A harvest festival that has its origins in South India, Thai Pongal is a thanksgiving festival held in honour of the Sun God Surya. Occurring every year from January 13th to the 15th, the timing of Thai Pongal is calculated according to astronomic events. The festival coincides with the movement of the Sun to Makaram or Capricorn. During this auspicious celebration, houses are decorated with banana and mango leaves while intricate and coulourful patterns called ‘Kolams’ decorate the floor. Boiling of milk and its spilling over is a significant tradition during the Tamil Thai Pongal. It represents abundance and prosperity that will be plentiful in the household. While the milk spills over people shout ‘Pongalo Pongal’ and watching the milk spill over is thought to …

The popular Chingay Parade is one of the most popular events that are held on the day of the customary Chinese New Year. At present it has developed into a major street event which boasts the presence of the procession of myriad colors. The origin of this parade comes from China even though it is an annual street pageant that is taken place in both Singapore and Malaysia to commemorate the date of birth of the Chinese gods. The term Chingay was created by the Chinese people living in South East Asia. Chingay means True Art according to Penang, and a mini adorned stage according to Singaporeans. You will witness a glamorous show off jugglers, dragon dancers, clowns, lion dancers, acrobats and percussionists bringing to …

It is that time of the year again. Resolutions, new ones and old keep you busy, getting ready for the dawn of a new year. It is that time of the year to take a good look at all that surrounds you. Count your blessings and appreciate family. The real reason behind celebrating New Year’s Eve is a mix of all these aspects. The festivities and glamour are all directed towards the appreciation and celebration of life. But this day means much more than celebrations to most. It is a valuable time to rethink the months gone by, and take the good memories as you step on into the future. It is also a time for letting go of bad memories to make way for …

Sri Lanka is well known for holidays centred on sun, sand and the sea, but when on this diverse island there is much more to see and experience, as its culture is rich and exciting. Much of the country’s culture and longstanding traditions find their roots in Buddhism, and it is because of this religion, followed by a majority of locals, that the full moon is a sacred event in the country. Each full moon marks important events in the Buddhist calendar, and this is especially true in Sri Lanka. Duruthu Poya, which falls in January represents Lord Buddha’s first visit to Sri Lanka which took place more than 2,500 years ago, and since 1927 it has been annually celebrated with a colourful ‘perahera’ that …

Attended by millions of New Yorkers and tourists alike, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is one of the most iconic national events in the US calendar. Watched by over 50 million people on television the colorful explosion of performers and larger than life floats has become somewhat of a staple in the Big Apple where it all began in the early 1920’s. Conceived and organized by the immigrant employees of Macy’s Department Store in 1924, the event was conducted to celebrate their citizenship in the United States and simultaneously create a celebration that closely resembled European parades. Originally dubbed the Macy’s Christmas Parade, the now iconic local festival welcomes visitors from around the country and the world at large to witness a spectacle the likes …

Colombo, the commercial capital of Sri Lanka, is a thriving metropolis that offers a fascinating visitor experience. Encompassing the coast, the city has a rich history, while also showcasing more modern development in its thriving cityscape. From shopping malls to local markets, casinos to nightclubs and lush pockets of greenery to a wide range of restaurants and cafes, Colombo has it all and is definitely worth exploring. The city also has a bourgeoning art scene and those interested in this form of creative expression should look to visit Kala Pola 2013 when next here. This annual street art fair dates back to 1993, when 35 artists displayed their creations. Inspired by such similar events as Oxford University’s, Turl Street Art Festival, this colourful fair has …