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.
Those interested in Hong Kong's street art scene will be interested to know about HKwalls, the city's annual street art festival, which takes place every March. Expect high-quality murals from both local and international street artists all around Hong Kong, exhibitions and other events. With the use of technology, digital elements make the art pieces even more interactive.
Holi is a two-day festival that celebrates the victory of good over evil, as well as the abundance of the spring harvest season. It's commonly referred to as the "Festival of Colors." People exuberantly throw colored powder and water all over each other, have parties, and dance under water sprinklers. Bhang (a paste made from cannabis plants) is traditionally consumed during the celebrations. Holi is a very carefree festival and great fun to participate in if you don’t mind getting wet and dirty.
Those with a passion for poppies or devotion to daffodils need look no further to satisfy their gardening needs than this 10-day event. An oasis in this often overwhelming city, the HK Flower Show in Victoria Park presents a wide range of potted plants, landscape designs and floral arrangements.
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.
