AMERICAS

follows a person”. What sets the festival apart from the other celebrations in the region are the colourful and flamboyant costumes and scary masks flaunted by the locals. tourismthailand.org

CHAMPAKULAM BOAT RACE The Champakulam Boat Race originally began in the Champakulam village but soon spread to other parts of the state. Today, the race attracts a strong crowd of visitors from across the globe. The snake-boat race is deemed as the ultimate test of endurance, fitness, speed and skill. keralatourism.org

SINDHU DARSHAN FESTIVAL The three-day festival is held annually to celebrate River Sindhu (Indus) that originates from Mansarovar Lake in Tibet. People from all walks of life come together to immerse earthen pots filled with water drawn from different rivers of India. It signifies the undying spirit and unity of India. Filled with colours and vibrancy, the festival showcases an array of splendid performances. Soldiers fighting for our country against all odds are saluted. San Francisco, USA June 7-19 Portland, USA July 27-31 SAN FRANCISCO JAZZ FESTIVAL This is an initiative by a not-for-profit organisation called SFJAZZ to bring all jazz lovers and musicians under one roof. Since its debut in 1983, the San Francisco Jazz Festival has grown in size and is considered as an important cultural event in California. sfjazz.org

OREGON BREWERS FESTIVAL This five-day beer celebration is famous for bringing beer aficionados under one roof. Head to the banks of the Willamette River and enjoy a chilled glass of beer while enjoying the Portland skyline. With a variety of over 80 independent craft beers, you are sure to attain Beervana.