Known to be the holiest month of the year according to the Islamic calendar, the period of Ramadan is a sacred time of the year for all Muslims. With a mostly Islamic population the city of Dubai is at the heart of the celebration as millions of devotees observe the customs and rituals associated with the holy period with great religious fervour and devotion. Ramadan for the year of 2013 will officially commence on the 10th of July and conclude on 9th August this year, precisely a month and one day in duration. Marking the revelation of Islam’s holy text, the Quran, the festival begins with weeks of fasting that culminate in the Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Fitr. The Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing …

What if there is a place where you could drink an endless amount of beer and enjoy a carnival like atmosphere? Well then there is one such amazing fest happening in Beijing, China. That is none other than the Beijing International Beer Festival and the best part is that visitors can drink as much as they like. This unique celebration takes place annually during the warm weather of summer. This beer festival originated from Germany generally happens from July to August. If you head over to Beijing do not miss this truly remarkable opportunity where you could simply savour authentic beers from Schottenhamel, enjoy various shows and socialise with others for free of charge. The objective behind this beer festival is to provide people with …

One of the most beautiful end entertaining cities in Sri Lanka is Negombo. Approximately thirty kilometres away from the capital of the country, the economy of this city is mainly based on tourism and the fishing industry that dates back to generations and generations. Even though located closely to the capital of the country, this city has been able to preserve its natural beauty without getting polluted in major scale. The soft white sand that can be seen miles away and the turquoise blue water that laps the sand is truly a breathtaking site that anyone would come across while in Negombo. The boats with sails that have vibrant colours can be seen harboured on the beach in order to take the visitors on an …

The town of Kataragama in Sri Lanka is famed as a popular pilgrimage destination for many devotees from all parts of the country and even overseas, attracting Hindus, Buddhists and even the indigenous Veddah community. Hindu and Buddhist veneration of Kataragama has been practiced for centuries, with followers of these two religions holding slightly different beliefs regarding the site. Tamil Hindus identify the presiding deity of the locality as Lord Katirkaman, who is identified as Skanda-Murugan, also known as Subramanya. Buddhists, on the other hand, consider the local divinity to be Kataragama Deviyo, a protective deity of Buddhists and their religion. In fact the town is revered as one of the sixteen most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the island. However there is no doubt …

In all the many Chinese Festivals that fill up the calendar perhaps nothing tops the spook chart than the Hungry Ghosts Festival. The name itself is a crowd puller and whoever makes the audience is fascinated by the range of events lined up from the beginning to the end. The story behind the festival is just as interesting as the festival itself. The Chinese believe that every year at around the time of the festival, the gates of Hell are opened and the spirits from here are set free to roam the earth. As tribute to these souls of the dead, this festival is commemorated and several Chinese people gather on this day to remember and pray for the deceased members of their family. In …

While holidaying at a destination that gives you a chance to play on some of the most scenic courses in the region is incentive enough for golfers, the Hua Hin Golf Festival adds even more to the allure of this idyllic coastal getaway. This annual festival generally takes place between August and September and those in search of beach hotels Hua Hin Thailand has to offer that makes an ideal base for their stay can consider Anantara Hua Hin Thailand Resort. One of the best Hua Hin hotels in the area, this well placed property is also within easy reach of several golf courses including the Palm Hills course. Attracting amateur and veteran golfers alike, the Hua Hin Golf Festival gives you the chance to play at some of …