Top 6 Famous Traditional Festivals in Myanmar

Myanmar is a Land of Traditional Festivals. There is no single month that does not have a festival all the year round. Traditional Festivals are for merry-making, for preserving traditions, for religious observance, for competition and for commerce. Myanmar life and custom are so inextricably bound up with religion that no account would be complete without a brief description of the principal Myanmar Traditional Festivals.Myanmar is a country featuring many fascinating festivals. If you have the opportunity to travel to this country, you should experience at least one out of five most unusual festivals in Myanmar to learn more about the people and their lives.                    

         
Waso full moon festival

The traditional festival begins on the full moon of April in Myanmar calendar (July), with the duration of 15 days. This is the sacred Buddhist festival because this period is known as the first time the Buddha preached sermons after his enlightenment. This is also the time marking the beginning of the fasting month of Buddhism. The monks are not allowed to go out of the monastery at night but still go out for alms in daytime during the rainy season.  

Kason Festival

To honour Buddha’s birthday, every May sees the country acknowledge this auspicious event with an alternative water-pouring ceremony. This time, the focus of the occasion is the sacred Bodhi Tree, under which Buddha gained enlightenment whilst meditating. During the Myanmar river cruises we can either arrange for you to follow the processions of pilgrims to join in the ritual that ensures these precious fig trees do not succumb to drought or pour scented water in one of the country’s magnificent pagoda complexes.

Thingyan Festival

This Buddhist festival is usually celebrated from 13-16 April over a period of four to five days, leading towards the Myanmar New Year celebration. Water-throwing from any shape or form of vessel or device that delivers water is the distinguishing feature of this festival. Thingyan is comparable to other New Year festivities in Theravada Buddhism.

Kachin Manaw Festival 

How does joining a line of people dressed in their best costumes and dancing a spiritual dance around a totem-like pole sound? At the same time, be in awe at the beautiful traditional costumes and the colorful, traditional Manaw poles decorated in Kachin motifs. This is exactly what happens on the 10th of January in Myitkyina and Putao of Kachin state.

Wagaung Festival 

Held between July and August, Wagaung is a month for alms-giving. Lots are drawn and monks will receive whatever bowl his lot falls. Each donor also draws lots and the lucky donor often receives a sum of money. The winner is overjoyed with his luck and believes he is given another chance to do good deeds of merit. So, he spends his money for yet another alms-giving ceremony.

Water Festival

This is one of the most famous and vibrant festivals of Burma. During the festival, all the countrymen abandon their work bring their nation to a standstill. Water festival is seen as an indication of washing away of sins while welcoming the New Year with a fresh energy. During the season, people also meet each other, visit pagodas, and pay homage to monks.

The Most Famous Temple in Madhya Pradesh

Temples in Madhya Pradesh are very famous by virtue of their historical prominence. The Khajuraho temple for instance in Madhya Pradesh is so famous that people from different parts of the world visit this temple at least once in their life time to get enthralled by the very ancient erotic sculptures found on its walls.

Among many Temples in Madhya Pradesh, the Sun Temple Madhya Pradesh, Kalbhairav Temple, Laxmi Narayan Temple, Kamadgiri Temple and Gopal Mandir are the famous Hindu temples in Madhya Pradesh and draw many devotees from India.            

                           
Mahakaleshwar Temple

Mahakaleshwar temple is the most famous temple of Lord Shiva in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. Mahakaleshawar temple is famous for Mahakaleshawar Jyotirling, it is one of the most famous jyotirling among all the 12. Mahakaleshwar temple is considered to be one of the most holiest temple located near the Rudra sagar Jhil(lake). Temple is built up inthe bhumija style of architecture.

