It's Festival Time: Grand Gatherings in Asia
In Thailand, Songkran (Thai New Year) is about to reassert its claim as one of the world's most visitor-friendly festivals. Such is its widespread appeal that the Thai government has decided to expand festivities far beyond the traditional three-day timespan, proving the adage that most people love a good shindig. There's more levity to be found around Asia in the coming months courtesy of the following celebrations.
IT'S FESTIVAL TIME:
GRAND GATHERINGS IN ASIA
In Thailand, Songkran (Thai New Year) is about to reassert its claim as one of the world's most visitor-friendly festivals. The festival is the biggest and most important in Thailand. It is about new beginnings and is marked with religious traditions in addition to the famous water soaking fun. Such is its widespread appeal that the Thai government has decided to expand festivities far beyond the traditional three-day timespan, proving the adage that most people love a good shindig. There's more levity to be found around Asia in the coming months courtesy of the following celebrations.
AN EVENT WITH TEETH IN PNG
Sepik River Crocodile Festival
Papua New Guinea is rapidly being recognized for travel adventure options that include some of the world's best diving. But, for many, its range of festivals and celebrations is a huge factor in the country's appeal. One of these, the Sepik River Crocodile Festival, celebrated by the indigenous people along Papua New Guinea's Sepik River, is a vibrant showcase of cultural heritage and reverence for the crocodile. Held annually, this festival honors the crocodile as a sacred creature and symbol of strength and fertility. Participants adorn themselves in traditional attire, adorned with crocodile motifs, and perform mesmerizing dances, songs, and rituals. Intricately crafted crocodile masks and sculptures showcase the artisans' skill and creativity.
When? August 2024
Combine with: Papua New Guinea Crocodile Festival
BHUTAN’S GLORIOUS GATHERING
Thimphu Tshechu
Events and festivals, known as tshechus, richly populate Bhutan's annual calendar, serving as windows into the nation's ancient Buddhist heritage. Thimphu, as the capital, proudly hosts the grand Thimphu Tshechu, the country's largest celebration, held this year in September. Crowds of Bhutanese gather within the sacred precincts of Tashichhodzong to immerse themselves in the festivities. A focal point of the event is the mesmerizing mask dances performed by lay monks. Adding a touch of whimsy and spiritual significance, Atsaras, comical characters, are believed to ward off malevolent forces, offering entertainment and protection. Other major festivals in Bhutan include Jambay Lhakhang Drup, where fire dancing and mask dancing mark the foundation of Jambay Lhakhang Monastery, and the Royal Highlander Festival where visitors can witness the dances and traditions of the highland people.
When? September 2024
Combine with: Classic Bhutan
RAISE A GLASS IN GEORGIA
Wine made from native Georgian Shavkapito grape in Kakheti
Georgia is known as the cradle of wine and has viticultural traditions traceable to 6000 BC. The country's deep-seated culture of wine production can be appreciated while having a (wine) barrel of laughs during the Rtveli wine harvesting festival, which takes place every autumn. Rtveli is one of the most eagerly anticipated and joyously celebrated calendar events and is best enjoyed in Kakheti, the nation's biggest and best-known wine region. The festival is about more than just drinking wine — although there’s no shortage of opportunities to savor a glass or three. It also marks the process of picking grapes, processing them into juice and starting the fermentation process to make wine, offering plenty of scope for fun activities like grape stomping with local families.
When? Autumn
Combine with: Classic Georgia
HARBIN KEEPS IT COOL
Ice sculpture, Harbin
While some of China’s metropolises have expanded to the detriment of their traditional character, Harbin has retained its distinctive air. The city is one of China’s main cultural crossroads and has strong Russian influences along with a sizeable Jewish community. Its most widely known calling card is its annual Ice Festival. The event is a dazzling celebration of ice and snow artistry. Towering ice sculptures, illuminated by colorful lights, transform the city into a magical winter wonderland. Visitors marvel at intricately carved ice buildings, slides, and sculptures, while enjoying various activities like ice swimming and ice lantern tours, making it a truly unforgettable experience.
When? January 2025
Combine with: Cities, Slopes and Serenity: Skiing the Mountains and Seeing the Cities of China
KUMBH ONE, COME ALL IN INDIA
Naga Baba initiates
Dating back thousands of years, the Kumbh Mela remains an awe-inspiring and humbling ritual. Next year's staging of the Kumbh at Prayagraj (formerly Allahabad) looks set to be a monumental event of spiritual significance. Over 40 million pilgrims and seekers from all corners of the globe will converge on the banks of the holy Ganges River for this grand spectacle, seeking spiritual purification and enlightenment. For India's Hindus, the opportunity to purify sins and be liberated from life's miseries and sufferings by bathing in the holy Ganges is one not to be passed up. One of the most alluring accommodation options near the site is at the TUTC Camp Sangam Nivas set up just for the massive event, but with only a few dozen luxury tents. Positioned at the highest point of the Kumbh Mela, Sangam Nivas offers the perfect vantage point for guests to observe from above and soak in the atmosphere of the Kumbh.
When? January and February 2025
Combine with: Classic India
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