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.
Drepung Monastery is one of Tibet’s most important seats of Buddhism and each year, pilgrims travel from all around for this festival in its grounds. Prayers and offerings are made and the monks chant scriptures. Elaborate Cham dances are performed, depicting historical and religious stories and legends.
One of Sri Lanka’s most spectacular and colorful festivals is Esala Perahera, a 10-day event in the central city of Kandy. Held to commemorate an ancient Buddhist tooth relic, this festival features processions through the streets, dancing, and music. It all ends with a peculiar ‘water cutting’ session (with swords) in the river.
Hosted in Qabala every summer since its inception in 2009, this open-air festival of classical museum showcases both local and international talent.
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.
The Bidayuh community of Bung Jagoi in Sarawak comes together for one day with increasing numbers of visitors from all over Malaysia and beyond to celebrate the end of the year’s harvest and to show off their culture and traditions. There are performances of traditional music and dance, as well as a beauty pageant and carnival.
Gion Matsuri is one of the most famous festivals in Japan, taking place in July between 17th and 24th. The festival dates back to 869 AD and celebrates Yasaka Shrine. There are colorful float processions, as well as many other events over the days and around town.
This two-day celebration takes place in the Haa Valley. Visitors come to the area to enjoy the traditions and culture of nomadic Bhutan, eat authentic food and take part in traditional games, as well as folk music and dancing. It is also an opportunity to see the indigenous alpine flowers and the Noblang, the sacred cattle of Haa.
One of the most important events on the national calendar, the Sultan’s birthday on July 15th is annually celebrated throughout the country with events and festivities. At the Istana Nurul Iman Palace, the Sultan delivers a royal address, followed by an inauguration ceremony. His Majesty meets with his subjects at gatherings in four districts, expressing their gratitude to the King for his services. The day ends with a banquet and fireworks behind the palace, but festivities continue for two weeks with further parades and fireworks.
The annual International OIMO Festival, occurring in Bishkek each July, is a true celebration of Central Asian culture. Featuring national foods, musical concerts, local film screenings, fashion shows, and a large handicraft fair, the festival welcomes artists, vendors, and presenters from across Central Asia.
This important Hindu festival takes place in the pretty pilgrimage town of Kataragama in the south of the island. On the day/night of the full moon in July (somtimes in August), devotees subject themselves to various ritual torture techniques in a bid to appease their deities. It’s not for the faint-hearted, but certainly an unforgettable spectacle.
