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 four-day Tamil harvest festival, known as ‘Thai Pongal’ or simply ‘Pongal’ is held annually in order to give thanks to the sun and appreciate it as an invaluable source of energy. Tamils across both India and Sri Lanka decorate their homes with banana and mango leaves, and use flour to draw beautiful patterns on the floor.
For one day each year, the Tamil Hindus of Malaysia give thanks and do penance. Thousands of pilgrims make the eight-hour walk from Kuala Lumpur to the Batu Caves, bearing kavadi - physical burdens, which may include rods through their cheeks or hooks embedded into the skin. The Kavadis honor Murugan, the god of victory.
Thaipusam is the most symbolic festival for Singapore’s large Hindu, Tamil community. On the full moon of the tenth Tamil month, devotees make a five-hour procession, or ‘Walk of Faith’ from Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple to Sri Thendayuthapani Temple. This is done to offer their own thanks and to receive blessings.
This annual cultural festival is held in the old town of Al Ula, beginning in December and running a series of eight weekend concerts for world-class musicians. The festival is inspired by the sundial located within the town, used by locals as a marker for the changing of the seasons.
The three-month Yen Tu Festival, held within a majestic mountain range in northeastern Vietnam, starts on the 10th day of the first lunar month. After holding a small ritual at the base of Yen Tu Mountain, tens of thousands of pilgrims journey to a shrine at the summit in an effort to realize personal dreams or get rid of sorrow.
The Alaungdaw Khathapa Pagoda is in the grounds of a National Park in Sagaing and as such, visitors travel to see the temple and nearby caves on the day of the full moon but also to spend time in the park and see the elephants for which the park is famous. Pilgrims climb down into the ravine to pay homage at Shin Maha Kathapa’s tomb.
Bau Nyale, an ancient festival started by the Tunjung Beru Kingdom’s Princess Mandalika, celebrates the yearly appearance of nyale sea worms at Seger Beach in Kuta Village over five days. Glowing bright, the worms depart their coral reefs and head to the surface. Several events following the worms' appearance provide plenty of entertainment.
Visitors gain a rare insight into the mysterious Shan culture at the Bawgyo Pagoda Festival in the Thibaw Township. Observing ancient traditions, the culture is unique to the rest of the country. The famous pagoda is the pinnacle of the festival. Visitors enjoy traditional dances, performances, music and cuisine in the town’s park.
This festival marks the end of the New Year celebrations throughout Tibet. It is a day of feasting and traditional dance and music is performed. Lamps made of yak butter are carved into the shapes of deities, flowers and animals and displayed in the middle of decorative shrines. On the day of the festival, the lamps are lit.
Also known as the ‘Rose of the North’ due to its abundance of plant life, Chiang Mai plays host to the country’s annual Flower Festival. Throughout February the city blossoms into life, with colorful displays and parades. Suan Buak Haad Park is also transformed into a huge flower expo, showcasing the pick of the bunch.
