WHEN TO GO - May

Though this festival is referred to as the ‘birthday of Buddha’, it also celebrates Buddha’s enlightenment and passing and as such, is one of the most important events in the Buddhist calendar. Devotees visit the pagodas and make offerings of flowers and fruits, while abstaining from alcohol and other prohibited activities.

During Dragon Boat Festival, local teams race against each other in their fiercely decorated dragon boats with some of the biggest and most competitive in Stanley. Spectators can expect pounding drums and roaring crowds, alongside cold beers and live music on site.

This celebration, on the most sacred day of the Buddhist calendar, is the most important festival for Buddhists. It holds special significance because it is the birthday of Buddha, and there is a fair held to commemorate the event at Lumbini, attended by Buddhist from all over the world, where Buddha is said to have been born.

May 9th marks a day of commemoration, victory and respect for the people of Kyrgyzstan. Kyrgyz people across the nation pay tribute veterans and to the victory of the Soviet Union over Germany in WWII. The veterans are the main guests on this day, which includes performances, a parade and an evening firework show.