Go Crazy this Year at the Goa Carnival

The Goa Carnival is an age-old Christian tradition that started way back in 1510, by the Portuguese. Every year, this carnival takes place in Goa, for four days from Saturday to Tuesday.  A combination of different cultures, religions and beliefs, this fest is completely permeated with Goan charm. Let’s have a look at this much-hyped carnival which is visited by thousands of people from all over the world.

The Heartfelt Goa Carnival

The Goa Carnival is full of colours and dressed up people, full of enthusiasm and excitement. This eminent 4-day carnival is a celebration of Goa’s culture and cuisine on a large scale, which originated from the tradition of Mardi Gras. Goa, which is already a hotspot for tourists, attracts, even more, visitors during this carnival. You will find people drinking and dining in a festive mood during this event and you won’t notice the time flying away as you enjoy the street shows, dances, bands. And last but not the least; the colourful parade is what is most heartfelt at this carnival.

Activities

The popular Goa Carnival is all about entertainment, entertainment and entertainment. The fest starts on the first day with a colossal procession by King Momo. It includes talented dancers, fortune tellers, hawkers and people dressed up in costumes, bestowing the enchantment of this fest. Love is in the air as many men profess their love for their woman during this event. Apart from all the endless entertainment sessions, this event is the perfect place for all foodies who love Goan cuisine. Mouth-watering spicy seafood might make your stomach full, but your heart will certainly ask for more!

3. Goa Carnival Speciality

If you visit the Goa Carnival, you must watch the Khell, which is an extremely popular folk play in Salcete taluka, South Goa. This act will include beautiful melody of the violins, drums, cymbals and ghumats. The performance is known for its sarcastic criticism towards correcting human impracticality in a comic sense. You will certainly notice the dolkas, a rustic drum that directs the story of the play, along with the sound of the mestri that gives a kick start to the act.

4. Important Information

The Goa Carnival is like an after party for New Year which once again brings in the festive mood among the people. A day spent at this event is a day spent well. So, for all you travellers and food lovers, here is all the information you will need to spend a heavenly time at Goa!

Date: February 6^th, 2016 to February 9^th, 2016

Location: Goa

How to Reach: You can reach Goa by air from New Delhi

Where to Stay: Taj Exotica Goa, The Leela Goa, Resort Rio

Other Attractions: Baga Beach, Bats Island, Chapora Fort

Known as one of the most visited event, the Goa Carnival has certainly a lot to offer, from delicious and tempting food to never seen before entertainment. So, stop reading and start packing because it’s Goa time!

Welcome the Harvest with Pongal

Celebrated with great enthusiasm in Tamil Nadu, Pongal is a Tamil harvest festival. This is a festival where the farmers express their gratitude for the good harvest. People wish each other for peach, good luck and happiness. It is a fest time for the Tamils. And if you are thinking of celebrating Pongal in Tamil Nadu, fret not! We tell you everything about this festival!

1. History and Origin

Pongal, a 4 day festival which either starts on 13^th January or 14^th January every year, according to the Gregorian calendar. This Tamil harvest festival dates back to the Sangam Age, when this festival was celebrated as Thai Un and Thai Niradal. During this festival, the young girls prayed for prosperity and rain for a good harvest. During this time, all dairy products such as milk and cheese were avoided. It was a rule that women would bathe early in the morning and worship Goddess Katyayani. All these old traditions led to the festival of Pongal and its celebration.

2. Pongal Celebrations

It is believed that celebrating Pongal traditionally will help you prosper and will bring good fortune as well. An important festival for the agriculture community, it marks the end of the harvesting season. ‘Ponga’ means overflowing and this is why there is a custom of cooking rice in a new pot until it overflows. The first day is known as Bhogi, during which people clean up their houses, and in the evening all the unwanted things are thrown in a bonfire. The second day is known as Perum Pongal or Surya Pongal, which is considered very important. On this day the Sun God is worshipped, while the women decorate the courtyards in their homes with beautiful kolams.

