With thousands of traditional Asian festivals to choose from, we hope this list inspires you to get involved in the celebrations and book your next trip to coincide with one of the holidays celebrated in Asia every year. Festivals in India 1. Holi 2. Diwali (Deepvali) 3. Durga Puja 4. Pushkar Camel Fair Festivals in Cambodia 5. Chaul Chnam Baba Vanga, the celebrated bulgarian seer from the city of Petrich, predicted the 9/11 attacks, the 2004 tsunami and the Barack Obama’s election. Baba Vanga is known to have made dozens of predictions about recent historical events, with a “success rate” of about 65%. In the most recent years, she predicted the Arab Spring in 2010, which . Untold Festival is a Romanian dance giant and one of Europe's most beloved electronic music festivals, welcoming over 300,000 fans each year to the city of Cluj-Napoca. richwood ramp festival 2022 . elac s10 2 subwoofer review frogpond haiku. twilight fanfiction possessive jacob. temporary road closures derbyshire. how to remove black marks on This is one of the biggest music festival in Central Asia. The festival aims to popularise national music, to develop new talents in music as well as to spread it to international circuit. 3. Chabana or Cowboy festival Chabana is a festival in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan border which brings together local herders. Festivals are an expressive way to celebrate glorious heritage, culture and traditions. They are meant to rejoice special moments and emotions in our lives with our loved ones. They play an important role to add structure to our social lives, and connect us with our families and backgrounds. They give us a distraction from our day to day Pangatlong sangkapat. Disable moonphases. Some holidays and dates are color-coded: Red –Public Holidays and Sundays. Blue –Common Local Holidays. Gray –Typical Non-working Days. Black–Other Days. Only common local holidays are listed. The year 2022 is a common year, with 365 days in total.. 10/14/2022. 3 days. SzxyOId. There is no shortage of festivals in Asia to learn more about the continent’s rich cultural and religious traditions. From India’s colourful Holi festival to the bright display at Loi Krathong, here are some of the culture festivals in Asia that are worth checking out. To witness these events first hand, and even participate in some, discover all that Trafalgar has to offer in Asia. One of the most popular festivals in Asia is Holi. Holi typically falls in March, on the Hindu calendar’s full moon. Known as the “festival of colour”, “festival of spring” and “festival of love”, Holi is an ancient Hindu event that takes place across India celebrating the start of spring. Holi also signifies the importance of good over evil and it’s a time to end disputes with others. People gather around bonfires and perform religious rituals and pray to ward off evil. The following day, people meet in the streets to throw colourful powder at each other. EXPERIENCE IT FOR YOURSELF Colourful India 2. Loi Krathong Loi Krathong, takes place on the evening of the full moon of the 12th month in the Thai lunar calendar. During Loi Krathong, people decorate baskets, fill them with candles and float them along rivers. People also light up the sky with lanterns, colourful lights on houses and firework displays. It’s a bright and lively event that’s not to be missed! Loi Krathong takes place across Thailand, but the event also takes place in countries including Myanmar, Sri Lanka, China and Cambodia under a different name. EXPERIENCE IT FOR YOURSELF Treasures of Thailand 3. Dragon Boat Festival In China, the Dragon Boat Festival is celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth month of the Lunar calendar, usually falling in June. The tradition is said to have originated in ancient China and commemorates the life and death of famous Chinese scholar, Qu Yuan. On this day, people eat rice dumplings, drink realgar wine which is believed to ward off evil spirits and, of course, race dragon boats. EXPERIENCE IT FOR YOURSELF Classic China 4. Diwali One of the largest festivals in Asia is Diwali, also known as the “festival of lights”. Observed by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains around the world, it commemorates the triumph of good over evil. People celebrate by lighting candles, setting off fireworks and eating sweet treats with family. EXPERIENCE IT FOR YOURSELF Colourful India with Nepal – Celebrate Diwali RELATED CONTENT What is Diwali, and how is it celebrated? 5. Songkran Songkran is the celebration of the New Year in Thailand, observed on the 13th of April. How do people ring in Songkran? With a giant water fight! People take to the streets with buckets of water and dump them on each other. It’s meant to signify washing away the previous year and starting the new year refreshed. EXPERIENCE IT FOR YOURSELF Thailand and the Temples of Angkor 6. Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival If you’re looking to attend a music festival in Asia, look no further than Java Jazz Festival. It’s one of the biggest jazz festivals in the world that brings in top musical acts and celebrates Indonesia’s incredible music scene. RELATED CONTENT 7 unmissable music festivals in Africa everyone should experience at least once 7. Gion Matsuri In Kyoto, the Gion Festival takes place each year during the month of July. The event is celebrated with various festivities, the biggest of which is a big parade. It is custom to find food stalls selling Japanese desserts and women dressed in yukata, meaning summer kimono, and carrying paper fans. EXPERIENCE IT FOR YOURSELF Classic Japan 8. Chinese New Year Chinese New Year, also called Spring Festival, celebrates the beginning of the new year in the Chinese Lunar calendar. It’s one of the biggest and most important holidays in China and is celebrated all over the world. Chinese New Year takes place over sixteen days, with customs including cleaning the house, giving red envelopes filled with money to children, lighting lanterns, setting off fireworks and spending time with family and friends. EXPERIENCE IT FOR YOURSELF Hong Kong and Macau Experience 9. Tet Nguyen Dan Tet is Vietnamese New Year and means “The Feast of the First Morning of the First Day”. It’s a popular holiday to gather with friends and family and enjoy a feast of special foods like sticky rice cakes. Similar to Chinese New Year, people clean their homes for Tet and give children red envelopes filled with money. EXPERIENCE IT FOR YOURSELF Highlights of Vietnam 10. Eid Eid marks the end of Ramadan, in