Devi Jagadambi Temple

Devi Jagadambi Temple is also known as Jagadambika Temple or Devi Jagadambika temple. It is a cluster of approximately 25 religious places of worship located at Khajuraho, which is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Trimbakeshwar Temple

Trimbakeshwar About 28 km away from the city of Nasik, the Trambakeshwar temple is a Hindu paradise in Trimbak of Nashik District. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, as many other holy pilgrimage points of India, Trambakeshwar is one of 12 sacred Jyotirlingams of Shiva. The temple actually is located at the source of the revered Godavari River which is worshipped by large group of Hindu pilgrims in India. A number of banks of this river are considered sacred bathing places for the pilgrims.

Siddhavat Temple

Siddhvat Temple is one of the temples in Ujjain, where the activities related to funeral and serenity of their ancestors are executed. The opening time of temple is 4 a.m. in the morning and therefore visitors have to wait in line for the vision of God from around 2-3 hours ago the opening time.

Teli Ka Mandir 

Teli Ka Mandir is an Architecture splendor which is located in Gwalior. This is the tallest and most impressive temple within the precincts of the Gwalior Fort. This particular Rajput Temple is an amalgam of the northern and southern architectural styles of India, although many opine that it is closer in design to the temples of Orissa than the South.

Top 5 Modern Architectural Wonders of India

India is a land of unlimited Architectural wonders here we would talk about “The five Wonders of India,” which are worth a visit. Among these wonders, four are considered as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These Architectural  wonders include the majestic architectural structures that attract tourists from all over the world.

India is a land of ancient civilization. The excellence in design and architecture can concluded by various art forms of forts and palaces constructed round the country. Here is list of such natural and architectural wonders of India.                

                                                 
Sun temple Konark, Odisha

This incomplete work of Konark, tells the saga of India’s rich heritage, devotion and extreme architectural marvel. The uniqueness’s of this architectural treasure are the beautiful and ornamental inscriptions covering the entire temple, build on the lines of a chariot with 7 horses and 24 chariot wheels along with a 52 ton magnet placed to create the peak of the main temple will leave you wondering how they ever built it.

Taj Mahal, Uttar Pradesh

This grandest monumental delight is an epitome of eternal love and beauty. The exquisite work of Islamic architecture has mesmerized billions of hearts and is considered as one of the world’s finest architectural treasure. This alluring structure shines magnificently like dream in the backdrop of the serene Yamuna.

Humayun’s Tomb

Located in New Delhi, Humayun’s Tomb was built under the inspection and commission provided by Humayun’s first wife, Baga Begum (Also known as Haji Begum).

Golden Temple

Most sacred place of worship for the Sikhs, located in Amritsar, Punjab. Also called Harmandir Sahib or Court of the Lord. The foundation of the Golden Temple was laid down by a Muslim saint Mian Mir.
It is mostly made out of marble but it is gold plated with real gold which covers most of the outside portion. The water that surrounds the Golden Temple is known as the Amrit Sarovar (Pool of Nectar) and the water of the pool is said to have special properties.

Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh

The temples at Khajuraho are known for their integration of sculpture and architecture, with structures adorned with detailed relief designs and scenes on their facades depiciting the four Hindu tenets of Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha.

Most Important National Festival of Kerala

Festivals in Kerala are always celebrated with much pomp and show. The festive seasons display the best of Kerala’s rich culture and heritage. You will not want to miss the vibrant colours, exotic fragrances, scintillating music, and century long traditions that set each festival apart from the other.

Kerala hosts almost all Hindu, Christian and Muslim festivals with the same enthusiasm and charm. Festivals of Kerala are famous also because they involve various aspects of day to day life such as temple, boat, bamboo etc.                        

           
Onam

Onam, the national festival of Kerala, is undoubtedly the king of festivals in the state. It is the largest ted day harvest festival celebrated in the month of Chingam in Malayalam Calendar and August-September in English Calendar. There is an old legend associated with Onam. Once a generous king named Mahabali ruled Kerala and perfect harmony and prosperity prevailed during his reign.

Vishu

Among the various Hindu festivals in Kerala, Vishu occupies a unique position in more than one respect. As symbol of the unostentatious Malayali, Vishu is free from the usual pomp and show and merry-making associated with other festivities.