The third day is known as Mattu Pongal, when people worship and thank the cows and buffaloes that are used for farming. A bull taming contest, known as Jallikattu is known sport, played by the young. The fourth and the last day is known as Kanum Pongal, people go out for picnics and spend time with family and friends. 

3. Pongal Delicacies

Pongal is not just a religious harvest festival, but also a festival of delicious dishes that you get to munch on. Pongal is one dish that is prepared at every house during this festive season. The festival of Pongal is incomplete without this sweet rice dish. Along with pongal, other dishes are prepared at home as well, such as idli, sambhar, paper dosai, boonda, pineapple rasam, rajma curry, milk payasam and bread idli. These well-known South Indian delicacies spice up the Tamil festive season.

4. Traditional Gifts for Pongal

Pongal is a festival where people gift their loved ones religious items and other things that may come to their use. Most of them go for the usual traditional gift items such as an idol or image of the Sun God, decorative items for the house, wooden handicrafts (especially if they are made by you!) and utensils. Others go for home appliances, clothes, jewellery and perfumes.

5. Important Information

Tamil Nadu is a beautiful place and with Pongal coming up, it’s going to be legendary. However, Pongal isn’t the only good thing about it! So, before you get all set to visit Tamil Nadu to celebrate Pongal, keep the following things in mind!

How to Reach: Reach Chennai by air from New Delhi

Where to Stay: Ginger Hotel, Vivanta by Taj, Savera Hotel

Major Attractions: Marina Beach, Valluvar Kottam, Thyagaraja Temple

Enjoy the 4 day festival of Pongal with the South Indians in their customs and traditions. And who knows? Maybe it turns out to be the best experience of your life!

Lokotsav: Goa’s Popular Folk Festival

When you think about Goa, you imagine white sand beaches, romantic sunsets, peaceful churches and late night parties. However, Goa is much more than just that, and its Lokotsav folk festival proves that. With full of cultural performances by talented artists and alluring handicrafts for sale, this fest gives a new meaning to Goa. Let's have a look at this enlightening festival.

The Lokotsav: Utsav of Cultures

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVUQ38hyVA4

Lokotsav is a traditional festival held in Goa which comprises of craftsmen and folk artists from all over India who represent their cultures. These handicrafts are put on for sale by around 600 craftsmen, from Goa and other parts of India. And the best part of this festival is that you get to eat different cuisines of India as well. Apart from the crafts and food, the entertainment factor is provided to you as well. You will certainly enjoy the different folk dances of India that depict the mythological stories of India. Lokotsav is organised every year to promote the preservation of handicrafts and folk culture in India.

Who Organises This Festival?

Every year, the Department of Art and Culture organises the Lokotsav Festival, in joint collaboration with West Zone Cultural Centre, Udaipur along with association with the Kala Academy and the Sports Authority of Goa. This fest is held at the Darya Sangam, Kala Academy in Panji, Goa. This year, this fest is going to be held from 8th to 17 January, inviting people, whether tourists or locals to have a look at the brilliant craftwork, folk music and dance of India.

Festival Attractions

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e7KWosSvzoU

People, especially the tourists, are attracted by this festival due its huge cultural background. You can find the most beautiful bandhani work, bead work and chikankari that you may not find anywhere else. And what can I say about the performances. Folk dances such as Lawni, Pung Dhol Cholam, Veer Bhadra, Bihu, Katputhli, Thang Ta and Mewasi are performed by the talented performers, here. And when it comes to food; you can try out Rajasthani, Goan, Gujarati and North Eastern cuisines that will make you lick your fingers till the end!

Important Information

Are you all set to visit Goa to check out the Lokotsav festival? Well before you get packing, here is some information that you will require before you step this beautiful vicinity.

