Four must-visit festivals in Asia
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Asia is a destination that you wouldn’t want to miss for its many different cultures. One way to truly experience these cultures is to join their celebrations. Here’s a list of unique festivals in Southeast Asia you should visit in your lifetime.
1) Songkran, Thailand
Month of Festival: April
Also known as the world’s biggest water fight, this energetic festival in Thailand marks the beginning of the Thai new year. The origin of Songkran can be traced back to the tradition of pouring water on Buddha statues as an act of purification, and eventually believed to wash away one’s sins and bad luck. Typically lasting over three days, you can look forward to an exciting array of street food and cultural performances—and of course, the customary throwing of water. Once you hit the streets, there is no escape from being drenched by buckets, water guns, and even hoses from head to toe. It is truly a wild and wet party all around, so don’t expect to reach home dry for three straight days!
2) Holi, India
Month of Festival: March
Celebrated in India to welcome the beginning of spring, Holi is a joyous and fun-filled event widely recognised for its signature bright colours. Much like Songkran in Thailand, it is similarly seen as an occasion to rid oneself of the past and start over afresh. During the festival, people of all ages gather excitedly in the streets to throw coloured dye and powder (known as gulal) at one another in good jest and fun. If you’re recognised as a traveller, you could also be targeted as a friendly form of ‘welcome’ from the locals. Our advice? Pack plenty of spare clothes for your trip!
3) Boryeong Mud Festival, South Korea
Month of Festival: July
One of the most unique festivals in Asia, the Boryeong Mud Festival was first conceived to promote cosmetics made from mud in the region. These cosmetics were said to be rich in minerals that occur naturally in the mud. Today, thousands from all over the world flock to this small, sleepy town to partake in some good old-fashioned mud activities such as wrestling, sliding, and swimming. If you’ve ever had a deep longing to go against your parents’ wishes and frolic in the mud as a child, this festival is where your dream can finally come true.
4) Yanshui Beehive Fireworks Festival, Taiwan
Month of Festival: February
Legend has it that locals once ridded themselves of a cholera epidemic by setting off firecrackers throughout the city. Eventually, it grew to become the exhilarating tradition that it is today. During this annual event, thousands of firecrackers are set off into the crowd at the same time. This results in a deafening cacophony of bee-like sounds and trails of light everywhere, almost as if swarms of angry bees had just broken out of their nests. Definitely a ‘lit’ experience to share about—but remember to come equipped with helmets, gloves, and flame-retardant clothes!