which Muslims fast from dawn to sunset for a month. It’s a religious holiday that’s observed with prayer and a meal with family and friends all over the world, including many parts of Asia. 11. Nyepi On March 9th in Bali, the country takes part in the annual Day of Silence called Nyepi. It’s a public holiday and tradition that’s unique to the Hindu culture of Bali where people participate in fasting, meditation and silence. RELATED CONTENT Why everyone needs a bucket list trip Asia at least once in their lives Have you been to any festivals in Asia? Let us know in the comments. These big Asian festivals may vary from place to place, but all share something in common they're often big, chaotic, and extremely memorable! With so many different cultures, religions, and reasons to celebrate spread across Asia, you'll probably be close to an interesting festival no matter where you travel. That's a mixed blessing. Arriving in time to enjoy the festivities will make a great memory. But arriving in the middle of a massive festival when hotels are full and transportation is shut down will be something you'd rather forget. Note Many Asian festivals are based on lunisolar calendars, so the dates change from year to year. 03 of 10 Chinese New Year Pascal Deloche/Getty Images Chinese New Year is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in the world. The first few days of the 15-day festival will certainly have an impact on all destinations in Asia. Many Chinese families travel to tourist destinations in Southeast Asia during this time. Expect accommodation to be pricier than usual; transportation often fills up. The reward is worth the effort! When Dates change; usually in January or February Where All major destinations in Asia, but especially Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Penang, and other places with large ethnic-Chinese communities. 04 of 10 Ramadan Kevin Frayer/Stringer/Getty Images There is no reason to avoid travel during the Islamic holy month. In fact, you'll get to enjoy special foods, markets, and festivals in the evenings. Eid al-Fitr — Hari Raya Puasa in Bahasa-speaking countries — is particularly festive as Muslims break their fast. When Dates change yearly based on the sighting of the crescent moon in the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. Where Any country with a large Muslim population. Ramadan is widely observed in India, Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, and others. Continue to 5 of 10 below. 05 of 10 Chinese Moon Festival Addy Ho/EyeEm/Getty Images Also known as the Mooncake Festival or Mid-Autumn Festival, the Chinese Moon Festival is a happy time when friends, family, and lovers share reunions, spend time together, and exchange mooncakes. Chinese mooncakes are small, round cakes with different fillings; some can be surprisingly heavy, and the ones made from exotic ingredients are expensive! When Dates change; usually September or OctoberWhere Anyplace with a large Chinese population including Singapore and other major Asian cities. 06 of 10 Rainforest World Music Festival Robertus Pudyanto/Contributor/Getty Images One of Southeast Asia's largest music festivals, the Rainforest World Music Festival, is held each summer just outside of Kuching, the capital of Sarawak in Borneo. As if a large, international lineup of bands wasn't enough, the setting includes coastline and rainforest; plus, the three-day festival is filled with cultural demonstrations and workshops from the indigenous Dayak groups. Flights from Kuala Lumpur to Kuching are very affordable, but only if you book in advance of the festival! When Every year in June or JulyWhere The Sarawak Cultural Village, located outside of Kuching in Sarawak, Borneo 07 of 10 Hari Merdeka Nora Carol Photography/Getty Images Hari Merdeka translates to "Independence Day" and can refer to the independence celebrations in either Malaysia or Indonesia. Both countries celebrate independence from colonial rule with parades, fireworks, and demonstrations. Public transportation is greatly affected during the festivals. When August 31 in Malaysia; August 17 for Indonesia Independence Day Where Throughout Malaysia and Indonesia 08 of 10 Setsubun in Japan masahiro Makino/Getty Images Setsubun is celebrated during Japan's Haru Matsuri Spring Festival to welcome the beginning of spring. Participants throw soybeans to frighten away evil spirits that could threaten health in the new lunar year. Shrines are particularly busy during this time. Although Setsubun is not an official national holiday, the event has evolved to include sumo wrestlers, celebrities, and gatherings where candy and envelopes with money are thrown into frenzied crowds! Setsubun is certainly one of the more peculiar, and fun, Japanese festivals. When February 3 or 4Where In gatherings, both public and private, throughout Japan Continue to 9 of 10 below. 09 of 10 Hungry Ghosts Festival NurPhoto/Getty Images The Hungry Ghosts Festival is a Taoist holiday celebrated by Chinese communities throughout Asia. Offerings of food are given to ancestors along with "gifts" represented by paper notes and fake money. Each note can represent new TVs, cars, household items, or other gifts that the ancestors may enjoy in the afterlife. The notes are thrown in the air and burned. Starting new undertakings and traveling during the Hungry Ghosts period is considered unlucky. When Dates change; always on the 14th day of the seventh lunar month Where Any place with a significant Taoist population including Singapore, Penang in Malaysia, and other destinations 10 of 10 National Day in China VCG/Stringer/Getty Images National Day in China began as a patriotic holiday in 1949. Tens of thousands of people from all parts of China cram into Beijing to enjoy Tiananmen Square and other national landmarks. National Day is definitely the busiest time to be in Beijing; the subway system and public transportation get filled beyond capacity. Popular sites and attractions such as the Great Wall and Forbidden City will have lengthy waits — plan accordingly! When October 1Where Beijing is the epicenter The festivals in Asia are an intriguing mix of the local cultures, lifestyles and religion that have evolved in the countries with their rich cultural identities. They not just give you an insight into the cultures of the people of the many nations in Asia but also their lives. Most importantly, these festivals also guarantee a fun-filled and delightful time for the locals and the tourists alike. You just cannot miss such festivals on your trip to the