March 22, 2016Events and Festivals, India

3 places to visit this Holi

Holi

Holi, or ‘Basanth Utsav’, a festival of colors in India, is celebrated every year at the end of winter on the full moon day (Poornima) of the lunar month (Phalguna). It usually appears in the months of February or March. Everyone comes together to drown all differences in the mist of colors. As per the legend, it celebrates the saving of Prahlad and burning of his wicked aunt Holika.

On this day, kids and adults splash coloured powder called ‘gulal’. They sing and dance fervently. Balloons filled with coloured water are thrown at each other and is considered part and parcel of festivity.

3 places to visit this Holi — Holi
Image courtesy

Across India, this festival is celebrated in different ways.

Punjab – The Holi Festival is celebrated as Hola Mohalla, on the day after Holi. Nihang Sikhs, a martial sect among Sikhs, display their martial arts’ skills in an exhibition of their prowess in various skills like horse riding, sword fighting, tent pegging, archery etc. Mock battles are held to display their fighting skills.

-The Holy Duels of Hola Mohalla

Madhya Pradesh– the Holi Festival coincides with the unique tradition, the only one to be held, in the districts of Nimar and Jhabua, in the country. This is the traditional Bhagoria Haat Festival. ‘Haat’ means market and Bhagoria means to run away. This is a traditional festival in the Bhil tribes of these districts.

It is basically a marriage market where young boys and girls flock, select their partners and run away together only to come home some days later. They are then proclaimed husband and wife by the community elders. It is a very lively and colourful festival and is worth a visit.

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Bhagoria – Festival of love

Barsana, UP– If you are in UP, India, then participate in the traditional Indian festival of Holi and the unique way it is practiced at Barsana, the birthplace of Radha, Lord Krishna’s favourite gopi – Lathmar Holi. Women beat up men with sticks in Lathmar Holi in Barsana, India.

So, if you are in India do visit these 3 places during Holi.

You may like to read 11 Delicious treats on this Holi

March 7, 2016Events and Festivals, International

International Women’s Day 2016

International women's day

Wisdom shared by great women from around the world on the eve of International Women’s Day-

I am Woman Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, that’s me. ~ Maya Angelou

International Women's Day — My Heroes- Maya Angelou connected with countless people through her powerful poetry

Extremists have shown what frightens them most: a girl with a book ~ Malala Yousafzai

Malala Yousafzai -International Women's Day — Malala Yousafzai at Girl Summit 2014

Women are the largest untapped reservoir of talent in the world ~ Hillary Clinton

Hillary Clinton-international Women's Day — Hillary Clinton official Secretary of State portrait

If you want something said, ask a man; if you want something done, ask a woman. ~ Margaret Thatcher

Margaret Thatcher-International Women's Day — Margaret Thatcher

One is not born a woman, one becomes one. ~ Simone de Beauvoir

Simone_De_Beuvoir International Women's Day — Simone De Beauvoir

Think like a queen. A queen is not afraid to fail. Failure is another stepping stone to greatness. ~ Oprah Winfrey

Oprah Winfrey -International Women's Day — Oprah Winfrey

International Women’s day celebrates the social, economic and political achievement of women.

Leaders across the world are pledging to take action as champions of gender parity. According to The World Economic Forum 2014 prediction, it would take until 2095 to achieve global gender parity. Then one year later in 2015, they estimated that a slowdown in the already glacial pace of progress meant the gender gap wouldn’t close entirely until 2133.

So all men and women can pledge to take a concrete step to help achieve gender parity more quickly – whether to help women and girls achieve their ambitions, call for gender-balanced leadership, respect and value difference, develop more inclusive and flexible cultures or root out workplace bias. Each of us can be a leader within our own spheres of influence and commit to taking pragmatic action to accelerate gender parity.

#PledgeForParity

International Women’s Day 2016 events are occurring across the world. Do follow this linkto check out what is going on in your area.

Source: IWD 2016 campaign theme

Image Source:Wikipedia.org

I wanted to share this helpful guide I found about women in hi-tech industry.

It gave me a lot of insight into the state of the women who work in the hi-tech area. It helps to promote women in tech and I think it would be a great resource to share with you, especially the women.

February 25, 2016Events and Festivals, International, Round the world

6 Events to check out in Malaysia 2016

PutrajayaHotAirBalloon

If you enjoyed the earlier post on Fascinating Malaysia, then the following events happening in Malaysia are not worth missing out.

Events happening in Malaysia during March and April 2016

8^Th Putrajaya International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta 2016

11 March 2016 -13 March 2016

The Putrajaya International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta will return from March 11-13. Pic courtesy of MyBalloonFiesta, February 20, 2016. — The Putrajaya International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta will return from March 11-13.
Pic courtesy of MyBalloonFiesta, February 20, 2016.

Venue
Millennium Monument, Precinct 2, Putrajaya

View colourful hot air balloons from around the world. The fiesta features balloons in various shapes and sizes resembling a teardrop, clown, elephant and even Darth Vader.

2. Raptor Watch Week 2016

12 March 2016

Raptor watch week Image courtesy- Malaysia travel — Raptor watch week
Image courtesy Malaysia travel

Venue
Tanjung Tuan, Malacca

Image courtesy-malaysia.travel

Birdwatchers converge in Port Dickson to watch the annual migration of these birds of prey, on their journey back to the northern hemisphere.

