Lights. Camera. RCNM.

Somewhere amidst the gleeful pyrotechnics and the vibrant revelries, Mother Nature stands neglected and beat. Even as our leaders are signing conventions to save the planet, we're indulging in festivities that are constantly scarring our environment. So what can we do about it? Quite a lot, actually. One attractive solution is to encourage and participate in festivals that are aimed at appreciating and caring for nature. One such festival that has gained global recognition is the Hanami festival of Japan. Every spring, parks across the island nation transform as the Cherry Blossom (Sakura) trees begin to bloom with their iconic pink flowers. Locals and tourists alike throng to Sakura-viewing hot spots in April to imbibe the enchanting atmosphere propagated by the trees in full bloom. The parks are packed with picnic mats as entire communities get together for 'Hanami parties'. The blossoms last for only a couple of weeks so locals often spend entire day...

From candles to carols, chocolates to carnivals-a festival is more than just a break from work. They are days full of joie de vivre for most of us. *parties hard* And as the december festivities are at their apogee right now, we have decided to bring you a short series of blogs that blend right into this atmoshere of celebration.  Come along as we take you on a ride from Finland to New Orleans, a ride that will let you imbibe something that can only be experienced.  Presenting: Festivals On Fleek *ba dum tss* In todays fast-track and detached society, festivals bring people together(physically) and present interesting deviations from the mundane routines of daily life. Almost every religion, region or tribe has is own days of joy and more and more erstwhile obscure traditional holidays are gaining recognition within global community. This goes a long way in safeguarding cultures and traditions from being condemed to oblivion. ...