Festivals, Holidays and Celebrations in Asia

Purple Dragon pioneered gay travel in Asia

October 2009

1 - 4 October 2009: Sakon Nakhon Wax Castle Festival (Sakon Nakhon, Thailand) One more wax festival. This one held on Ok Phansa Day (The end of Buddhist Lent). Let the beyond imagination wax works take your breath away. Indulge yourself with the rich and exotic culture and cuisine. Please extend your stay. Because the miracle Bang Fai Phaya Nak is coming!

2 - 5 October 2009: Loi Ruea Chao Le Festival aka The Setting Adrift of the Chao Le Boats (Krabi, Thailand) Held 2 times a year, one on the full moon night of the eleventh lunar month, on Koh Lanta, Krabi. Gypsies or "Chao Le" gather on the beach, singing and dancing their famous Rong Ngeng dance. All for their prosperity and happiness and to say "Goodbye Rain, Hello Sunshine."

3 October 2009: Kiep Bac Festival (Hai Duong, Vietnam) The Kiep Bac Temple, where people come to worship Tran Quoc Tuan, the main general of the Tran Dynasty, is located in Hung Dao Commune, Chi Linh District, Hai Duong Province. Tran Quoc Tuan was the general who defeated the Chinese Nguyen-Mong invaders three times. Because of his merits to the nation, he was proclaimed a saint.The main ceremony is followed by a great ceremony with elaborate worshipping procedures. One of the most interesting activities in the festival is the boat race on the Luc Dau River, in which hundreds of boats participate.

3 - 4 October 2009: Buffalo Racing (Chonburi, Thailand) When it comes to racing, guys can give their all, even on their buffalos' backs! Thrill with this highly competitive and extremely exited race that famous around the world. Feast yourself with brilliant culture-shock here in Chonburi, a place in the middle of Bangkok and Pattaya.

4 October 2009: Boun Khathin (Nationwide, Laos) This festival begins immediately after the last day of Lent, and lasts until the next full moon. During the one month period, devoted of the Buddhist faith help the monks to carry out their religious practice by making offerings all their 9 requisites and other useful items. Villager members return home after a way for many months working at other provinces. These villagers will collect donated money to repair their temple or school in their own village.

4 October 2009: Boun Ok Phansa and Boat Racing Festival (Luang Prabang, Laos) On the 5th for Vientiane, the festival held after the end of the monks three month fast and retreat during the rainy season (Boun Khao Pansa). At dawn on the first day, donations and offerings are made at temples and hundreds of colorful floats are decorated with flowers, incense and candles are set adrift down the Mekong River to pay respect to the river spirit. The following day in Vientiane. Savannakhet and Champasack Province, a popular and exciting boat racing competition is held to celebrate the Mekong River.

4 - 5 October 2009: Bang Fai Phaya Nak aka Naga Fireball (Sakon Nakhon, Thailand) After enjoy Sakon Nakhon Wax Castle Festival, next program is a magical Bang Fai Phaya Nak, the red and pinkish fire balls that shoot from the river to the sky like hundred of fireworks! People believe they belong to Phaya Nak or Naga, the great serpent of the underwater world.

15 October 2009: The Oc Om Boc Festival (Soc Trang, Vietnam) It is a religious service to worship the moon god of the Kho Me minority group. At this religious festival, people thank the moon god who brings about good crops, provides abundant fish in the rivers, and maintains the health of human beings. On the following morning of the full moon, the Ngo Boat Race is held. This crowded festival is well prepared and deemed to be a great cultural event, drawing hundreds of thousands of participants. When the first boat reaches the finish line, a crowd of people simultaneously scream. They believe that they have just completed their responsibility to the moon God.

17 - 21 October 2009: Diwali (Nationwide, India) In "Festival of Lights"ť, which many believe as the origin of Thailand's Loy Kratong, every towns in India shine brightly with decorated diyas (cotton-wick, oil lamp). Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Jains all celebrate this 5-days festival (even Indians who are not in India!). Melas or fairs also welcome everyone.

17 - 26 October 2009: Phuket Vegetarian Festival (Phuket, Thailand) Big spiritual festival that held widely in Southern Thailand. People with Chinese descent and belief dress in all white and eat nothing but vegetables. Yellow flags with red Chinese character can be seen everywhere. But for tourists, the highlight sure is the religious processions and incredible displays of face-and-body piercing!

27 October - 2 November 2009: Yi Peng Festival (Chiang Mai, Thailand) A big fun fair along the river. Be fascinated by brilliantly beautiful Lanna culture of Northern Thailand. Hundred of flying-lanterns cover the moonlit sky. Thousand of "kratongs" (little rafts made from fresh banana tree trunks and leaves) fill the river. Wonderful cultural performances and Miss Yi Peng beauty pageant. ENJOY!

