Kataragama is a town located in the south of the island nation of Sri Lanka that is a noteworthy pilgrimage destination for Hindus, Buddhists and the indigenous Veddah people alike. Even devotees from southern India come to this venerated site to pay their respects at the sacred shrines gracing the locale. The site of veneration is the Kataragama temple, known in the Sinhalese language as the Kataragama devalaya; it stands in honour of God Skanda-Murugan or Kataragamadeviyo as the locals call the deity. Tamil followers of the Hindu faith, both in Sri Lanka and southern India, call the location Katirkamam. The deity is variously known as Skanda-Murugan, Katiradeva, Subramanya, Kandasamy, Tarakajith and other names by the Hindu community. The god is depicted as having twelve …

Proving an excellent opportunity for all those in denial that the mountain biking season is over, the Mophie mountain bikes is a great race to witness. The race guarantees thrills and spills to the ardent and extreme sports fans and an adrenaline pumping adventure for the participants. If you are in for some fascinating action when competitors take out some serious tyres, a killer attitude and some exciting downhill racing on mountain bikes, the Queenstown Winter Festival is the place to be this June. Part of a tradition that started back in 1975, the Queenstown Winter Festival is a hearty affair that marks the beginning of winter in great spirit. Now the festival is the southern hemisphere’s largest winter celebration with street parties, mardi gras …

The Korean cartoon and animation film industry is currently enjoying an upswing with about 120 animation studios collaborating with US and Japanese animation companies to provide input to TV shows and movies. A spate of recent animated feature films made in Korea proved to be huge family hits such as the 2011 movies “Leafie” and “A Hen into the Wild” and the more recent “The King of Pigs,” “Penguin Pororo” and “Mashimaro” helped boost Korea’s animation industry to third place in the world. The country’s first full length animated movie “Hong Gil-dong”, released in 1967, set the stage for animated movies. With the popularity at home of Korean cartoon and animated movies and with Korean animators and artists being increasingly involved in international hits, the …

Popularly known as DSW, the Dubai Sports World is an annual event that attracted over 100,000 participants last year. Every year from 21st June to 21st August, Dubai goes sports crazy and the event is not only for sports fanatics but an event for the entire family; it is fun unleashed! Taking place in a completely air conditioned indoor arena you do not have to worry about sweating it out in the sweltering heat. Located at the Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre it is only a short drive from the airport. There is also a metro stop that makes it very easy to reach the venue. Be it football, basketball, volleyball, rugby, tennis, cricket or any other sport that takes your fancy, you can …

Kandy is one of the Sri Lankan destinations that is very popular among both local and foreign visitors. The beauty of the city is due to one major reason for visitors to visit this city over and over again without getting bored. Known as the “Hill Capital” of Sri Lanka, this city is developed and modern but still preserves its ancient values. The cool climate will welcome all those who enter this ancient city of the kings. Kandy holds another record of being the last kingdom of the country. The lake located within the centre of the city, which is known as the “Nuwara Wewa” adds more beauty and tranquillity. Standing majestically in front of this lake is the “Temple of the Tooth Relic” also …

Champakulam Moolam boat race is the oldest and the most well known snake boat race in the city of Kerala in India. The annual event takes place on the Pamba River that flows through the village of Champakulam which is the starting point of the race. There is an interesting historical occurrence linked with the race that took place in 1545 A.D which reflects the bond shared between the Hindus and the Christians. At the beginning, a great water carnival was organized and for almost five hundred years this tradition has continued uninterrupted with the boat race, imbibing the strong religious harmony in Kerala in which the village Champakulam is located. Both tourists and locals throng the village of Champakulam to enjoy the colourfully adorned …