Asian nations. Here are 10 Asian festivals that are full of adventure, tradition and diversity to explore for a lifetime memory. Taiwan Lantern Festival Phi Ta Khon Ice And Snow Festival Kandy Perahera Holi Chaul Chnam Awa Odori Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda Naadam Festival Nowruz 1. Taiwan Lantern Festival, Taiwan Image Source This is a 14-day festival which starts from February 8, 2020, and is held all over Taiwan. During this period, the people of the country release lanterns into the night sky of Taiwan. The lanterns are electronic and it is symbolic of the blending of the pop culture and the traditional Taiwanese cultural icons or zodiac signs. The whole festival period remains an exemplary presentation of vibe and the culture of extensive enthusiasm. The locals take active participation in it but at the same time, a good chunk of tourists enjoy its fervour. Where All over TaiwanWhen 5 to 19 February 2023 Must Read 10 Things To Do In Taiwan That Will Have You Packing Your Bags Right This Minute! 2. Phi Ta Khon, Thailand Image Source This is a peculiar festival that celebrates the ghosts and departed spirits in a complete local spirit of Thailand yet seeking the attention of tourists alike. It is regarded as one of the most colourful of the festivals held in Thailand therefore it remains popular in Asia. The men dress up in bright costumes and masks to turn this festival into an exclusive one. It is an attempt to try to look like ghosts and remind people that death does not separate people. Besides local dances and activities that project a tradition that galore to the most, there are plenty of reasons for you to enjoy this festival. Where Dan Sai District, ThailandWhen 23 to 26 June 2023 Suggested Read Make The Best Of Your Southeast Asian Holiday By Planning A Snorkeling In Thailand 3. Ice And Snow Festival, China Image Source Glorious ice sculptures, skiing, ice golf, swimming, fishing, sledging, archery winter, this festival is all about these and much more to keep the participants and onlookers completely hooked. Around 2000 ice sculptures are put on display during this festival. Where Harbin, ChinaWhen December 20, 2023 to early March, 2024 Suggested Read China In September Know All About What To Do, Where To Go & More For A Fun Experience! 4. Kandy Perahera, Sri Lanka Image Source Also known as the Festival of Tooth, this famous festival commemorates the very first teachings of Buddha to his disciples. Street performers, acrobats, elephants and music are all a part of the procession that fills the streets. This festival is considered one of the popular ones to spread the message of Buddhism religion. It is perhaps the main reason that a large chunk of participants are locals and even the tourists enjoy participating in this festival. Where Sri LankaWhen August 2023 Suggested Read Sri Lanka In November A Handbook To Get The Best Of The Jewel Shaped Nation 5. Holi, India Image Source It is a festival that celebrates the triumph of good over evil and also seeks togive thanks for the good harvest. People begin bonfires at night and burn the effigies of Holika in hope that the evil is destroyed. It is followed by religious rituals and prayers. The next day people take to the streets to smear each other in vibrant colours and throw water at each other. Where All over IndiaWhen March 2023 Suggested Read Get A Whiff Of Royalty At Incredible India Rally Event That’ll Commence From Delhi! 6. Chaul Chnam, Cambodia Image Source This festival is a popular one for being the Cambodian New Year Festival that witnesses the participation of people from all parts of the country. It also marks the beginning of the rainy season and therefore people usually take to streets to celebrate this with ample fun and frolic. The markets are decorated, the streets are lit up and everyone gets in on the water fight with guns and buckets during this festival that brings a newer vibe and spirit in the masses. Besides locals, a good chunk of Cambodia travellers joins hands with them to celebrate this special occasion. Where All over CambodiaWhen April 2023 Suggested Read Cambodia In November A Handbook To Get The Best Of Khmer’s Land’ 7. Awa Odori, Japan Image Source This is a traditional dance festival in Japan where people from all walks of life take part in the dance rituals performed on the streets. They clad themselves in the traditional clothes, that is, cotton kimono and straw hats. People enjoy the occasion in unlimited fun and connect with each other for a new friendly gesture to showcase brotherhood and affinity. Where Tokushima, JapanWhen TBA Suggested Read Exploring Japan In July For A Perfect Experience Of The Summers 8. Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda Festival, Myanmar Image Source During this festival, a large boat is made with a bird motif which carries the statues of Buddha to be paraded from one village to the other connected by the Inle Lake. The people come around the lake and pay their respects and so do they enjoy the local food put up for sale near the banks of the lake. It is a two-month-long festival that seeks the attention of the majority of locals. A good chunk of tourists as well as indulge in this festival as keen observers. Many of them even join hands with the local people to enjoy the moment. Where Inle Lake, MyanmarWhen From September to October 2023 Suggested Read 10 Hidden Myanmar Beaches That You Must Visit 9. Naadam Festival, Mongolia This festival is an extraordinary display of sports and tradition in the region. It includes horse racing, archery and wrestling competitions along with folklore performances, music, food and much more that keeps both locals and tourists hooked. It celebrates Mongolia’s centuries-old nomadic culture as well as its independence. This festival seeks the attention of the masses in local yet remains a globally recognized one from the Asian region. Where Ulaanbaatar, MongoliaWhen July 2023 Suggested Read 28 Amazing Budget Beaches of South-East Asia 10. Nowruz, Iran Image Source Also known as the Persian New Year, this is a 7000-year-old tradition of celebrations with global popularity. Expect fireworks, camping, picnics and lots of food during this popular festival. It is also celebrated in many countries surrounding Iran. Where All over IranWhen TBA Further Read Iran Has Started Offering Visa-On-Arrival To Indian Nationals! More Power To Travel Asia, being a colourful continent offers an immersive travel experience. And, the above mentioned exciting festivals are a testament to that! Festivals in Asia are