among the festivals celebrated by some of asian

Ahoi Ashtami. 2022. 1. 13. · When it comes to celebrating festivals, the toughest task at hand is to actually figure out the exact date when the Indian festival can be celebrated. This is because the. Muslim festivals are observed throughout the country. In India, Muslims account for 13% of the population. They are dispersed throughout a large uprising was the fifteenth day of the eight moon and so every year people celebrate this occasion by eating moon cakes. A. Write True or False for the following statements. 17. The Moon Cake Festival originated in China. _____ 18. On the night of the Moon Cake Festival the moon shines dimly. _____ 19. Large numbers of small round moon cakes While there are many incredibly beautiful festivals that take place in Japan, we've listed the ones we think travelers will enjoy the most below. Festivals in Japan 1. Gion Matsuri July 17 and 24, 2022—Kyoto This is probably the most famous festival to take place in Japan and is one of the country's largest celebrations. Tet festival 2022 westminster It's the LA Tet Festival which is usually held the weekend after the Orange County Tet festivals. On February 20 and 21, the LA Tet Festival will take place at Whittier Narrows Park (woohoo! it's on grass!) located on the corner of Rosemead Boulevard and the 60 freeway. torqshift 6 pan bolt torque samsung tv h264. 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. Alex Jones Jones in 2017 Born Alexander Emerick Jones (1974-02-11) February 11, 1974 (age 48) Dallas, Texas, U.S. Occupation Radio host Known for InfoWars The Alex Jones Show Conspiracy theories Sandy Hook shooting litigation Spouses Kelly Jones (m. 2007; div. 2015) Erika Wulff (m. 2017) Children 4 Signature Alexander Emerick Jones (born February 11, 1974) is an American far-right and alt imitguisynch1989. These big fall festivals in Asia are exciting and widely celebrated—further proof that fall is an interesting time to travel in Asia! Expect some potentially large gatherings at these events in Asia held every September, October, and November. Like other big holidays and festivals in Asia, pretty well all of these fall festivals attract a crowd of locals and tourists alike who compete for flights, overland transportation, and hotel rooms. Arrive a few days early to these exciting celebrations for a great travel memory, otherwise steer clear completely until things calm down and prices return to normal. Check your itinerary dates! Many of these fall festivals are based on lunisolar calendars, so dates change annually. 01 of 08 The Mid-Autumn Festival Moon Festival Addy Ho / EyeEm / Getty Images Also known as the Chinese Moon Festival but more often called the "Mooncake Festival" by travelers, the Mid-Autumn Festival is an annual harvest celebration. The event is observed throughout Asia; Taiwan and Hong Kong observe the Mid-Autumn Festival as a public holiday. The Moon Festival is a very commercialized event with, you guessed it, many types of mooncakes for sale. Aside from buying mooncakes, the Mid-Autumn Festival is about enjoying a brief respite from work to have reunions with family, friends, and loved ones. Mooncakes are exchanged with someone special. Perhaps unfairly, mooncakes could be called Asia's answer to Christmas fruitcakes. They make cute gifts, but whether or not the dense, high-calorie little cakes get eaten or not—that's another story. Commercialization hit this fall festival hard Some of the mooncakes for sale are made from exotic ingredients gold leaf, anyone? and can cost hundreds of dollars. Beijing's taxation on mooncakes received created outcry and controversy—some mooncakes are so luxurious they are considered taxable income! Where The epicenter is China, but the festival is observed throughout Usually in September but sometimes October The start date for the 2020 Mid-Autumn Festival is Thursday, October 1. 02 of 08 Malaysia Day Rosley Majid / EyeEm / Getty Images Not to be confused with Hari Merdeka, Malaysia's celebration of gaining independence from the British Empire on August 31, Malaysia Day is a patriotic celebration to commemorate the formation of the Federation of Malaysia. The day is celebrated with patriotic festivities along with a military parade, flag waiving, and speeches. Malaysia Day is an exciting time to travel in Malaysia. Where Throughout Peninsular Malaysia and Borneo, with the epicenter in Kuala Lumpur When September 16 03 of 08 Phuket Vegetarian Festival Natthawat / Getty Images The Phuket Vegetarian Festival isn’t just about diet choices—some devotees pierce their faces with swords, skewers, and household items such as fans! The Phuket Vegetarian Festival officially the Nine Emperor Gods Festival is a nine-day Taoist celebration that is vividly observed on the island Phuket, Thailand, and to a lesser degree, Chinatown in Bangkok. The scene is one of absolute chaos in some places. Firecrackers are thrown many at head level during processions that carry shrines and images of gods. Devotees in varying states of trance pierce their bodies, most often the face, with sharp objects. Voluntary self mutilation sometimes includes slashing the tongue with a sword! The Nine Emperor Gods Festival is also observed by Chinese communities in Malaysia and Indonesia. Where Phuket, Thailand, is the September or October The Phuket Vegetarian Festival 2020 is from October 16 – 26. 