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.
Hong Kong Rugby Sevens has rapidly evolved into one of the sport's biggest international events. The annual three-day competition, held in March or April, invites teams from all over the world to compete in front of 40,000 fans inside Hong Kong Stadium. The 15-minute games guarantee lightning-fast plays and high-adrenaline action.
Every year for about 10 days in March, hot air balloons take to the skies above Sri Lanka, following a route covering Sigiriya, Kandy and the capital, Colombo. Participants come from all over the word to fly their colorful and unusual hot air balloons over the gorgeous Sri Lankan countryside.
Set on the top of the spectacular Nghia Linh Mountain, Hung King Temple Festival is an ancient and sacred event marking Hung King’s death. Celebrations start the night before, with 100 flying lights being released into the night sky. The main day features elaborate ceremonies worshipping Hung King, big feasts, elephant marches and songs.
Celebrated annually on March 26th, Independence Day marks Bangladesh’s official separation and hard-won independence from Pakistan. Numerous events are held around the country including parades, fairs, concerts, ceremonies celebrating the history and traditions of Bangladesh. Main streets are decorated with national flags and Television and radio stations will broadcast special programs and patriotic songs
Set aside the sea, the Inn Daw Gyi Shwe Myitzu Pagoda Festival is the only one of its kind in Myanmar. Attracting many people from around the globe, visitors take a relaxed boat ride from Yangon to the charming Laputta Township. The festival, with its beautiful parasols, together with the town and pagoda, is an overall delight.
Katara Esplanade’s spacious beach with steady winds is where the Doha’s International Kite Festival takes place over several days each March. Over 100 participants from around the world compete for the honors in various categories, while spectators can enjoy the visual feast in the sky as well as a variety of family-friendly activities including kite-making workshops, face painting, and street painting.
Local tribespeople flock to Kakku for this festival in Taunggyi in the Shan State. Slender, elegant pagodas decorate the festival grounds in the traditional geometric look typical of the region.
This traditional religious ritual takes place annually on Good Friday. In a rice field outside the city of San Fernando, repentant sinners are tied and nailed to a cross with stainless steel, disinfected nails, in a re-enactment of the crucifixion of Christ. Penitents take part in order to cleanse themselves of their sins.
This week-long festival takes place throughout Holy Week on the island of Marinduque. Locals dress in colorful Roman armor and costumes and parade in the streets. Stories are reenacted and on Good Friday, the men march through the streets, whipping themselves to reflect the suffering of Christ in order to absolve themselves of sins.
Navruz is an ancient festival that takes place over three days in late March, marking the first day of spring and the Persian New Year. This important national holiday is celebrated with whole towns preparing special dishes to be eaten only on this occasion, and taking part in street parties, concerts, parades, and visiting with friends and family.