traditional, cultural and also religious so much so that they bound to make your trip to Asia breathtakingly surreal. So, don’t hesitate to align your holiday plan with these festivals. Try to be a part of such diverse celebrations that will make you feel one with the spirit of Asia. Disclaimer TravelTriangle claims no credit for images featured on our blog site unless otherwise noted. All visual content is copyrighted to its respectful owners. We try to link back to original sources whenever possible. If you own the rights to any of the images, and do not wish them to appear on TravelTriangle, please contact us and they will be promptly removed. We believe in providing proper attribution to the original author, artist or photographer. Please Note Any information published by TravelTriangle in any form of content is not intended to be a substitute for any kind of medical advice, and one must not take any action before consulting a professional medical expert of their own choice. Frequently Asked Questions About Top 10 Asian Festivals What festivals are celebrated in Asia? Harbin International Ice & Snow Sculpture Festival, Thaipusam, Chinese New Year, Holi and Taiwan Lantern Festival are some of the most popular festivals of Asia. Which country in Asia has the most festivals? Speaking both regional and national events, India has the most festivals. What can you do at the Naadam Festival in Mongolia? Some of the things one can do at the Naadam Festival are to witness the parade and sporting events, enjoy the local food and visit popular places situated nearby. Which is the most famous festival in China? The most popular and grandest festival in China is the Chinese New Year. At times, the Lantern Festival is also considered a popular one. Is Easter celebrated in Asia? There are millions of Christians in Asia and they do celebrate it. People Also Read Hawaiian Festivals Taiwan Festivals Argentina Festivals Mid-Autumn Festival, Zhongqiu Jie 中秋节 in Chinese, is also called the Moon Festival or the Mooncake Festival. It is the second most important festival in China after Chinese New Year. It is also celebrated by many other Asian countries, such as Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines. In China, Mid-Autumn Festival is a celebration of the rice harvest and many fruits. Ceremonies are held both to give thanks for the harvest and to encourage the harvest-giving light to return again in the coming year. It is also a reunion time for families, a little like Thanksgiving. Chinese people celebrate it by gathering for dinners, worshiping the moon, lighting paper lanterns, eating mooncakes, etc. Content Preview Mid-Autumn Festival 2023 Date Why Mid-Autumn Festival is Celebrated? How People Celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival Mid-Autumn Festival Stories Mooncakes and Other Foods Happy Mid Autumn Festival Greetings Mid-Autumn Festival Dates in 2023, 2024... Mid-Autumn Festival traditionally falls on the 15th day of the eighth month of the Chinese lunar calendar, which is in September or early October on the Gregorian calendar. As, traditionally, the four seasons each have three lunar months, day 15 of month 8 is "the middle of autumn", hence the festival's lunar date. For more, see How the Date of Mid-Autumn Festival Is Determined. In 2023, the Mid-Autumn Festival falls on September 29th Friday. Chinese people have a 2-day public holiday September 29th and 30th. Year Date Public Holiday 2023 September 29 Friday Sep. 29 2024 September 17 Tuesday Sep. 17 to 18 2025 October 6 Monday Oct. 6 2026 September 25 Friday Sep. 25 Why Mid-Autumn Festival is Celebrated? Mid-Autumn Festival has a history of over 3,000 years. It was derived from the custom of worshiping the moon in autumn to thank it for the harvest. In the process of cultural/historical developments, Mid-Autumn Festival has been infused with more meanings, including families gathering together and praying for good health and happiness. In modern times, people mainly celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival as a time for family reunions. It is said the moon on this day is the brightest and roundest, which has come to mean family reunion. Because of the central theme of family reunion, sometimes the festival evokes comparison to Thanksgiving in the You might want to read more on Mid-Autumn Festival Origins or 10 Interesting Mid-Autumn Facts. How People Celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival As the second most important festival in China, Mid-Autumn Festival Zhongqiu Jie is celebrated in many traditional ways. Here are some of the most popular traditional celebrations. 1. Enjoying a Dinner with Family The roundness of the moon represents the reunion of the family in Chinese minds. Families will have dinner together on the evening of Mid-Autumn Festival. The public holiday usually 3 days is mainly for Chinese people working in different places to have enough time to reunite. Those staying too far away from their parents' home usually get together with friends. 2. Eating Mooncakes Mooncakes are the most representative food for Mid-Autumn Festival. Their round shape and sweet flavor symbolize completeness and sweetness. At the Mid-Autumn Festival, people eat mooncakes together with family, or present mooncakes to relatives or friends, to express their love and best wishes. Mooncakes are usually eaten after dinner while admiring the moon. Click to know Mooncakes — Symbols, Flavors, Regional Varieties, and How to Eat Mooncakes. 3. Appreciating the Moon The full moon is the symbol of family reunions in Chinese culture. It is said, sentimentally, that "the moon on the night of Mid-Autumn Festival is the brightest and the most beautiful". Chinese people usually set a table outside their houses and sit together to admire the full moon while enjoying tasty mooncakes. Parents with little kids often tell the legend of Chang'e Flying to the Moon. As a game, kids try their best to find the shape of Chang'e on the moon. There are many Chinese poems praising the beauties of the moon and expressing people's longing for their friends and families at Mid-Autumn. 4. Worshiping the Moon Worshiping the Moon According to the legend of Mid-Autumn Festival, a fairy maiden named Chang'e lives on the moon with a cute rabbit. On the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival, people set a table under the moon with mooncakes, snacks, fruits, and a pair of candles lit on it. Some believe that by worshiping the moon, Chang'e the moon goddess may fulfill their wishes. 