04 of 08 National Day in China G & R Maschmeyer / Getty Images China’s most patriotic holiday is National Day on October 1. Concerts, patriotic gatherings, and evening fireworks mark the busy occasion. The day also kicks off one of China’s Golden Week holiday periods, meaning that things get way busier in Beijing, a place already renowned for being busy! Hundreds of thousands of people living in the far reaches of China head into the capital for a rare glimpse of Tiananmen Square during their time off work. Attractions such as the Great Wall and the terracotta soldiers in Xi'an become inundated with traveling locals. Hotels and public transportation fill up. The first week of October is the busiest time to visit China—be prepared! Where In big cities throughout China, with the epicenter in Beijing When October 1; lasts approximately one week Continue to 5 of 8 below. 05 of 08 Gandhi’s Birthday Darren Robb / Getty Images Mahatma Gandhi is known as the "Father of the Nation" in India and his birthday is celebrated worldwide on October 2. The Gandhi Jayanti celebration, as it is called in India, is particularly special. Gandhi's Birthday is one of only three national holidays on the subcontinent the other two are Republic Day and India's Independence Day on August 15. An International Day of Peace was already observed on September 21, so in 2007, the United Nations declared Gandhi's Birthday as International Day of Non-Violence. If you aren't in Delhi for the event, don't worry There are many other fall festivals in India. Where Throughout India, with the epicenter in New DelhiWhen October 2 06 of 08 Pushkar Camel Fair Mint Images - Art Wolfe / Getty Images Whether you're into camels or not, there's something fun for everyone at the Pushkar Camel Fair or simply just the "Pushkar Fair". The event attracts more than 100,000 locals and tourists who come to see, sell, or race more than 50,000 camels! It's certainly the largest festival in Rajasthan. A small carnival is erected on the edge of town. The small desert town of Pushkar gets stretched to its limits; attendees set up camps in the desert. If you don't book accommodation in time, a tent may be the only option, too! Games, sales, competitions, traditional dances, and other spectacles fill the days. After the festival, continue on to Jaisalmer to try riding a camel on a desert safari. Where Pushkar in Rajasthan, IndiaWhen Usually in late fall The dates for the 2020 Pushkar Camel Fair are from November 22 – 30. 07 of 08 Diwali Deepavali shylendrahoode / Getty Images India's Festival of Lights is an important holiday celebrated with plenty of colorful lights and noisy fireworks used to frighten away evil spirits. Homes are decorated with lights, and ghee lanterns are burned everywhere. Fairs and gatherings are scattered throughout during the week. Diwali also spelled as Deepavali is a beautiful spectacle in some parts of India, while you may not even know it's going on in others. The holiday is about peace, reunions, religious rites, and special meals with family. A lot of interesting traditions take place during the Diwali holiday. Each year during Diwali, Indian and Pakistani soldiers symbolically meet at the border to exchange sweets in a rare gesture of goodwill. Where India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, and other places with large Hindu populationsWhen Usually the end of October or early November 08 of 08 Loi Krathong / Yi Peng in Thailand TripSavvy / Taylor McIntyre Loi Krathong and Yi Peng, both usually celebrated together, are quite possibly some of the most visually stunning festivals in all of Asia. Thousands of candle-fired lanterns fill the sky while candlelit boats float on the river beneath. The lanterns fly so high they appear to become new stars. Fireworks often add to the visual. Although the festival is often collectively referred to as "Loi Krathong," krathongs are the little boats that are floated on water. The lantern celebration that mesmerizes tourists is Yi Peng. For fire safety, lanterns may not be launched in Bangkok. Although you'll still find many cultural celebrations in the capital city, get to Northern Thailand for the most spectacular celebrations. Where Throughout Thailand, with Chiang Mai as the epicenter. Bangkok celebrates but without the Yi Peng sky lanterns. Smaller celebrations are seen in Laos and Burma/Myanmar. When Start dates get firmed up shortly before the festival, but usually during the full moon in November. The start date for the 2020 Loi Krathong festival in Thailand is estimated to be November 1. The Mid-Autumn Festival is observed by millions of people across East Asia on the 15th day of the eighth month of the lunar calendar. This means the festival date changes every year in the Gregorian calendar, but it is always around the time of the harvest moon. This year, the Mid-Autumn Festival falls on Sept. 10. Certain activities, like moon gazing and displaying lanterns, are popular across several Asian countries—as is the symbol of a rabbit on the moon. But there are plenty of local traditions too Here’s a look at how the festival is celebrated Illuminated lanterns are seen at Lee Tung Street ahead of the upcoming Mid-Autumn Festival on September 6, 2022 in Hong Kong, China. Li Zhihua/China News Service via Getty Images China The legend of Chang’e and her ascent to the moon has long been associated with the Mid-Autumn festivities in China. The mythology says that in ancient times the Earth had 10 suns, which scorched the world. A celebrated archer named Hou Yi drew his bow and shot nine of the suns down, saving humanity. For his heroic act, the gods gave him the pill of immortality, which he handed to his wife Chang’e for safekeeping. However, one of his followers, Peng Meng, tried to steal the pill while Hou Yi was out hunting—so Chang’e swallowed it to prevent it from falling into Peng Meng’s hands. She became immortal and floated up to the moon, where she has lived since. Apart from Chang’e, the moon also has another resident the Jade Rabbit. In Chinese