CELEBRATIONS GALORE

While we celebrate Diwali and Durga Puja, many across the world join hands to enjoy their own traditional festivals, often little known to us.

GUY FAWKES NIGHT

This festival commemorates the arrest of Guy Fawkes, who was planning to blow up London’s House of Lords and assassinate King James

I, in 1605. People across Great Britain light bonfires in a celebration that eventually balloons into a night of revelry and mischief.

CHUSEOK

Chuseok is a three-day celebration in South Korea. Normally falling around a full moon between September and October, this harvest festival involves honouring one’s ancestors and sharing feasts with friends and family.

BEIGNET FESTIVAL

Beignet Fest rings in its inaugural ode to deep-fried pastry on October 7 from 10 am to 6 pm at New Orleans City Park Festival Grounds. The mission of the festival is to celebrate and enhance the lives of children with developmental delays and disabilities.

LOI KRATHONG AND YI PENG

Celebrated in Thailand, both the festivals fall on the same day, which is normally the first full moon in November. For Loi Krathong, people will gather along riverways and launch small boats filled with offerings and candles, making a wish as they do so. For Yi Peng, thousands of sky lanterns, called khom loi, float into the night sky in a gorgeous glowing parade.

MOON FESTIVAL

The Mid-autumn Festival, or Moon Festival, is celebrated in China, Taiwan, Vietnam and other surrounding countries. It is a harvest festival that dates back to more than 1,000 years where families gather to honour the full moon, which symbolises reunion, prosperity and happiness.

ALL SOULS’ DAY

In Christianity, All Souls’ Day commemorates All Souls, the Holy Souls, or the Faithful Departed; that is, the souls of Christians who have died. Observing Christians typically remember deceased relatives on this day.