3. Thai Water Festival Songkran

13 April 2016-15 April 2016

Thai New Year celebration Image courtesy- www.songkranwaterfightfestival.com — Thai New Year celebration
Image courtesy www.songkranwaterfightfestival.com

Venue
Thailand

The Songkran festival is celebrated in Thailand as the traditional New Year’s Day from 13 to 15 April. The word “Songkran” comes from the Sanskrit word saṃkrāntiliterally “astrological passage”, meaning transformation or change. The Songkran Festival is also known as the Thai New year or Thailand Water Festival, originally celebrated as a way for the Thai people to sprinkle water on their family members and elders for good fortune and pay their respects to images of the beloved Buddha.

4. Regatta Lepa

22 April 2016 – 24 April 2016

Semporna Sabah Regatta Lepa

Venue
Semporna, Sabah

A colourful festival that pays homepage to the lepa, a traditional single-mast sailing boat of the Bajaus of Semporna. Witness the crowning of the most beautiful lepa, the Lepa Beauty Pageant, cultural performances, fireworks display and much more.

5. Pesta Air Labuan

29 April 2016 – 01 May 2016

Labuan International Sea Sport Complex image courtesy- event-carnival.com — Labuan International Sea Sport Complex
image courtesy event-carnival.com

Venue
Labuan International Sea Sport Complex, Labuan

This is the biggest annual event in Labuan. Major competitions include the Labuan International Deep Sea Fishing Tournament, Cross Channel Swimming Challenge and Round Island Kayak Challenge.

6. Nasi Ambeng Carnival

15 April 2016- 17 April 2016

Nasi ambang/ambeng is a Javanese rice dish made up of spiced/fried/gravy chicken, chilli paste, serunding (Malaysian meat floss), vermicelli, tempe (Indonesian fermented soybean cake) and salted fish. It is really popular in Johor but not common in KL Image courtesy- Nasi ambang @ Pasar Ramadhan Kelana Jaya — Nasi ambang/ambeng is a Javanese rice dish made up of spiced/fried/gravy chicken, chilli paste, serunding (Malaysian meat floss), vermicelli, tempe (Indonesian fermented soybean cake) and salted fish. It is really popular in Johor but not common in KL
Image courtesy Nasi ambang @ Pasar Ramadhan Kelana Jaya

Venue
Homestay Banghuris, Sepang Selangor

The aroma of ‘Ambeng Rice Festival’ is guaranteed to beckon visitors, both local and international to enjoy the uniqueness of this dish.

So, mark your calendars and head to Malaysia, truly Asia.

References: Songkran 2016 Festival

February 10, 2016Events and Festivals, India

Where to go this Valentine Weekend ?

If you are still pondering on where you can go this Valentine weekend, then do check this offbeat destination –

Bedecked camels, colourful turbans and tents that accommodate thousands of tourists who throng this extravaganza in the spectacular landscape of white salt-encrusted desert plains of Rann of Kutch, Gujarat. Warm hospitality, excellent food is what you shall get at Rann Utsav.

How to reach Rann Utsav– It is organised in a small village called Dhordo. Dhordo can be approached via Bhuj.

At the Rann Utsav– You get an occasion to observe the creative skill of the artisans and craftspeople, mixed collection of folk music and performances, mixed representation of culture and communities, along with a vast diversity in ecology.

– Rann Utsav, Gujarat

The colourful fair which is held near the banks of a lake swings with the spirit of festivity, fervour and flamboyance. You could be part of the organised tour around Kutch which allows you to experience the zeal and uniqueness of the people through a celebration of life.

Below is the programme schedule for 2 Night – 3 Day stay at Premium AC tents

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Itinerary: Day 1

12.30 PM: Welcome and Check-in

12.30 PM to 02.00 PM: Lunch at Dinning Area

02.00 PM to 04.30 PM: Fun and Entertainment Activities at White Rann Resort/Rann Utsav

04.30 PM to 05.00 PM: Evening High Tea

05.00 PM to 07.30 PM: Visit White Rann

08.00 PM to 09.30 PM: Dinner at Dinning Area

09.00 PM to 10.00 PM: Cultural Activities at White Rann Resort

Itinerary: Day 2

07.30 AM to 09.00 AM: Breakfast at Dinning Area

09.00 AM to 12.30 PM: Fun and Entertainment Activities at White Rann Resort /Rann Utsav.

12.30 PM to 02.00 PM: Lunch at Dinning Area

02.00 PM to 08.00 PM: Complimentary Tour to Kalo Dungar and Gandhi nu Gam

08.00 PM to 09.30 PM: Dinner at Dinning Area

09.00 PM to 10.00 PM: Cultural Activities at White Rann Resort

Itinerary: Day 3

07.30 AM to 09.00 AM: Breakfast at Dinning Area

09.30 AM: Check out

10.00 AM: Departure for Bhuj with Complimentary Sightseeing of Bhujodi, Swaminarayan Temple and Aina Mahal

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Transfers:

Arrival: Transfer from Bhuj to White Rann Resort, Dhordo (Approx. 85 km 2 Hr drive)

08.45 AM: From Bhuj Railways Station/Bhuj Airport

10.30 AM: From Bhuj Railways Station

02.30 PM: From Bhuj Railways Station

Departure:

10.00 AM: From White Rann Resort, Dhordo To Bhuj

Sports and recreation Image courtesy-rannutsav.org — Sports and recreation
Image courtesy-rannutsav.org

Adventure activities: There are adventure activities like Parasailing, Artificial wall climbing, high rope course, Zip line, Bungy trampoline, Jeep riding, Snooker/ Pool, Table tennis, Badminton, Air hockey, battery car, shooting games, bull ride and rocket parachute.

So, if all of the above excites you be at the Rann Utsav this Valentine weekend.

Wishing all a very Happy Valentine Weekend in advance.

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References: An initiative of Gujarat Tourism

Compass Tourism