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The final months of the year are often a time for some of the most remarkable festivals, especially in Asian countries where you cannot miss well-known names like Soorya Arts, Thaipusam, That Luang...
Highlighting the most prominent year-end festivals in Asian countries
1. Thaipusam Festival (Singapore, Malaysia)
Thaipusam, originating from ancient India, now only celebrated in select countries like Malaysia and Singapore, within the Tamil Hindu community. For a month leading up to the festival, Hindu devotees have been meditating, praying, and strictly observing a vegetarian diet. On the day of Thaipusam, devotees carry milk pots and wear wooden or metal Kavadi frames, often pierced into their flesh.
Through this famous year-end festival in Asia, they convey the belief that only when the human mind is liberated from material desires and physical passions can devotees fulfill sacred duties without feeling pain.
2. That Luang Festival (Laos)
Taking place on the full moon day of the 11th lunar month, this annual festival is held at the That Luang stupa and the famous Si Muong temple in Vientiane, Laos. That Luang festival consists of two parts: the ceremony and the fair. The ceremony includes various rituals, such as the procession of Phii Muang (guardian deity of the province) from Si Muong temple to That Luang. The fair is lively with culinary activities, sports, exhibitions, cultural performances, attracting a large number of attendees.
During the three days of this year-end festival in Laos, organizations and schools are closed. People buy flowers for decoration, light candles, and participate in parades or dance to traditional music. This is a time of gathering, showcasing the spirit of unity, with significance not only culturally, historically, but also spiritually in Laos.
3. Loi Krathong Festival (Thailand)
The Loi Krathong festival is not limited to a specific location but celebrated throughout the Land of Smiles on the full moon day of the 12th month in the Thai traditional lunar calendar (around November in the Gregorian calendar).
On the full moon night, thousands of people gather by rivers, canals... to pray and release beautifully decorated floats adorned with lit candles onto the water, symbolizing reverence for the Water Goddess and seeking forgiveness for polluting the water throughout the year.
Key locations for the largest Loi Krathong celebrations in Thailand include Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Sukhothai, Ayutthaya.
4. Soorya Arts Festival (India)
Soorya Arts is a prominent festival in India, one of the most well-known year-end festivals in Asian countries, renowned for its record-breaking duration of 111 days, from September 21st to January 10th of the following year. A plethora of captivating activities take place during this time, including film screenings, videos, music performances, dance, painting, folk art...
5. Ice Fishing Festival (China)
Annually hosted in Cap Nhi Tan, the Cap Nhi Tan Ice Festival is a yearly event in China and is among the top 4 largest snow and ice festivals in the world. It provides an opportunity for visitors to admire massive architectural ice sculptures and participate in exceptional entertainment activities. A major sideline event is the grand ice sculpting competition featuring teams from various countries across the globe.
In addition to the entrance ticket to the Cap Nhi Tan Snow World area priced at 330 yuan (~ $50), there are also numerous other free activities around the city extending until the end of February.
6. Water Festival (Cambodia)
The Water Festival takes place on the full moon day of the 11th lunar month and is considered the largest festival in the Khmer calendar. As water inundates the lakes and marshes, people from the temple-dotted land flock to the banks of the Tonle Sap and Mekong rivers in the capital city of Phnom Penh to witness thrilling boat races. The evening brings vibrant fireworks illuminating the rivers, while decorated wooden boats shimmer and float below. Cambodians view this as an occasion to mark the changing currents of the Tonle Sap River and express gratitude to the Mekong River for enriching the land and livelihoods of the people.
Experience the Ohara Festival in Japan
November is the perfect time for visiting Japan, especially to immerse yourself in the renowned Ohara Festival. This autumn extravaganza takes place in South Kyushu during November, attracting a staggering 600,000 participants. Witness over 20,000 dancers parading through the streets to the rhythms of traditional folk tunes like 'Ohara-bushi' and 'Han’ya-bushi,' creating an unforgettable atmosphere.
Celebrate Shichi-go-san Festival in Japan
One of Asia's notable year-end festivals is the Shichi-go-san Festival in Japan, held annually on November 15th. 'Shichi-go-san' signifies seven, five, and three, marking a significant milestone in children's lives. Parents organize this day for boys at ages three and five, and for girls at ages three and seven. Families visit shrines, buy their children 'chitose-ame' candies (longevity candies resembling cranes and turtles), symbolizing parents' hopes for their children's longevity and prosperity.
Here's a list of the top 10 year-end festivals in renowned Asian countries. Are you ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of these special occasions?
Compiled by Linh Tu - luhanhvietnam.com.vn
Image source: Internet
Posted by: Nhon Nguyen Van
Keyword: Immerse Yourself in the Exciting Year-End Festival Atmosphere in Various Asian Countries