How to Reach: Take a flight to Goa from New Delhi

Where to Stay: Grand Hyatt Goa, Vivanta by Taj, Taj Exotica Goa

Other Attractions: Dudhsagar Falls, Chapora Beach, Se Cathedral

Whether you are visiting Goa for a romantic getaway or a solo traveller, the Lokotsav festival will surely blow your mind away. With its appealing handicrafts, delicious food items and hair-raising performances, you are certainly going to fall in love with this cultural festival. 

Unique Christmas Traditions Around the World

We all know about the usual Christmas tradition that is celebrated with cakes, puddings, a huge decorated fir tree, the gifts and of course, our Santa Claus. However, this tradition is not followed everywhere in the world! Believe me; some countries have their own Christmas traditions. Keeping this in mind, we are here to tell you about the unique Christmas customs around the world.

1. Russia

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OF_gfvz_a4g

You will be surprised to know that, in Russia, Christmas is celebrated on 7th January and not 25th December. Why? Well, the Orthodox Church in Russia uses the Julian calendar for religious celebrations. According to the Russian Christmas traditions, there are special prayers that are said and people fast for almost 39 days till the 6th January, which is the Christmas Eve. They break their fast by eating sochivo, which is a type of porridge. Orthodox Christian Russians prefer not to add any meat or fish to their grand Christmas Eve feast.

How to Reach: Reach Moscow in Russia by air from New Delhi.

Where to Stay: Lotte Hotel Moscow, Crowne Plaza Moscow World Trade Centre, Radisson Royal Hotel Moscow.

Places to Visit: Theatre Square, Revolution Square, Moscow Conservatoire

2. Austria

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJFGwyH7wvM

There is a period of Advent in Austria, which means the period of 4 weeks before Christmas. On each Sunday of Advent, the people light a candle and sing Christmas carols. The Christmas markets start setting up in late November and sell Christmas lights, gingerbreads, wine and the list goes on. The Christmas trees are decorated with gold and silver decorations and stars made up of straws. The actual celebration starts at 4 pm on Christmas Eve, with the people singing jingles, eating chocolate and jelly rings. Instead of Santa Claus, the children believe that the Christkind brings presents for them. One event that you should certainly not miss is the Ski Jumping Four Hills Tournament in Austria.

How to Reach: You can reach Vienna in Austria from New Delhi by air.

Where to Stay: Holiday Inn Vienna City, Hotel Sacher Wien, Vienna Marriott Hotel.

Places to Visit: Freyung, Museumsquartier, Weikersdorf Castle.

3. Japan

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBqvzvknuCc

When it comes to Christmas in Japan, this country’s traditions are way more different than the USA. It is considered more like a romantic festival rather than a religious one. Couples prefer spending the day together, go on romantic candlelight dates and exchange gifts. The meals in Japan have to add fried chicken as Christmas is nothing without it. And when it comes to their traditional Christmas cake, it is a sponge cake decorated with strawberries and whipped cream, unlike the rich and chocolaty Christmas cakes in USA.

How to Reach: Reach Japan’s capital city Tokyo by air from New Delhi.

Where to Stay: Mandarin Oriental, Park Hyatt Tokyo, Shangri-La Hotel.

Place to Visit: Roppongi, Odaiba, Christmas markets.

4. Ghana

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Ghana celebrates Christmas from 20th December to the first week of January with people visiting their friends and family. The real celebration starts on Christmas Eve, when the Church services start along with music and dancing all night long. People enjoy the Nativity Play put on by the children, magnificent fireworks and wear their colourful traditional clothes. On the day of Christmas, people attend the Church services and then exchange gifts with family and friends. Their traditional feast includes the okra soup, porridge, meat rice and fufu.

How to Reach: Take a flight from New Delhi to Accra in Ghana.

Where to Stay: Labadi Beach Hotel, The African Regent Hotel, Fiesta Royale Hotel

Places to Visit: LoveB, Vittles Ghana Food Festival, Coco Beach

5.  Georgia

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bp3nME3zusQ

Just like Russia, Christmas in Georgia is celebrated on 7th January because the Georgian Orthodox Church follows the Julian calendar. Most people go for the Christmas Parade on the streets also known as Alilo, dressed up in colourful costumes. Christmas carols are sung, and the Georgian Christmas tree is decorated by the children with small fruits and sweets. On 19th January, this tree is set on fire to mark the end of that year’s problems.

