Rice constitutes a staple in most South Asian countries and while in nations such as Thailand, rice is only a component of a meal, in countries such as India and Sri Lanka, rice tends to be the primary focus of any meal and all other curries are considered subsidiary or complementary. Given the radical importance placed by most South Asian and South East Asian countries on this type of grain, it is no surprise that a number of traditional ceremonies conducted throughout centuries tend to focus on the ploughing season. Most such nations place a great degree of importance on celebrating the beginning of the season, the reaping of the grain and often, communities pledge the first meal made from rice, to the gods or …

Indonesia is a land that is complete with many colourful aspects of life that are brought forth by the traditions and culture of varying origins and ethnic groups. Diversity flourishes here in beautiful degrees and festivities are held here of different religious backgrounds, making this country an ideal place to visit indeed. The Buddhist population that lives in Indonesia celebrates in great reverence and honour the day that marks the birth, enlightenment and the death of Buddha Siddharta Gautama, the day of Waisak. This day is indeed prominent to the Buddhists scattered A festival that is predominantly centred on meditation and goodwill, on the day of Waisak many Buddhists from all over the country gather in Borobudur to bask in the reverent wonder of this …

Phuket, Thailand is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, where sun shines upon the golden beaches every day. Blue ocean waters and the scintillating charm of the never ending festive atmosphere are cherished beyond measure by everyone who steps on these shores. Seafood and laughter, good times galore will certainly mark the great holiday spent here in this land of absolute charm. Phuket has much more to offer to its visitors than the splendour of the beaches and the consequent oceanic entertainment, which quite definitely will be common to all beach cities around the world. The land is rich with culture and religion. The pulse of the people, who call this place their home, is felt in the rich celebrations and …

Thailand is indeed a city of great delights offering many fascinations to keep its travellers occupied. One of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, Thailand is certainly rich with the tang of the Asian cultures as well the zest of the modern development. A visitor to Thailand will undoubtedly not find time to laze around and spend time idly as the scintillating delights of the country are abundant and plentiful. Complete with beaches, shopping malls, fascinating structures of ancient appeal, as well the savour of the local customs and festivals, make this country truly a place of great entertainment. A visit to Thailand will indeed be an enriching experience for everyone given this plethora of loveliness and delights. Among the many festivals that …

The enthusiastically celebrated Cheung Chau Bun Festival is one of Hong Kong’s most joyously celebrated festivals. As its name indicates the event is centred in the island of Cheung Chau and many people of the island who work elsewhere return to the island for this celebration. The origin of this occasion is rooted in Taoist tradition and it is considered to be one of the customary Taoist Da Jiu celebrations. The Bun Festival draws many thousands of tourists from local areas as well as overseas to the island. The event is dated according to the traditional Chinese calendar and usually falls in the early part of May. This date coincides with the celebrations for the birthday of the Buddha. The Bun Festival originated as a …

Football is a sport that connects communities and countries and is seen as one of the more engaging sports in the world. From the FIFA World Cup to the UEFA Champions League which sees the cream of football’s giants gather to showcase their skills, football has etched its presence as a global language that continues to draw in hordes of passionate followers. English football for that matter is held in high regard as it never fails to enthral viewers who eagerly await the dawn of every new season. The FA Cup is rated as the oldest football cup competition in the world and has seen the ‘underdog’ triumph on many an occasion over the more illustrious and rampaging teams. Evidence of this fact was revealed …