Kerala Boat Festivals

Kerala is famous for its backwater rides, the main highlights of the state. The beautiful river, lakes and Arabian Sea are all the part of these backwater rides, where you can also visualise the boat festivals of Kerala. Boat Festival is enhanced with different sizes of the boats, where you can see the team spirit among participants, great enthusiasm among the riders and people cheering each other all around the place.

Easter

Easter is celebrated worldwide to signify the resurrection of Jesus Christ. As the Christians in Kerala account for about 23% of the state’s population, Easter is observed with the same fervour as in the west and is marked by four distinct periods.

Thrissur Pooram

Kerala is land of temples and temple festivals. If you visit Kerala during the period of January to April, you can watch numerous festivals related to famous temples throughout the state. Thrissur pooram is the most famous among them. This wonderful and vibrant festival, celebrated in the Malaylam month of Medam or generally in April or May, attract even foreign tourists at Vadakkumnathan Temple in Thrissur, Kerala.

Most Popular Holiday Destinations in Europe 2015

Looking for the best family destinations in Europe? So are we! We are currently planning the upcoming family vacation in Europe and there are so many choices for the top family destinations in Europe that it can be very difficult to decide. Europe is jam packed of fabulous places and attractions and choosing which is best can be mission impossible.

The best family holiday destinations in Europe. If you are planning your own family holiday in Europe or just want some inspiration, you are going to love these nominations for the best places for family holidays destinations in Europe.

2015 is all about holidays destinations in Europe as the pound remains strong against the euro, new travel routes open up more exciting places to add to your bucket list and Brits look to going off the beaten track and exploring lesser-known regions of popular holiday destinations. We've rounded up six of the hottest places to visit in Europe this year.                

                                     
Athens

Athens is considered the cradle of western civilization. Over the years, a multitude of conquerors occupied Athens, and erected unique, splendid monuments a rare historical palimpsest, evident everywhere in the city. The contemporary urban scenery of the sprawling city reflects its exciting history, its multi-cultural modern personality as well as the infrastructure and facilities. In other words, Athens is a must destination that combines modern urban innovation with history, culture and natural beauty throughout the year.

Reykjavik, Iceland

Reykjavik may boast a remarkable history it is the site of the world’s first parliament, thought to have been established in 930 AD but the city today holds its past and future in even balance. Its modernism is striking, from the clean lines of its buildings to its experimental music scene to its status as one of the most environmentally conscious cities in the world.

Rome, Italy

There are many museums in Rome to visit. Few of them are Galleria Borghese, Capitoline Museums and the Vatican Museums. Rome has few world famous destinations like the Colosseum and Vatican Musesum attracts 4 million and 4.2 million tourists every year respectively.

Faroe Islands, Denmark

Steeped in Viking legend and touched with a rugged beauty like nowhere else in Europe, the Faroe Islands burst forth from the wild swells of the Norwegian Sea in a medley of snow-dressed cliff tops and chiseled rocks draped in meadows of green, tunneled through with cave systems galore. What’s more, visitors here in March 2015 will be able to witness a total solar eclipse.

5 Best Christmas Holiday Places in Europe

Christmas is coming! The cold outside fits perfectly with a cup of mulled wine and a good story. They say children are the happiest during winter holidays, but let`s face it: deep down the soul a child is always playing hide and seek.  The magic of Christmas holiday lies in small things: candies, toys and other gifts for all your loved ones, frozen noses, warm thoughts and a piece of happiness. If you want to spice up the atmosphere, here are the vibrant Christmas holiday destinations in Europe.

Christmas holiday in Europe is synonym with snow, time-honored traditions, Gothic churches with fabulous choirs, and charming medieval squares brought to life by colorful Christmas stalls. Some cities celebrate Christmas holiday in grand style, others with peculiar customs and yuletide nostalgia aplenty, but some of them are simply at their finest during this time of the year.        

