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.
This is one of the most important events in the Buddhist calendar, for which pilgrims from all over Tibet try to make the journey to Drepung Monastery. This day commemorates the first sermon given by Buddha regarding the four noble truths and because Buddhists believe that their actions on this day will be multiplied many times, they meditate.
One of Tibet’s greatest temples, Ganden Monastery is the destination for thousands of Buddhists and tourists every year for this special day. People gather early, to pray, pay homage to the holy relics and gather on surrounding hillsides to see the great unveiling of an enormous handwoven tapestry depicting Buddha.
Yushu (or Gyêgu) was a town ideally situated as a center for trade and was historically the home of the richest Tibetans in the country. Every year this festival celebrates the wealth of the area with a carnival of colorful tents. Visitors flock to see exciting horse races and beautiful folk dance performances.
This festival attracts nomadic Tibetan horsemen - or Khampas, and visitors from all over to Litang plain. There are exciting Tibetan pony races in which the riders and traders compete for the honor of owning the best horse. There are also performances, food and craft stalls and other sporting competitions for entertainment.
This week-long celebration is held to honor Lord Buddha with joyful festivities. Early in the morning, the people gather at Drepung monastery to watch the unveiling of a huge embroidered Thangka of Buddha. This is followed by picnics, games and opera performances in ‘The Jewelled Park’ and at night, there are great bonfires and parties.
