2019 Festival Highlights

January

JAN 5–MAR

HARBIN,CHINA HARBIN SNOW AND ICE FESTIVAL (Background Photo)

In its 35th year, the annual festival attracts people from around the world with spectacular ice and snow sculptures and a host of winter activities.

JAN 15–20

BAGAN, MYANMAR ANANDA PAGODA FESTIVAL

Devotees pray and give offerings at the most revered Ananda Temple built in 1105 AD, where 1,000 monks chant for 72 hours during the week-long event.

Jan 15

ALLAHABAD, INDIA ARDHA KUMBH MELA

Throngs of devotees pilgrimage here during this time to bathe in the holy rivers, believing it cleanses their souls and brings them closer to moksha. Held once every three years at one of four holy places of Hinduism, Kumbh Mela is the largest peaceful religious gathering on Earth and is inscribed on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

JAN 20

SELCUK, TURKEY CAMEL WRESTLING

The lively season that honours a 2400-year-old sport sees male camels compete in dramatic matches. Selcuk hosts one of the largest events.

February

Feb 5–6

BHUTAN, TIBET, NEPAL AND INDIA LOSAR

A public holiday in Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan and Sikkim (India), the Tibetan New Year marks the start of the Tibetan year. The main celebrations happen on its eve and the first three days of the new year.

Feb 1–Mar 4

BAGUIO CITY, LUZON, PHILIPPINES PANAGBENGA

Sometimes known as the “Blooming Flowers Festival”, this annual flower festival in Baguio City reflects the history, traditions and values of Baguio and the Cordilleras. Besides colourful parades, displays and a bazaar, a highlight is the grand float parade on the fourth Sunday of February, which features a marching band and floats decorated with brightly coloured flowers.

FEB 19

TAIPEI, TAIWAN PINGXI SKY LANTERN FESTIVAL

Taking place annually on the first full moon day of the Chinese New Year, the festival sees people write or draw their hopes and wishes on thousands of paper lanterns before lighting and releasing them into the sky.

Feb 19

TANGSHAN, CHINA DA SHUHUA

Local blacksmiths throw molten metal heated up to 1000°C against a stone city wall to create spectacular fireworks-like displays. Practised