How to Reach: You can reach Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia by air.

Where to Stay: Mia Guesthouse, Hotel British House, Holiday Inn Tbilisi.

Places to Visit: Sameba Cathedral, Rustaveli Square, Old Tbilisi.

While Christmas is celebrated with much enthusiasm by Indians as well, you can spend these holidays at these given countries, and participate in their unique traditions. So what are you waiting for? Start packing and get ready to jingle the bells all the way to uniqueness!

Kiribati: Counting its Last Days

You might have not even heard about Kiribati, the island nation situated in the Pacific Ocean, until now! It is, actually, one of the world’s least visited island nations. However, experts have predicted that the island won’t be able to survive, as the sea level is rising due to climatic changes. Now that the end is near, Kiribati has become a hot travel destination for all the travellers. Keeping this in mind, we present the best places to visit in Kiribati. 

1. Tarawa

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=loxy2-YxcR4

Tarawa, the capital city of Kiribati, is known for the Battle of Tarawa, during the World War II. Surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, it consists of white sand beaches and its abounding marine life. Though heavily populated, you will find its beaches untouched and clean, making it the perfect place to get a tan or have some wine with your better half. This magnificent city is full of vegetation including breadfruit, papaya, banana and coconut trees.

How to Reach: You can take a flight from New Delhi to Tarawa.

Where to Stay: Lagoon Breeze Lodge, The George Hotel, Tad’s Guesthouse

Places to Visit: Ambo Island, Sacred Heart Cathedral, Abokoro

Places to Eat: Japanese Curry House, Taotin Restaurant, Chatterbox Café

2. Maiana

Maiana is the perfect place to explore the Kiribati culture and lifestyle. Full of open air museums, you can also indulge in water sports, such as swimming, snorkelling, free diving and surfing at the beaches. And what can I say about the beaches! Spotless with crystal clear water, you can spend some romantic time with your partner or just laze around, exploring the vegetation. Apart from the beaches, you can visit its temples as well and capture its beauty in your camera.  

How to Reach: Take a flight from Tarawa to Maiana

Where to Stay: There are no hotels in Maiana so you should travel back to Tarawa and take accommodation there.

Places to Visit: Tumon Beach, Encore Theatre, Fish Eye Marine Park

Places to Eat: Jamaican Grill Tumon, Soi, Table 35

3. Abaiang

A photographer’s dreamland, Abaiang is not only famous for its magnificent scenic beauty, but also its alluring blue lagoon. The land of historical landmarks, it is the first place in Kiribati to have a church. All tourists are welcomed with open arms in Abaiang, showering them with their traditional welcome. You can rent motorbikes or even trucks to take a round of the beach. Visiting the historical and cultural sites is a must for everyone here. You can even opt for a boat ride at the beach in this remote island.

How to Reach: You can use a ferry service from South Tarawa to reach Abaiang

Where to Stay: Otintaaie Hotel, Teirio Beach Resort, Ouba Islet Resort

Places to Visit: Taburao village, Beiamatekaai, Tekarano village

Places to Eat: You will be served food at the villages itself or at the hotel where you stay.

4. Marakei

Marakei is full of natural and cultural beauty, with a deep blue lagoon in the middle of it. The people of Marakei live a simple life without many amenities that you find in big, developed cities. Closer to the natural environment, you can just sit at a beach, absorbing in, the beauty surrounding you and you will find yourself unwinding and relaxing to the core.

How to Reach: You can take a ferry service from Abaiang to Marakei

Where to Stay: Marakei Island Council Guest House

Places to Visit: Nei Reel, Temotu, Buota

Places to Eat: You can have your meals at the villages or eat at the hotel

5. Abemama

If you are a history buff then Abemama is the right place for you, as you can find physical evidences of the American and Japanese War during the World War II. It is a famous weekend getaway destination for the people of Tarawa and fishing is quite common there. The people are very friendly in Abemama so you can indulge with them in dancing, local weaving and experiencing their lifestyle.