           
Rovaniemi, Lapland

With its otherworldly frosty landscape, brightly-lit Christmas trees and elaborate ice sculptures, there’s no doubt Rovaniemi is the most christmassy holiday place on Earth. And the fact that Santa Claus lives only 8 km away clears up any doubt.

London, Great Britain

London is a perfect "Christmas city", with a lot of decorations, lights, Christmas trees, Christmas markets and ice rinks. Famous British traditions! Start your observation from Trafalgar Square, and you will find there a beautiful Christmas Tree, which is an every year present from Norway, over 20 meters high and 50-60 years old.

Prague, Czech Republic

The names of the city's most attractions Wenceslas Square, Bethlehem Chapel are good indicators of how festive a Prague Christmas is. Even if it's 10 degrees below zero, this 700-year-old medieval city will warm you with its celebrations. Christmas markets, like the one in Old Town Square, are filled with decorated wooden stalls selling hand-made puppets and other toys and gifts.

Krakow, Poland

If you want to make a white Christmas holiday and be surrounded by cultural treasures, you can draw an X on the map near Krakow. Beside the old customs we all know that when it comes to spending Christmas, Poland has a specific tradition, unique and maybe a little bizarre.

Rovaniemi, Finland

You'll definitely find your Christmas spirit in what's widely considered to be Santa's official hometown. Rovaniemi's Santa Claus Village on the Arctic Circle has plenty of snow, ice, elves and boutiques. Here in Lapland, it's also easy to get in touch with nature.

Top 6 Holy South Indian Temples

The Southern states of India, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, are primarily known for two things, logic-defying movie stunts and breathtaking temples. For those of you who do not know, temples are the holy places where you can worship God and see him in all his beauty and feel his presence in the very air you breathe.

There are many temples all over South India, but some of them are very famous based on their history, architecture, power of God, and its existence. Although this article is about some of the best temples, there are yet many temples to be seen in South India when one goes on pilgrimage. Below is a list of such temples one should not miss visiting them, and the top 6 south Indian temples are.

Padmanabhaswamy Temple

Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, situated in Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala, is dedicated to the protector of the Universe, Lord Vishnu. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams, which can be found all around India. Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple gave the city of Thiruvananthapuram its name, as the city’s name translates to “the Holy Abode of Anantha Padmanabha”.      

Meenakshi Temple

One of the ancient temples and an ancient place of south India Madurai is a place famous for its historical temples. Madurai is famous for its Goddess temple Meenakshi and Lord Sundareshwar. There are many big and small towers (gopurams) in this temple and it is a common practice of this temple where the Goddess is worshiped before worshiping the Lord, hence the devotees visit the Ashta Sakthi Mandapam.

Konark Sun temple

One of the most worthy example of immensely fine craftsmanship, the Konark Sun temple in Orissa, was putatively built by Narsimhadeva of Eastern Ganga Dynasty. The temple has been designed in the shape of a very huge chariot of the Sun God with intricately carved 12 pairs of wheels and 7 pairs of horses.

Tirumala Venkateswara Temple

Tirumala Venkateswara Temple is located on the Tirumala hills near Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh and is one of the most sacred temples for vaishnavites. According to legends, Lord Vishnu came down to Earth as Venkateswara to woo back his consort Goddess Lakshmi after a feud.

Jambukeswarar Temple

ambukeswarar Temple is one of the most revered temples in Tamil Nadu. The temple was built 1800 years ago by the Kocengannan, who was one of the Early Chola Kings. The temple is one of the five major Shiva Temples, Panchabhoota Sthalams which represents the element of water.

Thanjavur Temple

Thanjavur emerged as the stronghold of Tamil culture in the eleventh century, with Chola King Raja Raja I at the helm. The Cholas built more than 70 temples in Thanjavur, with the most outstanding one being the Brihadeswara Temple (known as the Big Temple).