MEET THE WORLD
EXPERIENCE ASIA'S ARRAY OF VIBRANT, VIVACIOUS FESTIVALS AND PLAN YOUR YEAR'S TRAVELS AROUND THE 2017 LINEUP
JANUARY Harbin, China The Ice and Snow Festival features a collection of ice artwork. Ice lanterns have their origins in the Qing Dynasty, when farmers and fishermen would make ice lanterns to illuminate the dark winter months. The festival began with Harbin's traditional ice lantern show and garden party in 1963. The show was stalled during the Cultural Revolution, but resumed in 1985. Bikaner, India In Rajasthan, the Bikaner Camel Festival is dedicated to showcasing these tough creatures, which work as domestic animals in harsh desert conditions. This two- day affair features events such as camel races, a camel parade, and other cultural performances which culminate in a noisy, lively atmosphere. A visit to this festival would be incomplete without indulging in camel milk tea and sweetmeats. JANUARY Kalibo, Philippines The colourful Ati- Atihan Festival is held annually, and has been going since the time of the early Borneo settlers. This event honours Santo Nino, who the locals see as a representation of the baby Jesus. Fans of Mardi Gras will love the elaborate, dazzling costumes, vibrant music and the assortment of traditional dances. Like any good festival, there is also plenty of feasting and drinking!
FEBRUARY
11
MARCH Uzbekistan Navruz is a favourite holiday among the Uzbek people, and has been celebrated for at least 2,500 years. It signifies the new year for the Turkic and Iranian people because of the equally long daytime and nighttime. On Navruz, conflict is forbidden, and forgiveness is expected of everybody. The acts made within the first 13 days of the new year are seen to be sign of things to come for the rest of the year. APRIL Nepal This is a wonderful event to witness in Nepal, but it is celebrated by Hindus all over the world. Rama Navami honours the birth of the Hindu god, Rama. The child of King Dasharatha and Queen Kausalya is believed to be the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Hindu families gather to recite puja ( prayers), usually led by the youngest female, who applies a red tilak (mark) to the foreheads of family members. APRIL Guizhou, China The legend behind this Miao festival tells of two cousins who fell in love, much to their parents’ disapproval. During their secret meetings, the girl would bring along a rice meal. In Miao language, a meal taken to a secret lover is called gadliangl, which translates to 'sisters’ meal' in Chinese. On this day, rice is dyed blue, pink, yellow and white to represent the seasons. APRIL Myanmar & Thailand Celebrators in Myanmar call it Thingyan, whereas the Thai call it Songkran. Worshippers in both country's pour water over statues of the Buddha, representing the purification of sins. The young will pour water over the elders’ hands as a sign of respect. Major streets are closed so that people can celebrate with water fights; everybody participates by splashing water on each other.
JULY Kyoto, Japan The Gion Festival dates back to 869, and takes places in Kyoto every year, usually running for the whole month of July. It began with the purpose of appeasing the god of the Yasaka Shrine, Susanoo-no-mikoto (who was thought to cause natural disasters) following an epidemic. Gradually, the rituals became less intense, but the procession with the impressive Hoko and Yama floats still remains a vital part of the festival. Locally termed eriin gurvannaadam, this extravagant occasion holds three sporting competitions, namely wrestling, horseracing and archery. Naadam formally commemorates the 1921 revolution when Mongolia officially declared its independence. Visitors can join in the festivities by watching the competitions and feasting on traditional foods and airag, fermented horse milk.
SEPTEMBER
13Thiruvananthapuram, India The day of Onam is believed to be the day that Lord Vishnu sent King Mahabali to the underworld. People lay down flower mats, and feast and dance with the purpose of conveying to King Mahabali – who makes his annual visit to the living world – that his people are happy and prosperous. During this period, the fields are filled with golden paddy grains and blossoming flowers, putting on an extra show for visitors. North and South Korea The Chuseok Festival is one of Korea’s three major holidays. Koreans hold memorial services in their homes in honour of their ancestors, or sweep their ancestors’ graves. Tourists can visit the Korean folk village for traditional games, dance performances and re- enactments of Chuseok customs and rites. The palaces offer free admission to those wearing a hanbok traditional dress. Brunei The Hijri New Year reminds Muslims to work towards positive change, but it is also a time of festivity with family. With approximately 67 percent of Brunei's population Muslim, the kindgom is the perfect place to celebrate Hijr in that it is home to some exquisite mosques: Masjid Omar Ali Saifuddien is mirrored in a surrounding pool, and boasts opulent interior decor with lavish carpets and chandeliers. Nong Khai, Thailand Spectators line the banks of the Mekong to witness the eruption of unexplained fireballs, which are believed to come from the naga – a mythical serpent living in the river. Scientists suggest that the fireball is the result of rising flammable gas. Devotees maintain that this is the naga paying tribute to the the Lord Buddha. The festival also includes a light show and boat races.
The Philippines The Masskara Festival started in the 1980s as an initiative to boost the people’s spirits after the decline of sugar prices. It honours the resolute character of the Negrenses, and reminds them to keep their optimism in the face of overwhelming challenges. Participants are colourfully dressed and wear elaborate masks. The street performance takes the form of a mock dance battle between the towns. Phuket, Thailand Dating back 150 years, Chinese tin miners living in Phuket were affected by a fatal epidemic. Realising that they had failed to pay their respects to the nine emperor gods, they abstained from meat, alcohol, sex, quarreling and lying – and the epidemic stopped. Since then, performers have showed their devotion by piercing their flesh with sharp objects, claiming they feel no pain. Not for the queasy!
DECEMBER
03