5. Making and Carrying Mid-Autumn Festival Lanterns Mid-Autumn Festival Lanterns Lanterns are a notable part of Mid-Autumn Festival. People make lanterns, carry lanterns to do moon gazing, hang lanterns in trees or houses, release sky lanterns, or visit public lantern displays, hence it is even be known as a lantern festival not to be confused with the Lantern Festival on the full moon after Chinese New Year. Lanterns have long been associated with the festival since the Tang Dynasty 618–907, possibly because of their traditional symbolization of luck, light, and familial togetherness. Mid-Autumn lanterns have many shapes and can resemble animals, plants, or flowers. A tradition is to write riddles on lanterns so that people can enjoy solving them with friends or family. In modern times, besides traditional activities, many Chinese people send WeChat red envelopes and/or go traveling during the 3-day public holiday to celebrate the festival. Check out more on Mid-Autumn Festival Celebrations. Mid-Autumn Festival in other Asian Nations In many Asian communities besides China, Mid-Autumn Festival is widely celebrated. Many interesting activities with unique local features are held. In Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines — three countries with many ethnic Chinese citizens — the celebrations are more Chinese, such as lighting lanterns and dragon dances. The date is also the same as in China, but there is no public holiday. Mid-Autumn Festival Stories There are many legends about Mid-Autumn Festival. The most popular stories are about Chang'e and the Jade Rabbit. Want to share the Mid-Autumn Festival story with your family? The 3-minute video below will show you all about it. The Story of Chang E — Chinese Goddess of the Moon The origin of the Mid-Autumn Festival is associated with the popular legend of Chang'e 嫦娥, the goddess of the moon… Hou Yi, the husband of Chang'e, was rewarded with an elixir of immortality by the Queen Mother when he shot down nine of the ten suns and saved people from their smoldering heat. He did not drink it straight away because he did not want to gain immortality without his wife. So, he asked Chang'e to keep it safe for him. Unexpectedly one mid-autumn day, while Houyi was out hunting, an evil person tried to force Chang'e to hand over the elixir. Chang'e swallowed the elixir however and flew higher and higher. She then chose the moon as her immortal abode, to be close to her beloved husband and look down on him on Earth. Hou Yi was very sad and made sacrifices to Chang'e with incense, cakes, and fruits. Along with the legend, the custom of worshipping the moon on Mid-Autumn day has been passed down from generation to generation. Click to know another version of the story you didn't know. The Story of the Jade Rabbit Legend has it that there is a rabbit on the moon, white as jade, so it is called 'jade rabbit'. In Chinese folklore, the jade rabbit is a companion of Chang'e. It constantly pounds the elixir of immortality. As time passed, the jade rabbit became synonymous with the moon in Chinese culture. Get to know the Top 5 Interesting Things about the Jade Rabbit. See more details on our page about stories of the Mid-Autumn Festival including one more story about Wu Gang Chopping the Cherry Bay. Mooncakes and Other Mid-Autumn Festival Foods Celebrating the harvest is one of the most traditional meanings of Mid-Autumn Festival, thus harvest foods are favored during the festive period. Mooncakes are the must-eat Mid-Autumn food in China. They are a traditional Chinese pastry. Chinese people see the roundness of mooncakes as a symbol of reunion and happiness. Other foods eaten during the festival are harvest foods, such as crabs, pumpkins, pomelos, and grapes. People enjoy them at their freshest, most nutritious time, and enjoy their auspicious meanings that are particularly associated with round foods. Read more on Mid-Autumn Festival Foods and Their Meanings. Mid-Autumn Festival Greetings Happy Mid-Autumn Festival!... Mid-Autumn Festival is a time of good will. Many Chinese people send Mid-Autumn Festival cards or short messages during the festival to express their best wishes to family and friends. The most popular greeting is "Happy Mid-Autumn Festival", in Chinese 中秋节快乐 — 'Zhongqiu Jie kuaile!'. Other popular sayings are usually related to the moon or reunion. For example 'Wishing us a long life to share the graceful moonlight, though hundreds of miles apart.' 但愿人长久，千里共婵娟 Dàn yuàn rén chángjiǔ, qiānlǐ gòng chánjuān 'Happy Mid-Autumn Festival! May the round moon bring you a happy family and a successful future.' 祝福中秋佳节快乐，月圆人圆事事圆满. Zhùfú Zhōngqiū jiā jié kuàilè, yuè yuán rén yuán shìshì yuánmǎn. Check out more on Popular Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival Greetings/Wishes. Must-See Cultural Festivals in Asia main image Today sees the launch of the QS Asia University Rankings 2019, and to celebrate, we thought we’d take a look at the incredible things the region has to offer for study abroad students. From world-leading universities and growing economies to mouth-watering cuisines and exciting student cities, there’s plenty to welcome you if you decide to study in Asia. The region offers a distinctive cultural experience, with underlying tropes and traditions taking on new life and interpretations within each nation’s unique historic and contemporary contexts. From celebrating Chinese New Year in Singapore to Hindu Thaipusam in Malaysia, the following is our pick of 10 must-see cultural festivals in Asia roughly organized chronologically – leave a comment below to add your own favorites! 1. Harbin International Ice & Snow Sculpture Festival China The annual Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival is perhaps the largest ice and snow festival in the world. Taking place in the winter months, this unique festival showcases beautiful ice sculpture artworks, ranging from small mythical creatures and beautifully lit ice lanterns to awe-inspiring 250-feet monuments in an amazing display of craftsmanship and light. The first ice lanterns were a winter-time tradition in northeast China, hand-made by local peasants and fishermen by pouring water into a bucket, letting it freeze outside then gently pulling out the resulting bucket-shaped ice from its container. Then, they would chisel a hole in the top, creating a hollow vessel in which a candle was then placed, creating a windproof lantern to use while out on the lake. When to go The festival is officially held from January 5 to February 5, but exhibits may open earlier and stay open longer. The winter travel season begins in mid-November, but exhibits first start forming in mid-December. Top tip We’re betting you’ll want to take lots of pictures when you get to the festival, but keep in mind that the average January low in Harbin is 13°C 9°F, which can sap battery life faster than usual. Bring extra batteries, or try warming your battery now and then to keep it going. Where to study Chinese universities dominate the QS Asia University Rankings, led by Tsinghua University at joint third. A further eight institutions join the top 50, while a total of 113 Chinese institutions feature in the top 500. China is also featured in the QS BRICS University Rankings, taking seven of the top 10 places. 