So much in Asia depends on the calendar. In February in Beijing, more than 20 million people all set off fireworks to celebrate Chinese New Year. In Nagaland in India, tribes from all over the region meet to compete, dance, and celebrate. In Thailand, spectators look on as celebrants perform bizarre rituals at the Nine Emperor Gods Festival.
With an intimate and unique knowledge of Asian culture, Remote Lands knows the importance of experiencing culture the right way. Whether you want an up-close view of the Sing-Sing festival in the Asaro Valley of Papua New Guinea or a quiet walk through the Sapporo Snow Festival in Japan, Remote Lands can give travelers the best possible experience on their celebrations throughout Asia.
Chin-Lone or ‘cane ball’ teams from all over Myanmar gather at the Maha Muni Pagoda in Mandalay to pay homage to the Mahamuni Buddha image by playing a continuous Chin-lone tournament every day and night for over a month. Different styles of the game are played and the crowd is entertained with traditional music and dancing.
This festival marks the date of Buddha’s first sermon as well as the beginning of the monsoon season in Myanmar and Buddhist lent. As the monks do not return home from their monasteries throughout lent but are required to make their usual rounds, a ceremony is held to present the monks with flowers and spare robes for the wet season.
Mewanna, The Goddess of Mt Popa is the mother of two powerful Nats (spirits) who were brothers. She is said to have stopped at the Yadana Gu on her way home from Taunbyon to her shrine at Popa and today, people commemorate her journey by traveling to the site in boats and celebrating her status as the protector of women.
