Though Maldives depends on its neighbours for most basic necessities such as food and drinking water, the nation of many islands has an abundance of scenic venues, transcending beaches and bountiful natural formations. In spite of its tiny dimensions, the many atolls are full of activity, customs and culture. To witness the splendour of the chain of islands, a fair amount of jet sitting or boat riding is required as there are no bridges between them. Being a predominantly Islamic nation, the various religious rituals and celebrations pertaining to Islam are practiced widely throughout the country. The father of the religion, Prophet Muhammad’s birthday is a day of celebration, happiness and much festivities in the country. As per the religious calendar, the much awaited day …

History reveals that Al Gharbia has not been only a beautiful coast, but also a protective frontier that safeguarded the nation in the early parts of the 19th century. Al Gharbia, in Abu Dhabi has always been famous throughout the world for the golden sandy beaches that spread for miles. Over the years the village men have capitalized on the natural blessings and commenced promoting numerous sports and fun activities along the coastal line. Hence, today the area stands as a bustling hub for both local and foreign tourists. One of the favourite events at the Water Sports Festivals is Kite surfing, which is a spectacular sport that requires relatively high skills to harness the wind power. Al Gharbia winds are ideal for the activity …

A nation that gives a whole new meaning to the phrase ‘ethnic diversity’ is the nation of India whose multi-cultural and multi-ethnic communities live in harmony among diverse backgrounds. As a nation filled with a rich cultural heritage and racial and ethnic diversity, the populace of India practices a vast variety of faiths, beliefs and religions. This multi-belief system gives rise to a number of festivals that are celebrated annually. The Pongal Festival is one such festival celebrated by the southern state of Tamil Nadu in India. A harvest festival, Pongal spreads over four days of giving thanks to Mother Nature for a bountiful harvest and praying for fruitful seasons ahead. The festival usually falls in the middle of January when certain types of cereals …

The Maldives joins all other Islamic nations in the world to commemorate Eid ul Adha, the Feast of the Sacrifice, in honour of prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ishmael to show obedience to god. It is also a commemoration of the end of the Haj. Fifteen mosques in Male, Hulhumale and Vilingili are designated to conduct special Eid prayers. The Eid Adha is performed any time after sun rise, before the Zuhr time on the 10th day of the Dhul Hijjah according to the Muslim calendar, around the middle of October, and lasts for four days. Goats and sheep are sacrificed as god accepted a sheep in the place of Ishmael. As worshippers are encouraged to turn out in their best for Eid …

The Martial Arts Festival of Paris better known as Le Festival des Arts Martiaux is a rare festival that brings all of the world’s greatest martial arts techniques to a single arena. However, one must simply lodge in a luxury hotel Paris to fully witness this momentous occasion. Le Royal Monceau Paris is a 5 star hotel Paris that is known for its class, elegance and the ultimate luxuries that it offers each and every one of its guests, taking care to pamper them in every way possible. The Paris experience is simply not complete without a visit to this hotel that is spinning out legends as we speak. This is one adrenaline pumping event to almost everyone who enjoys a good fight. Every year 15,000 visitors come to …

The Royal Ploughing ceremony marks the beginning of the rice-growing season and is a traditional festival celebrated in great fanfare and ardour. In order to fully soak in the ambiance of this charming event, visitors usually choose a Sukhumvit hotel to lodge in during their stay. A popular Bangkok hotel that is chosen by many is Grand Millennium Sukhumvit Bangkok which known for the comforts as well as the true Asian experience that it imparts of each one of its guests. The date of this festival depends on astrological calculations and usually takes place in the months of May, June or July celebrating the beginning of the Buddhist lent in the Burmese month of Waso. During the festival sacred oxen are tied to a wooden plough and they are …