2. Thaipusam Malaysia Attracting over one million devotees and tens of thousands of tourists, Malaysia’s celebration of the Hindu festival Thaipusam is an eight-hour procession that starts at the Sri Mahamariamman Temple in Kuala Lumpur and ends after a flight of 272 steps to the stunning temple at Batu Caves just outside Kuala Lumpur. Thaipusam is usually celebrated by the Tamil community on the full moon in the Tamil month of Thai January/February and in communities where there is a significant Tamil presence. What is perhaps unique about Malaysia’s celebration is the rare scene of people from different ethnic groups and faiths also bearing “kavadi” alongside the Hindu devotees. Kavadi is a physical burden through which devotees implore for help from the God Murugan in order to avert some great misfortune. While the simplest kavadi might entail simply carrying a pot of milk on their heads or carrying a semicircular decorated canopy supported by a wooden rod on their shoulders, some devotees also engage in mortification of the flesh where the skin, tongue or cheeks of devotees are pieced with vel skewers – definitely not a sight for the squeamish! When to go Dates are decided by the Tamil calendar, and are projected to be January 21 in 2019 and February 8 in 2020. Don’t miss While watching the devotees might take up most of your time, make sure to also visit some of the impressive limestone caves in the Batu area. At the top of the 272-step staircase is Temple Cave, with architectural columns made of stalactites and stalagmites. Nearby are three indoor galleries the Valluvar Kottam, a reptile gallery and an art gallery. Where to study Malaysia has a strong showing in the QS Asia University Rankings, with 26 of its institutions making the Asian top 500. Malaysia’s highest ranking entry is Universiti Malaya, ranked joint 19th. 3. Chinese New Year Singapore Chinese New Year is among festivals in Asia celebrated across the region, but our pick is Singapore, which throws the best celebrations outside of China with a three-day party. Also known as Lunar New Year due to the lunisolar Chinese calendar, Chinese New Year is an important traditional Chinese holiday and the longest festival in the Chinese calendar it runs from Chinese New Year’s Eve up to the Lantern Festival on the 15th day of the first month. Singapore’s three-day party is one of the most anticipated events in the country, featuring dragon parades, fireworks, colorfully-decorated streets with intricate lanterns, nightly staged shows at Kreta Ayer Square and a lion dance competition, all of which are punctuated with the multicultural sounds of music from around the world. Of note are the street parties, the Festive Street Bazaar, the annual Chinga street parade with colorful floats, and the Fire Party with cultural performances and a traveling dance competition. When to go The event usually falls in January or February and is projected to be on February 5 in 2019. Did you know…? Traditionally in China, red envelopes or packets called hongbao in Madarin, lai sze in Cantonese, ang pow in Hokkien and fung bao in Hakka are passed out during the celebrations, usually from married couples to unmarried people. The packets will usually contain money, given in even numbers and in lucky’ denominations such as eight or six. Where to study The National University of Singapore NUS tops this year’s QS Asia University Rankings, while Nanyang Technological University NTU holds strong in joint third place. 4. Holi India Image credit Steven Gerner Flickr The Holi Festival of Colors also called the Festival of Love is an ancient Hindu religious festival usually held in March. Celebrated by all Hindus and particularly in India, Nepal and Pakistan, Holi has grown in popularity with non-Hindus across South Asia and all over the world wherever there is a large Hindu community. Holi known as Dhuli in Hindi is one of the most important festivals in the Hindu calendar and is a fivefold celebration the beginning of spring, the beginning of the Hindu new year, a time for renewing old relationships and ending conflicts in current relationships, love signified by Radha’s love for Krishna, a Hindu deity and the triumph of good over evil, signified by the religious legend of demoness Holika’s death. Celebrations begin with the lighting of bonfires the night before Holi, in a ceremony known as Holika Dahan burning of Holika. This is accompanied by singing, dancing and general merriment to the sound of dholak drums. The next day, Holi, brings laughing and dancing crowds throwing colored powder abiror gulal and water at strangers, friends and foes in a celebration of joy and goodwill. After a day of play with colors, families then take the time to visit each other’s houses, exchanging sweets and Holi delicacies. When to go Dates are projected to be March 21 in 2019 and March 10 in 2020. Did you know…? The tradition of consuming bhang during Holi celebrations is particularly common in Northern India and standard practice across India. While an integral part of tradition and custom in India, bhang is an intoxicating drink made from the female cannabis plant. Where to study Of its 75 institutions in this year’s QS Asia University Rankings, India has four in the top 50, including its top-ranked Indian Institute of Technology Bombay IITB in 33rd place. Don’t forget India is also featured in the QS BRICS University Rankings – the most recent edition was launched on the October 17 this year. 5. Taiwan Lantern Festival Taiwan Image credit Jirka Matousek Flickr There are lots of different lantern festivals in Asia, but perhaps the most stunning and most renowned is the Taiwan Lantern Festival held in the Pingxi District. Hosted by the Tourism Bureau of the Ministry of Transport and Communications to celebrate the wider Lantern Festival also observed by the Chinese and Vietnamese, this