tradition, the full moon symbolizes family reunion, thus Mid-Autumn is a festival to be celebrated at home. People admire the moon and eat moon cakes, which come stuffed with a variety of fillings, from the traditional salted egg yolk and lotus paste to contemporary versions with ice-cream, fruit, and custard fillings. A staff member arranges moon cakes at a supermarket as the Mid-Autumn Festival approaches, Sept. 5, 2022, Handan, Hebei province, China. VCG/VCG via Getty Images Other foods eaten during the festival include taro because its name in many Chinese dialects is a homonym for “good fortune comes” and hairy crab, a seasonal delicacy. Lanterns play an important role in the festivities. These days, the candle-lit paper lanterns of yore are rarely seen. Most children carry around the battery-powered variety. Single-use glow sticks are also common—leading to appeals from environmentalists for curbs on their use. Some regions have specific Moon Festival customs. In eastern China’s Zhejiang province, the Qiantang River’s tidal bore attracts many visitors. In Hunan province, women from the Dong ethnic group customarily steal vegetables—because according to legend the moon goddess will shower “sweet dew” on them and whoever consumes them will be healthy and happy. South Korea South Koreans celebrate Chuseok, also known as hangawi, at this time. It’s one of the country’s biggest and most important holidays, alongside Seollal, or lunar new year. Many go back to their hometowns to celebrate with big family reunions and hold memorial services, called charye, for their ancestors. The day before and after are also public holidays in South Korea, which allows people time to travel home. This year, Chuseok is being observed from Sept. 9 to 12. South Koreans traveling for the Chuseok holiday are seen at Incheon International Airport in Incheon, South Korea, on Sept. 8, 2022. SeongJoon Cho/Bloomberg via Getty Images At festive gatherings, Koreans eat songpyeon, a half-moon-shaped rice cake filled with a semi-sweet stuffing, as well as seasonal fruits and vegetables such as persimmons and chestnuts. They also enjoy a host of entertainment, including the ganggangsullae, a traditional circle dance. And of course, come nighttime, people head out to admire the full moon where they look out for the moon rabbit, or daltokki. The creature is said to be visible on the lunar surface, busy making rice cakes. Japan The Japanese celebrate Tsukimi, which translates to “looking at the moon.” Like the Koreans, they try to spot the moon rabbit, called tsuki no usagi in Japanese, as the animal goes about its festive task of making the rice cakes known as mochi. The festivities are said to date back to Japan’s Nara period 710-794. In the following Heian era 794-1185, Tsukimi was popular among aristocrats. Moon viewing parties, frequently held on boats, included drinking, listening to music and composing poetry. By the Edo period 1603-1868 the tradition was being widely enjoyed by the public. In this Sept. 19, 2013 file photo, a dancer in Osaka, Japan, performs as part of the moon ritual of Sumiyoshi, held every Mid-Autumn Festival Zhang Peng/LightRocket via Getty Images Traditionally, tsukimi is marked by adorning the home with pampas grass, to represent a bountiful harvest. Festive snacks include tsukimi-dango, a round rice dumpling symbolizing health and happiness, and seasonal produce like chestnuts and pumpkin. Eggs are also consumed, as their oval whiteness is felt to be suggestive of the full moon. Even fast food brands get in on the act, adding eggs to burgers. Vietnam The Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam is called Tet Trung Thu and is also known as Tet Thieu Nhi, or Children’s Festival. One popular tale linked to the festival is that of a woodsman named Chu Cuoi, who floated away with a magical banyan tree to the moon. It is said one can see Cuoi under the tree on the face of the full moon. During the festival, children holding lanterns—said to help guide Cuoi on his return to earth—spill into the streets and watch lion dances. Visitors pose for photos with the costumed Monkey King from Chinese mythology on Sept. 26, 2020 in Hanoi, Vietnam. The Mid-Autumn Festival is an occasion for a children's night out and family gathering Linh Pham/Getty Images Families mark Tet Trung Thu by placing cakes and fruit trays, symbolizing filial piety, before ancestral altars in their homes. Moon cakes are also a staple in Vietnam, and come in two types banh nuong oven-baked and banh deo soft-crusted. Singapore Some three-quarters of Singaporeans are of Chinese descent, so many of the Mid-Autumn Festival customs and traditions from China are also observed in Singapore. In the past, celebrations centered on Chinatown, with goldfish- and star-shaped lanterns hanging from shops in Temple Street and Smith Street. Traditional bakeries offered moon cakes. This Sept. 7, 2022 photo shows Mid-Autumn Festival decorations installed at Singapore's Chinatown. Then Chih Wey/Xinhua via Getty Images These days, Singaporeans celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival with extravagant lantern displays held across the city-state in venues such as Gardens by the Bay. The Chinatown celebrations are also on a grander scale. The area transforms into a busy bazaar, with pop-up stalls selling decorative ornaments and festive snacks. There are also lantern-painting competitions and live performances. Moon gazing is still a big part of the festival, with the beach being a popular location for the activity. Contact us at letters 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 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

among the festivals celebrated by some of asian