How to Reach: Reach this remote island by air from Marakei

Where to Stay: There are no hotels in Abemama so travel back to Marakei and stay the night there

Places to Visit: Beaches, historical places, villages

Places to Eat: Have your meals at the villages, prepared by the locals

I’m sure after getting to know about the history and culture of Kiribati, you would want to check this place out, at least once. Don’t wait guys and make the best of the memories here.

A Temple of Body Art: Heartwork Tattoo Festival

It is well said that tattoos give us the freedom to express ourselves. Though a little painful, this kind of body art looks remarkably beautiful, once it’s imprinted. And if you too yearn for tattoos, then you must not miss the Heartwork Tattoo Festival. Read on to find out more.

The Heartwork Tattoo Festival

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=niJfrnzdcDg

The Heartwork Tattoo Festival is India’s biggest tattoo convention where world famous professional tattoo artists meet up and compete. People all around the world visit this festival and come back all joyful with a beautiful art on their body. There are different booths set up for different tattoo artists, who show off their best designs that will really mesmerize you. Whether a large Lord Shiva tattoo on the back or your boyfriend’s name in a unique font, these artists can fulfil any wish of yours.

Venue

Held in New Delhi, this festival will take place on the 4th, 5th and 6th of December at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium. For the participating tattoo artists, people are just a living canvas that they can use to flaunt their unusual artwork. Whether you want a biomechanical tattoo, a realistic one or an oriental art on your body, you can find everything at this tattoo festival with ease.

Participants

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3LakNdBBKXs

Your heart will certainly skip a beat when you get to know that Master in Oriental Art, Andy Shou from Taiwan will be taking part in the Heartwork Tattoo Festival along with Anil Gupta and Paul Booth from US. They are those legendary artists who have made a mark in the tattoo industry with their unique styles. This festival will also feature performers from Sweden like Jocke and Anna along with Pj Swedberg who have mastered in realistic and portrait art. Other artists who will be participating in this festival are:

• ·         Chad Koeplinger from US, known for his abstract art.
• ·         Yang East Tattoo from Taiwan, famous for Portrait, Abstract and Realistic , Oriental Art
• ·         Mohan Gurung from Nepal, a renowned artist in portrait art.
• ·         From France, they have Ona Navarro Cots, known for creating a perfect blend of techniques and styles.
• ·         Last, but not (at all) the least, this festival will introduce many new and talented tattoo artists such as Vicky Malani, Shashi Prajapati, Yogesh Deswal and Tuhi Dutta.

Entertainment 

At the Heartwork Tattoo Festival, not only do you get to witness the body art of various talented artists, but also get entertained by music artists that are in demand. Still thinking? Well, you will get to bystander performances by Parikrama, FuzzCulture, Warwan, MYST DJ, Loud Street Girls, Traffic Jam and Undying Inc. Don’t think that’s enough? Don’t worry, they have more for you. Absorb the live graffiti art show by Zine and certainly do not miss the live skateboarding show by the Free Motion Skating. All this entertainment at one tattoo festival! It is certainly value for money.

All You Need To Know

 

Totally excited about the Heartwork Tattoo Festival? Well before you get all set with your bags packed and passports in your hand, here is some important information for you to note down.

How to Reach: Whether you live in France, Italy or Japan, you will easily be able to reach New Delhi by air.

Where to Stay: The Leela Palace, The Lalit, Dusit Devarana

Places to Visit: Chandni Chowk, India Gate, Garden of Five Senses

Best Restaurants: Bukhara, Pan Asian, Barbeque Nation

A place where all tattoo artists will compete under one roof, well that is certainly a tattoo lover’s heaven! So, how about imprinting some of their best designs on your body? Go ahead and let your body be your journal.