cultural festival involves many activities all throughout Taiwan. In the Yangshui District, for example, Tainan Yanshui Fireworks Display meaning beehive of fireworks at the Wumiao Temple is one of the most important, originally signifying the warding off of evil and disease. Over in the mountainous Pingxi District, the sky lanterns were originally released to let others know that the town was safe. The two events are known together as the “Fireworks in the South, Sky Lanterns in the North”. While the event is celebrated with lantern making, lantern riddle games and displays of glittering decorative lanterns, the most magical, romantic and striking event happens when the lanterns are adorned with the wishes and dreams of each owner and then released simultaneously along with thousands of others. When to go Held on the first full-moon night of the lunar year, which usually falls in February or March. In 2019, the Taiwan Lantern Festival will be held between February 19 and March 2. Did you know…? This magical experience influenced the imagery in Disney’s Tangled and formed the basis of the storyline, where the Lost Princess Rapunzel’s birthday would be honored each year with the release of thousands of sky lanterns. Where to study Taiwan provides plenty of choice for students with 36 institutions in the QS Asia University Rankings. Its top-ranked National Taiwan University NTU is ranked an impressive 22nd place, with 10 other Taiwanese institutions in the top 100. 6. Songkran Thailand Sawatdee Pee Mai! The Songkran Festival celebrates New Year’s Day in Thailand and also coincides with the New Year of many calendars of countries in South and Southeast Asia. As such, it might seem at times that the whole of Asia has descended on the streets of Thailand when Songkran – the world’s biggest water fight – begins in April. Perhaps Thailand’s most energetic and well-known cultural festival, Songkran brings reveling crowds to the main streets, rubbing brightly colored chalk or talc on each other and throwing water. Armed with buckets, bowls, water guns and even hoses, the young and old take part in this friendly war of waters, indiscriminately blessing’ all passers-by in the warmest month of the year. The throwing of water is symbolic of the spring-cleaning aspect of Songkran and is also seen as a way of paying respect to others, while the chalk was traditionally used by monks to mark blessings. While it’s not clear exactly how Songkran began, the festival has roots in Buddhism, with many Thais still honoring the festival’s origins. Locals celebrate the New Year by returning home to their families, spring-cleaning their houses, sprinkling water from silver bowls onto the hands of elders and monks as a sign of respect known as Rod Nahm Dum Hua, paying homage to Buddha and taking food and bags of sand to monasteries. When to go Originally dictated by the lunar calendar, Songkran was later fixed to take place between the 13th and 15th of April each year to reflect the week-long festival’s popularity with tourists. Chang Mai, the 700-year-old city in north Thailand, is the center of the Songkran festival. Top tip Wear appropriate footwear such as rubber-soled shoes or sandals – the flour/water combination can get extremely slippery! While we’re on the subject of clothing, there’s no dress code to the event – anything you don’t mind getting wet is fine – but do remember that some colors become see-through when wet. Where to study Thailand’s highest ranking institution Chulalongkorn University takes an impressive 44th place in the QS Asia University Rankings, and the country commands a total of 19 places in the top 500, including six in the top 150. 7. Rainforest World Music Festival Borneo/Malaysia Image credit Eugene Yong Flickr The Rainforest World Music Festival RWMF is a unique festival held in the Malaysian island of Borneo to celebrate music, nature and culture. While the main event brings renowned world musicians from all over the world to perform alongside indigenous musicians from Borneo, the three-day festival also includes a packed schedule of informative workshops, ethno-musical lectures, intimate jamming sessions and mini concerts. The Rainforest World Music Festival takes place at the Sarawak Cultural Village in Kuching and is one of the largest musical events in Malaysia. The main stage is situated in the midst of lush greenery in the heart of the Borneo Jungle and is accompanied by food and drink stalls offering local and regional Malaysian and Asian cuisine, an arts and crafts area to satisfy your sure-to-be-tingling creative senses and plenty of souvenirs and festival memorabilia to take home. Visitors can enjoy the relaxed atmosphere as they spend their days learning about music, and their nights enjoying that music under a rainforest canopy. When to go Dates are announced on the website each year and are typically in June or July July 12 -14 in 2019 Top tip Arrive early to check out the cultural displays, demonstrations and workshops that are included in the entrance price. When it comes time for the evening performances, it might be worth bringing your own mat to sit on the grass, as seating tends to fill up pretty quickly. 8. Dragon Boat Festival China Again, there are many Dragon Boat Festivals in Asia, but this traditional holiday also known as a Duanwu Festival’ originates in China. It occurs on the fifth day of the fifth month of the traditional lunar calendar, earning it the alternative name of the Double Fifth Festival’. It is also called the Fifth Month Festival’, Fifth Day Festival’ and Dumpling Festival’ in Malaysia, Singapore and by the Taiwanese Hokkien. The traditional celebrations are to prevent disease or evil and promote health and well-being. Activities include preparing and eating zongzi sticky rice treats wrapped in bamboo leaves and drinking realgarwine. Celebrators also hang up icons of Zhong Kui a mythic guardian figure along with mugwort and calamus, take long walks and wear perfumed medicine bags. The game of making an egg stand at exactly noon on the day gives the successful player luck for the next year. The main event, of course, is the dragon boat race. The human-powered boat made with teak wood is brightly decorated, with the front end shaped like the head of an open-mouthed dragon and the back like a scaly tail. The boats vary in length, size and design and can hold up to 80 rowers. A sacred ceremony is performed before the competition to bring the boat to life’ and the first team to grab a flag at the end is declared the winner. When to go The event is based around the Chinese lunisolar calendar, so dates vary each year. In 2018, the festival was held on June 18, with June 7 scheduled for 2019. Did you know…? The event is said to commemorate the death of poet and minister Qu Yuan who served in the high offices in the ancient Chinese state of Chu during the Warring States period of the Zhou Dynasty. Qu was banished by the king for opposing his alliance with the powerful state of Qin and turned to poetry during his exile. Qu later committed suicide by drowning himself in the Miluo River in reaction to the capture of Chu capital Ying by Qin powers. 