For all you bookworms out there, there’s no better event to mark down on your diary than the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2014. Tipped as one of the grandest festivals in the region, this spectacle can be accessed by choosing the comfort of an Abu Dhabi city hotel such as Millennium Hotel Abu Dhabi. Ranked amongst some of the finest Abu Dhabi hotels in the area, this property could be considered when one is planning to holiday in this part of the world. Held with an objective to promote reading in Abu Dhabi, this book festival has been rated as the fastest growing event of its kind in the Middle East and Africa linking the Arab world with the global publishing community. Many literary works covering a range …

An important festival dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Maha Shivarathri Festival is held on the 13th night/14th day in the Krishna Paksha Phalguna or Maagh according to the Hindu calendar. Plan your Sri Lanka travel during this period when devotees celebrate Lord Shiva’s favourite day.   Jetwing Travels offers Sri Lanka tours all around the year and hence, observing this vibrant festival that falls on a moonless February day should not be a problem. There are many legends surrounding the Maha Shivarathri day. Some say that this day is special to Shiva as this is the day that marks the marriage ceremony of Shiva and Parvati while other state that this is the auspicious day when Lord Shiva performed his “Tandava” dance that led to the ‘Tandava’ …

Abu Dhabi is undoubtedly one of the most marvelous emirates of UAE that has something for everyone from fantastic shopping to excellent entertainment. At present, Abu Dhabi is not only a great city but also the center where west meets east. Abu Dhabi is the ideal destination for holidays as it offers daring adventures as well as laid back, relaxing activities. If you are a water sport lover, you would not want to miss the amazing UAE Jet Ski race that happens in Abu Dhabi annually. It is a competition organized by the Abu Dhabi International Marine Sports Club which was established in the year 1993, in order to put a solid foundation to power boat racing in Abu Dhabi. This amazing Jet Ski event …

Shanghai’s largest Buddhist Temple, the Longhua Temple, bursts into a bright flurry of festivity, joy, and colour during the third lunar month (April) of each year. If you are visiting the country or the city, witness this air of festivity permeate everything from your flight to stylish serviced apartments Shanghai has to offer all visitors, such as those at the Ascott Huai Hai Road Shanghai which makes for some excellent accommodation Shanghai. Accompanying the vibrant peach blossoms which burst into life during the spring season, the Longhua Temple emerges with its festival best witness by the colourful lights that decorate the temple interior and exterior, lending the site an enchanting air. Coupled with the enthralling tinkling of the bells, the whole site blooms into a sacred spectacle that …

Set to take place on the 9th of January 2014, Dubai World Cup Carnival is a vibrant celebration offering 11 race meetings which will lead up to its concluding event, Dubai World Cup. Find an ideally located Palm Jumeirah hotel such as Anantara Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa for your needs of accommodation in Dubai. Marking the eleventh edition of the event, the carnival has a concept which was created with the intention of increasing the success and growth of the sport in Dubai and the UAE. Having served as a major platform for progressive horses to break into Dubai World Cup races, this pioneering festival has long been drawing major stars in the world of racing. Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes …

Each culture has its share of festivals to celebrate religious events, changing of seasons and happenings of local historical importance. These festivals not only reflect the cultural and religious diversity of a country it also provides an outlet for cultural expression. As such the Caribbean region has its own share of colourful religious and secular festivals. In the Bahamas, Nassau and New Providence Island, Junkanoo is celebrated in two stages, the day after Christmas and on New Years’ Day. Nearly a thousand participants in flamboyant costumes dance through the streets to Goombay music. Prizes are awarded for the best costumes. The origin of the event can be traced to West Africa. Kadooment Day with 18th century roots, linked to its sugar cane industry is a …