The Maldives will add a new feather to its cap as it plans to host Asia’s first Beach and Water Sports tournament in 2010. The tournament would prove to be an effective measure in promoting tourism in the islands. The proposal was put forward by the Ministry of Human Resources, Youth and Sports and the cabinet has already taken a few steps like appointing a committee to organize the tournament. Maldives is already considered a heaven for surfers. It has ideal natural features which support surfing. As surfing will be

Shillong, capital of the northeast Indian State of Meghalaya, celebrated the Orange Festival a few days back. This was done with an aim to popularize the fruit in this region and encourage farmers in the state for cultivating oranges. The festival was organized and hosted by a self-help group. Presently, Meghalaya produces around 40,000 tons of oranges annually. This amounts to about five percent of India’s total output of oranges. In this state, most of the oranges are grown along the Khasi Hills in areas bordering Bangladesh, and are known

Ambubachi Mela, is a unique mystical festival held annually during monsoon in the Kamakhya Devi Temple at Guwahati in Assam. It is a four-day festival where thousands of devotees, including a number of foreigners come to seek blessings and miracle. Closely related to Tantric cult, this Kamkhya Devi Puja is supposed to be held during the period when Goddess Kamakhya goes through her menstrual cycle. In year 2009, this festival took place from June 22 to June 25. This mela or fair is also known as Ameti or Tantric fertility

The small and beautiful northeast Indian state of Sikkim is nestled in the lap of the Himalayas. The state sprawls below the Mount Khanchendzonga. The tourists are bound to be mesmerized at the picturesque scenery of the state. The state is located in the midst of the grandeur of the mountain peaks, lush valleys, meandering rivers and hills. The visitors to the state can move from the sub tropical heat of the lower valleys to the cold of the rugged mountain slopes that reach up to the area of perpetual

The north-east Indian state of Assam celebrates Majuli festival every year with much pomp and grandeur. The Majuli Island located in the Brahmaputra River happens to be the largest river island in India. The festival unites the culture and tradition of the northeastern state of Assam. The Majuli Island is also an abode to a magnificent bird sanctuary that enjoys the visits of different species of migratory birds. The bank of the river Luit serves as the venue for the festival, which itself provides for mesmerizing scenery. The festival is