of Australia for his services to music, tourism and the community. Audience All of the recent Bluesfests have attracted annual audiences of over 101,000 people from all over the world. The attendees also have a wide …

When it comes to New Year’s Eve Krabi has plenty to put forward to travellers, from lush greens to busy markets. Ride around Hire a car or bicycle and head off. Krabi has amazing scenery, and a bike ride is the best way to truly enjoy it all. From the lush green forests to limestone karsts that jut out from the deep sea, it’s a sight for the sore eyes. Warm dips Located in a small jungle, close to the Khao Phra Bang Khram Nature Reserve, the hot springs are pools that have been created from the water in smooth rocks, with the hot water passing through volcanic chambers. Beach parties Beach parties are an obvious hit when it comes to New Year Eve plans …