Festivals

This five-day festival is held at the Jambay Lhakhang monastery in Bumthang, an ancient temple deemed particularly sacred by Guru Rimpoche. Traditional dance performances common to most Tsechus take place but most popular is a remarkable sacred ritual held at midnight when monks take part in naked fire dancing.

The Water Festival marks the reversal of the Tonle Sap River’s tide, and the end of rainy season. The celebrations last for three days and nights throughout the country but are particularly vibrant in Phnom Penh where there are boat races on the river. There are concerts and performances, and traditional food is cooked and enjoyed.

Independence Day commemorates the day Cambodia became independent from French rule in 1953. The celebrations are centered on Phnom Penh, where a ceremony takes place at Independence Monument, presided over by the King. There is a parade with floats and music in front of the Royal Palace and the people wave flags in the street.

Featuring the finest wines from around the world, exquisite international and local cuisine, and top live entertainment, the HK Wine and Dine Festival is a must-do for all foodies. The 2013 event, held at the New Central Harbourfront, welcomed over 140,000 visitors.

One of India’s most famous Hindu festivals, the Diwali of the Gods is celebrated in Varanasi, in India’s Uttar Pradesh, 15 days after Diwali. The steps of the ghats on the banks of the Ganges river are lit with over a million earthen lamps to honor the Ganges and its goddess. Houses are also decorated with lamps and fireworks are lit.

Also known as the Sonepur Cattle Fair, this Fall event is the largest cattle fair in the world. Visitors from all over Asia make their way to Sonepur, Bihar, on the banks of the river Ganges, for the ancient festival that can stretch from 15 days to one month. Farm animals from dogs, to rabbits and Persian horses are sold at the event.