Why Should You Celebrate Christmas in Australia?

Forget lighting the fireplace or drinking hot cocoa on Christmas Eve, because it’s summer time! Didn’t understand? Well, while most people enjoy the snowfall during Christmas, the Australians wear bikinis and drink beer. Keeping this in mind, we give you 5 reasons why you should celebrate Christmas in Australia.

1. The Beachy Affair

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bfgpyWRB1Dc

The top most reason you should spend Christmas in Australia is that you can wear a skimpy bathing suit and go swimming at the beach anytime. The Bondi Beach in Sydney is known for its X’mas celebrations. These include an open barbeque at the beach with delicious seafood, a Christmas tree decorated with ornaments and people in a festive mood, having a dip in the salty sea water, surfing or just lazing around in the sand getting a tan. And, how can we forget Santa Claus? Children’s favourite Santa can be seen busy getting clicked with every toddler at the beach.

How to Reach: Take a flight to Sydney and take a cab to the beach.

Where to Stay: Park Hyatt, The Langham Sydney, The Westin Sydney

Other Attractions: Manly Beach, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House

2. Christmas Carillon Concert

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5dglpjZPt0

The Christmas Carillon Concert in Canberra is the perfect place to take your children, to inspire them using the blend of music and Christmas. Many talented carillonists perform at this concert which takes place in the evening on 24th December every year. You will get to listen to some amazing traditional Christmas music along with Australian carols which will leave you bewildered. And what would be better than a good concert for Christmas celebration?

How to Reach: You can reach Canberra by air and take a cab to the concert.

Where to Stay: East Hotel, Vibe Hotel Canberra Airport, Peppers Gallery Hotel

Other Attractions: Lake Burley Griffin, Canberra Glassworks, Balloon Rides

3. Christmas Canal Lights Cruise

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0dSRtKuLI8&feature=youtu.be

Love to go on cruises? The Christmas Canal Lights Cruise in Mandurah can be a romantic escape for you and your better half or a great family time during X’mas. This cruise is highly popular and people have to book it in advance if they want a ride. It will take you through lighted mansions with displays of Santa Clause and his reindeer. You can take your camera with you, to capture the beauty of the lights to keep you gobsmacked.

How to Reach: Just take a flight to Mandurah and reach the cruise in a cab

Where to Stay: Quest Mandurah, Comfort Inn Mandurah, Mandurah Family Resort

Other Attractions: Dolphin Quay, Silver Sands beach, Halls Head Beach

4. Carols by Candlelight

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pcqr3fmsPc0

Carols by Candlelight is a famous fest held in Melbourne during the Christmas time. Believe it or not, this event was first held in 1938 and the tradition has been on, since then. Uncountable numbers of people gather around and witness the live performances given by celebrities by the candlelight. Though this event is broadcasted live on television and radio as well, people prefer to watch it live.

How to Reach: You can take a flight to Melbourne and then a cab to the Carols by Candlelight concert.

Where to Stay: Grand Hyatt Melbourne, Crown Towers Hotel, Lake House

Other Attractions: Queen Victoria Market, Penguin Parade, Peninsula Hot Springs

5. Northbridge Piazza Festive Flicks

During the festive season, a movie screening festival is held in Perth, known as the Northbridge Piazza Festive Flicks. You can bring a date or your children for this film screening and sit comfortably on a bean bag chair to watch the movies. Just lay back with some snacks by your side and enjoy the movies that are shown for free. The movies shown for children are Home Alone, Elf and The Grinch so that you can have an idea, how much your children will love this fest.

How to Reach: Reach Perth by air and take a cab to this movie marathon

Where to Stay: Perth City YHA, Simply Heaven, Crown Metropol Perth

Other Attractions: Adventure World, Perth Zoo, Fremantle markets

Do I need to pursue you anymore? Isn’t Christmas in Australia wonderful? From barbequed seafood to musical concerts, the celebration here includes everything. And you don’t even need to pack heavy jackets and sweaters.