As for some of the liveliest and most colorful celebrations, one can find them in Asia, the continent that is famous for its’ wonderful culture and international in many ways. From historical festivals celebrated for centuries to the festivals that represent today’s modern art and music, Asia has much to offer in terms of celebrations. So if the traveler is an adventurous one, culture lover, or prefers to be very close to the cultural environment, then below stated few are some of the must-visit festivals from different parts of Asian countries.
1. Diwali (India)
Diwali, also known as Festival of Lights, is taking place between October and November. This is a Hindu festival that mainly focuses on victory between light and darkness or between good and evil. Every participant brings home-made diya (oil lamp) and colored Rangoli designs and cities including Jaipur, Varanasi, Delhi, etc. glow with these lamps. Street fairs, firework displays and yummy treats to eat make this festival one to remember. Make sure not to lose an opportunity to visit open markets with interesting products and join the festivities.
2. Chinese New Year
It is a holiday in China and other Southeast Asian countries.Also known as Chinese Spring Festival, Chinese New Year is observed by millions of people across the globe, having an approximate date between January 21 and February 20. Every year is linked with one of the twelve zodiac animals. In fact, some of the major cities that celebrate this event include Beijing, Hong Kong, and Singapore, and this is normally marked by lion dances, dragon dances, and floats. It is usually celebrated for 15 days and involves family gatherings, meals and fireworks. Tourists can get to see the performance of traditional ceremonies and be able to taste New Year’s specialties, including dumplings and rice cakes.
3. Hanami (Japan)
The Japanese cherry blossom season usually takes place in late March – early April. The annual festival of Hanami involves people, including locals and tourists, going to parks to watch the beauty of flowering cherry trees. Some of the areas that get crowded are Ueno Park in Tokyo and Maruyama Park in Kyoto, where people come in to picnic, listen to music, sing and laugh. This beautiful contrast of pink flowers, especially during the spring seasons, against the feudal architectural design of Japanese structures makes this festival unique and worth a visit.
4. Songkran (Thailand)
The Thai New Year, known as Songkran, will occur between the 13th and 15th of April. It is a water celebration whereby people felicitate each other by splashing water on one another in a bid to ‘wash away’ the undesirable incidents of the previous year. Otherwise, places such as Bangkok and Chiang Mai turn into wonderful nightlife centers with joyous sounds, delicious smells and cuisines, and music. There are also rites like going to different temples and the water-pouring ceremony on the statues of Buddha. It is an entertaining occasion that mixes the current methods of festivity with the rich indigenous practices.
5. Loy Krathong (Thailand)
The other great Thai celebration is Loy Krathong, which takes place normally in November. They make small boats with offerings from a tree branch called Krathong—banana leaf baskets decorated with flowers and candles which are floated on rivers and lakes. Such a sight, especially with night-lit lanterns reflecting the beauty of the sky, makes a very romantic scene. According to traditions, the festival is associated with separation from the sins and the start of a new life. Loy Krathong is an opportunity to be involved in some traditions and enjoy the beautiful scenery at the same time.
6. Baisakhi (India)
Vaisakhi is in April to commemorate the Punjabi New Year and harvest festival. Sikhs in particular react to the value of it as it marks the creation of the Khalsa in 1699. It includes incredible rasms, scrumptious Punjabi food, and bhangra and gidda—the two famous dance forms from Punjab. Branding Punjab in the coming months is the best chance for everyone to immerse themselves in the color of the oldest civilization and the warmth of the people.
7. Gion Matsuri (Japan)
and includeStarting mid July in Kyoto, Gion Matsuri is among one of the most well-known festivals of the country. The most popular event is the historical floats parade (yama and hoko) which is held on July 17. This festival has its origin from the 9th century and consists of programmed events that last for one month dasance, music as well as regional food. The excitement which fills the place is quite overwhelming and makes the trip memorable for anybody who attends the event.
8. Vesak (Sri Lanka)
The Buddhist festival of Vesak is known for celebrating three important events in Gautama Buddha’s life: birth, enlightenment and death. In Sri Lanka, its time is designated in may and depicted by the colorful lanterns, processions, and temples. Shops and stands line the streets, offering… loaded with free food and beverages to anyone in sight, thus the spirit of giving. But to feel the gist of Buddhism, such celebrations as Vesak in the large cities like Colombo or Kandy are worth visiting.
9. Eid al-Fitr (Among Muslims)
Eid al-Fitr is observed after Ramadan and is celebrated all over Asia, among others Indonesia, Malaysia and Middle Eastern countries. The precise date differs according to the Islamic lunar calendar but is observed with performance of congregational prayer, consumption of sweet and preferable fatty foods and the payment of zakat, an alms-giving. Savoring the feel of the Eid celebrations will give an understanding of justifying Ramadan and the spirit of togetherness.
10. Naadam Festival (Mongolia)
Held in July, Naadam is Mongolia’s most important festival, celebrating the “Three Manly Games,” which are sports such as wrestling, horse racing and archery. This celebration is an old holiday that reflects traditional Mongolian feelings, including riding, costumes, music, and dancing, oriented to a nomadic way of life. Visiting Naadam held in Ulaanbaatar allows you to get acquainted with traditions and customs of Mongolia.
FAQs
Q1: The best time to travel to Asia during festivals?
A1: In most cases, it differs from one country to the other and from festival to festival. In general, spring and autumn are quite good for different festivals. For instance, visit during March/April to see Hanami in Japan and September/October to see Diwali in India.
Q2: Whether are these festivals for families?
A2: Yes, most festivals In Asia are indeed family-oriented, and therefore most activities accorded to these festivals are family-oriented. Nonetheless, one needs to pay attention to local traditions, especially on things related to religious occasions.
Q3: How can I enjoy these festivals?
A3: Engagement differs; there are festivals that allow the visitors to engage in some activities or mostly observational. The best approach is to be polite and bear in mind certain rules of conduct of the country visited.
Q4: Is it compulsory for me to book a place to stay before during festivals?
A4: Of course, it is always much more effective to book a place to stay beforehand, especially for a festival, as the number of tourists increases significantly during such events, and, as a result, the amount of available free hotels and hostels is significantly lower.
Q5: Are there other ways that I can sample the culture of the people of Malaysia apart from festivals?
A5: Absolutely! Although festivals are a great method of experiencing local culture, traveling to markets, museums, and cultural attractions in general just as often can also be very beneficial.
Conclusion
Exploring Asia during the festivities is one of the best strategies for enjoying the tropical continent, as it captures the true colors of people and nature. Starting with the noisy and bright celebrations of Diwali in India or with the calm and breathtaking Hanami in Japan, every festival becomes a nice opportunity to immerse yourself in local culture. So gear up, plan your travel, and get all set to be a part of the celebration of Asia’s jubilance.
