The traditional New Year is celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm by the majority of the residents of Sri Lanka. Interestingly the timing and nature of the New Year celebrations bear affinity with the corresponding traditions amongst several South and South-east Asian peoples. The Sri Lankan New Year falls on the 13th and 14th of April and is marked as a public holiday in the country. This auspicious occasion is considered to herald the ending of spring and the harvest season. The distinctive traditions and rituals are said to be derived from the rich history and cultural traditions of the nation. These beliefs were influenced by the advent of Buddhism, the main religion of the country, to create the colourful and vibrant customs and rites …

Sri Lanka’s National Day, also called Independence Day is a very important occasion for all Sri Lankans. On this day all Sri Lankan citizens unite to affirm their national pride and joy in the autonomy and unity of their country. This significant event falls on February 4th, the day on which independence was granted to the nation from the colonial power Britain in the year 1948. An important national holiday, this event is an occasion for countrywide celebrations with flag-raising ceremonies, parades, performances and dances. Sri Lanka in its rich and eventful history has experienced numerous national conflicts, and these struggles are all recalled and commemorated on this day; however, the independence struggle against the last colonizers, the British Empire is particularly remembered. The highlight …

The day of Nyepi is a very important occasion for the Balinese. Falling at the dawn of the New Year according to the Balinese traditional calendar, Nyepi is a Hindu festivity which is native to Bali. A national holiday in Indonesia, Nyepi is a time for fasting, silence and meditation for the people of Bali. The subsequent day is celebrated as the commencement of the New Year, and is also a day of festivity. Nyepi is observed strictly, from 6 am in the morning to the same hour the following day. The occasion is considered to be a time for self-reflection, when any diversions and activities which might hinder with this objective are proscribed. Accordingly on this day there are many restrictions on the Balinese …

The capital of France, fondly known the world over as the ‘City of Love and Music’, is home to the Opera de Paris Garnier which was built for Emperor Napolean the Third. The name of the building is derived through its designer, Charles Garnier and work on the building commenced in 1862. However, its completion was delayed due to the astonishing discovery of an underground lake, part of which is said to exist even today, making this construction an architectural marvel. The Opera de Paris Garnier has the proud distinction of being one of the largest such theatres in the world and its interior design is just as majestic and is complete with marble columns, sculptures and gilded statues. The Grand Marble Staircase found inside, …

The Chinese Lunar New Year, or Spring Festival as it is also known is a very important occasion for all people of Chinese origin around the world. Hong Kong is no exception in this regard, with its people involving themselves enthusiastically in the celebrations. Since the lunar calendar differs from the Western Gregorian calendar, the date of the festival varies each year on the Western calendar. For 2013 the date of the occasion falls on February 10th, but celebrations often extend for as long as 15 days. Many fascinating customs and traditions are observed at this special time of the calendar. People of Chinese origin reunite with their extended families, ushering in the New Year with good fellowship and solidarity. It is considered auspicious to …

Known as the Lunar New Year, the famous Spring Festival of the Chinese New Year is a much anticipated time in Singapore. It is celebrated in every nook and corner, and the city comes alive with people from all walks of life celebrating this joyous occasion. The streets are dressed in beautiful red decorations and feature traditional music and mouth watering fragrances of local cuisine in many of the roadside night stands. Along every neighbourhood in Singapore the spirit of good cheer could be witnessed. It is also a great time to shop and purchase a wide array of local goods and products. The Chinese New Year Light Up is the time when crimson lanterns bearing different animal shaped ornaments are lit up to welcome …