Certain cultures commemorate an event or a celebration in a grandeur style, as perceived by an outsider. Asia is affluent with such commemoration flowing with extreme eccentricity. Again, as an outsider, getting involved in cultural and artistic festivals would be a fantastic learning occasion - and a bucket list crossed off! But to the locals innately preparing and partaking, these festivals symbolise a part of their true essence.
Lucky for you, you can purposefully plan a trip to a certain country, jet on a plane, and immerse yourself in several festivals in Asia worth experiencing - even if it’s merely a once-in-a-lifetime thing. Here’s our bucket list below, taking place in snowy and sizzling temperatures.
Festivals in Asia Worth Experiencing
Wakakusa Yamayaki Matsuri, Japan
On the fourth Saturday of January, the Japanese flock to the base of Mount Wakakusayama in Nara, Japan to witness the mountain burn. The Wakakusa Yamayaki Matsuri festival is performed by the Kasuga Taisha Shrine, Kofuji Temple, and Todaiji Temple. The festival originally begins at noon with various minor events held around the base, such as a competition to throw giant rice crackers. Eventually, a torch-lighting ceremony at Kasuga Shrine takes place, which is then carried to the foot of the mountain and topped with an awing fireworks display.
The people of Nara believe this has been held for hundreds of years yet its origins remain a big mystery; some have claimed that the fire began during boundary conflicts between Nara’s temples, and others instigated that it drove away wild boars. Despite environmental concerns, firefighters are on standby to avoid forest fires.
Lantern Festival, Taiwan
Dashing lanterns released to the starry night are common in Taiwan after Chinese New Year, or precisely on the 15th day of the first month in the Chinese calendar. The Lantern Festival is held across the country, namely in Taipei and Kaohsiung, while the most festive one is in Pingxi.
Each lantern holds a wish written in the new year before it is released. This symbolises a positive ode to usher in a new beginning, as well as considered to be the closing of the Lunar New Year celebrations. Usually, the first lantern release is carried out at 6:30 PM and until its very last release at 9:30 PM. In the meantime, people gather with their families in jolly spirits.
Harbin Ice and Snow Festival, China
Harbin City in China kindles a frozen island in the Songhua River featuring majestic ice sculptures that glimmer colourfully at night every year. Three different zones are on display: snow-made sculptures of world figures at Sun Island Park; world-class ice sculpture artists live at Zhaolin Park; and replicas of worldwide icons at Ice & Snow World.
You can find interesting ice and snow carnivals, international ice sculpture competitions, ice lantern performances, painting exhibitions, dance performances, and more during this festival. The festival normally commences in mid-December and eventually melts away by March.
Holi Festival, India
The Holi festival, or festival of colours, is a celebration of Hindu culture and religion that is used to welcome spring and as a symbol of starting a new beginning. To celebrate, people would throw powder or splash colourful water on others. Holi is held for up to 16 days in India’s Braj region in places related to Sri Krishna and Sri Radha, such as Mathura, Vrindavan, Nandagaon, and Barshana. This festive occasion is also celebrated in Nepal, Bangladesh, and countries with large Hindu populations.
Rainforest World Music Festival, Malaysia
From the vibrant beats echoing through the lush Borneo rainforest, the concept of “world music” ignites Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia for three days normally occurring in mid-June or July every year. This is dubbed as one of the world’s biggest music festivals due to its distinct lineup of musicians from various countries, such as South America, the United Kingdom, the Philippines, Scotland, and Madagascar.
“World music” has the basic character of a cultural ethnicity that has now developed widely, and this festival celebrates such diversity with various genres, ranging from modern and contemporary styles to traditional instruments.
Yi Peng dan Loy Krathong Festivals, Thailand
The Yi Peng and Loy Krathong Festivals are included in the Thailand Festival of Lights. Every late November, mesmerising lights beam above and below due to the lanterns and Krathong (a circular container on which candles, flowers, and incense are placed on the surface of the water). Head to Chiang Mai to witness and experience these festivals at the same time. But if you wish to immerse in one of the other, Loy Krathong is celebrated nationwide, whereas Yi Peng is only performed in northern Thailand, precisely in Chiang Mai.