9. Boryeong Mud Festival South Korea Image credit Jirka Matousek Flickr Since 1998, the Boryeong Mud Festival has taken place every year in the summer months. Held in the Daecheon beach area in west South Korea, this cultural festival has grown to an excess of million visitors since its inception in 1998. While originally conceived as a marketing vehicle for Boryeong mud cosmetics, the two-week event has become popular Koreans and foreigners alike for its fun-filled, skin-friendly activities. Mud is taken from the mineral-rich Boryeong mud flats every year to use for the Mud Experience Land’ program, along with the many mud-related events, including mud wrestling, mud king contest, mud massage and acupuncture programs, mud sliding, mud skiing, colored mud body painting, swimming in a large pool of mud, a mud spa, and a photo competition, all ending in a spectacular mud fireworks display and dance parties. Visitors can also take part in the adventurous marine-type silt extreme training experience. When to go The event usually starts mid-July with the final weekend often the most exciting. Dates for 2019 are July 12 to 21. Don’t miss While in the area, take the time to explore the Chungcheongnam-do province’s other attractions, including Muchango Beach’s “mystic sea road” – a 1500-meter walking trail only accessible for two hours a day at low tide, or nearby Taean Haean National Park for an unspoilt South Korean coastline and delicious seafood. Where to study South Korea is home to the two of the top 10 institutions in the QS Asia University Rankings, with the Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology KAIST ranked eighth, while Seoul National University SNU is 10th. It boasts a total of 58 institutions in the top 500, including 18 in the top 100. 10. Winter Light Festival Japan Kuwana City is home to Nabana No Sato, a botanical theme park featuring meticulously landscaped gardens and impressive giant greenhouses. In the spring, the park is colorfully decorated in an array of flowers, blossoms and cherry trees, including row upon row of tulips, pansies, viola, stock and daisies. Come winter, however, and visitors to the park can enjoy one of Japan’s most impressive illuminations in the incredible Winter Light Festival. The fragrance of the flowers mingles with the cold winter air as bundled-up visitors arrive in their thousands to enjoy the famous Tunnel of Lights, and the accompanying elegant light shows and designs that blanket the entirety of the theme park and its waters. Created with over seven million LED lights charged using solar panels to reduce the impact on the environment, Japan’s biggest winter illumination includes themed light shows every year – previous shows included Mt Fuji at dawn’ and an aurora. When to go Open 9am to 9pm, the theme park itself can be enjoyed year-round, but the Winter Festival runs for four months from mid-October to mid-March. Top tip Wrap up warm in plenty of layers and go on a weeknight if possible as the weekends can get particularly crowded on the weekends. If you want to make a day of it, the park hosts a variety of restaurants including the Nagashima Beer Garden. Where to study Japan’s top universities hold strong positions in the top 20 of the the QS Asia University Rankings, with the University of Tokyo in 11th place, Kyoto University in 14th, Osaka University in 16th, and Tokyo Institute of Technology in 18th place. 11. BONUS Garma Festival of Traditional Cultures Australia Extending our coverage to the Asia-Pacific region is a great excuse to mention one of the most significant events in the Australian cultural festival calendar. The Garma Festival of Traditional Culture is held in Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory, Australia. A celebration of the cultural inheritance of the native Yolngu people, the festival emphasizes the practice, preservation and maintenance of traditional dance bunggul, storytelling, songs manikay, art miny’ tji and ceremony Wangga. It’s also a platform for the education and training of indigenous youth. The festival is organized by the not-for-profit Aboriginal Yothu Yindi Foundation and aims to share the knowledge and culture of the Yolngu with non-indigenous Australians in order to foster greater understanding between the two. As such, the festival includes a Key Forum where you can attend talks with indigenous people, a Youth Forum with workshops for indigenous and non-indigenous students, Garma cultural workshops displaying the most unique traditional practices of Yolgnu culture, along with musical performances, a film program, exhibition stalls, the Gapan Gallery and visits to the local community and schools. When to go The Garma Festival of Traditional Culture is held every August and usually spans four days. Did you know…? The Garma Festival is held in Gulkula, a stringybark forest where the Yolngu ancestor Ganbulabula introduced the yiḏaki didjeridu or didgeridoo to the Gumatj people. While the didgeridoo is now a popular instrument throughout Australia, the yiḏaki is specific to the Yolngu people who now use the synonym mandapul to refer to the instrument, out of respect for a deceased Manggalili-clan man whose name sounds similar to yiḏaki. Where to study Australia has a strong showing in the most recent edition of the QS World University Rankings, with 31 institutions featured and its top-ranked Australian National University in 24th place. This article was originally published in June 2014 by Hasna Haidar. It was updated in October 2018 by Sabrina Collier. Want more content like this? Register for free site membership to get regular updates and your own personal content feed. This article was originally published in October 2018 . It was last updated in May 2023 Want more content like this Register for free site membership to get regular updates and your own personal content feed. + 6 others saved this article + 7 others saved this article

among the festivals celebrated by some of asian