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.
Observers stand in awe as 10,000 fireworks shoot off into the night sky above Japan's largest lake, Lake Biwa in Shiga. Launched from Otsu Port, this night-long festival is a treat for the eyes in addition to being one of the largest and grandest firework shows in all of Asia. This is one of three major festivals in the stunning, natural area.
Celebrating the date fruit, this festival hosted in Buraidah occurs annually for three months starting in August. Visitors will find more than 30 varieties of dates, as well as date products such as molasses, dough, sugar, jam and chocolate.
Every year in the East Sepik province of Papua New Guinea, a three-day event is held to celebrate everything crocodile. The stars of the show - the fresh and saltwater river crocodiles - are an important part of local heritage. This festival highlights their importance within the ecosystem and also promotes conservation.
Drums sound as dancers of all ages display their talents at the three-day Eisa Festival in Okinawa, Japan. Performed during the Obon season, this festival follows the lunar calendar and falls during the summer season. Visitors enjoy cultural dance performances by locals dressed in the traditional style.
An incredible spectacle happens every year during the end of August and start of September when around 300 elephant all converge on the banks of the Minneriya Lake, in the north of Sri Lanka. The phenomenon, known as ‘the Gathering’ is one of the highest concentrations of these Asian Elephants to be found anywhere in the world.
For three days in August, Wabag Town in the Highlands region of Papua New Guinea stages a sensational meeting for the people of Enga, showcasing all their cultural variants in spectacular fashion. The people of this province are unique in that they can all speak the same language, making them the largest linguistic group in the country.
Every August, the town of Berd in the mountainous Tavush region holds a festival showcasing the best of its honey and berries, made into homemade products, crafts, and delectable dishes, pastries, sweets, and drinks. This sweet festival attracts visitors from across the country and abroad, alike.
Also known as the festival of cows, Gai Jatra commemorates the dead, and is one of Nepal’s most popular events. The main celebration takes place in the Kathmandu valley, and families who have lost a relative must parade through the streets, leading a cow. After the procession, people wear masks, sing songs, and tell jokes.
The spectacular 11-day Ganesh Chaturthi festival honors the birth of the beloved Hindu elephant-headed god, Lord Ganesha. The start of the festival sees huge, elaborate statutes of Ganesha installed in homes and podiums, which have been specially constructed and beautifully decorated. At the end of the festival, the statutes are paraded through the streets, accompanied by much singing and dancing, then submerged in the ocean.
Fires light the night sky on the Daimonji Mountain in Nyoigatake near Kyoto. The fires are lit at 8pm and remain flaming for 30 minutes. Torches and bonfires serve as a form of prayer for the Okuribi people. Blazing bonfires are best viewed from the banks of Kamogawa River or in front of Doshisha University during this festival.