30 October - 2 November 2009: Pushkar ka Mela (Pushkar, India) Join by camels that could be up to 200,000, the Pushkar Fair is one of the world's largest camel fairs. Held by the oasis-lake, which believed made by Hindu god Brahma, pilgrims gather for mela, camel racing, many competitions, and exhibition cricket match between locals and tourists! Game on!

31 October - 2 November 2009: Loi Krathong and Candle Festival (Sukhothai, Thailand) Let's celebrate where Loy Kratong started off. Everything is bigger, better and more exotic. Be dazzled by wonderful crafted kratongs from 17 Northern provinces. Enjoy Kratong contest, Nang Noppamas beauty pageant, light and sound presentation, firework displays, cultural performances, and the sanctuary "Dawn of happiness"ť, as the name Sukhothai.

October / November 2009: China Shanghai International Arts Festival (Shanghai, China) Started from 1999, the festival is a high-level art and cultural activity in China. It showcases traditional Chinese art as well as brilliant cultural achievements from countries all over the world, aiming at enhancing the communication between Chinese and foreign culture and art. During the festival, visitors can watch a variety of music, dance and drama performances, or attend cultural and art exhibitions as well as artwork trade fairs. The festival is a good choice for art lovers if they visit Shanghai in autumn.

November 2009

1 November 2009: Phuket Travel Fair (Phuket, Thailand) Welcome to Patong Carnival! Everything in Patong is wild. So when they do a carnival, IMAGINE! Expect all kind of activities here. All the hotels and bars join this fun fest. So you will be extremely satisfied one way or another (s), and might not want to leave Phuket forever!

2 November 2009: That Luang Festival and Trade Fair (Vientiane, Laos) This religious festivals held in and around That Luang Stupa, the National Symbol of Laos where hundreds of monks gather to accept alms and floral votive from the people. The festival includes a grand fireworks display at night. During the day, An international trade fairs, showcasing tourism in Laos and other countries from ASEAN and the Greater Mekong Sub-region. During the same period a similar festival is also celebrated at Chine Tm Stoup in Luang Namtha Province.

Mid - November 2009: Krabi Berk Fah Andaman (Krabi, Thailand) In this "Lively Town, Lovely People"ť, this festival is their way of saying "Welcome, my friends. (Don"™t worry. No more rain!)"ť. Exhibition, water sport competitions, cultural shows and all that jazz of humble and peaceful Krabi, the Emerald of Andaman, is waiting for you. Let's get it started!

11 - 13 November 2009: Bon Om Thook (Phnom Penh, Cambodia) 3 day-and-night of happiness, it's a Water & Moon Festival! Watch boat racing while enjoy Ork Ambok (festive fried rice with coconut and banana) at day. At night the river comes alive with fireworks and flotillas of brightly-lit boats in under the light of the full-moon.

21 - 22 November 2009: Surin Elephant Roundup (Surin, Thailand) More than 250 trained (and well pampered) elephants put on their best dancing shoes and tutu for this Elephabulous show at Sri Narong Elephant Show Stadium. Get up close and personal with all the stars of the show. You can even join them with their big, enormous Breakfast Party. YUMMY!

December 2009

12 - 21 December 2009: Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya World Heritage Fair (Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Thailand) Being the glorious capital of Thailand back in the day, Ayutthaya is our very own World Heritage Site. World-class extravaganza exhibition and cultural performances in the midst of ancient city is what this festival has to offer. And this very proud-to-present festival is just an hour drive from Bangkok!

Late December 2009: Hmong's New Year (Oudomxay, Xiengkouang, Luang Prabang, and Vientiane, Laos.) This year, Hmong's New Year celebration feature colorful displays of traditional costumes made from green, red and white silk and ornate silver jewelry. Music from traditional Hmong instruments such as the teun-flute, Hmong-style khene pipe and leave blowing is enjoyed. Other festivities include Mak Khon (cotton-ball) throwing ceremony, ox fighting, spinning top races and crossbow demonstrations.

25 - 31 December 2009: Colorful Phuket Countdown 2010 (Phuket, Thailand) From Christmas to New Year Countdown, this festival has it all. Cabaret, B-boy dancing and Music contest, concert of every genres of music (from punk to classical), Sea Food Festival and a lot MORE! For the people of Phuket, they always know how to have a big, wild FUN!

31 December 2009: Thailand's New Year Countdown Celebrations (Nationwide, Thailand) The biggest and brightest Countdown Party in Asia Pacific. Choose any spots in Thailand on the New Year's Eve to countdown. Whether Bangkok (3 main locations are CentralWorld, Silom and Khao San road.), Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Phuket etc. You just won"™t miss the fun. Who wants Time Square?

31 December 2009: Ghe NGO Festival (Mekong Delta, Vietnam) Khmer people in Vietnam's southern Mekong Delta celebrate this event with ceremonies, feasts and Ngo boat races. On the Khmer New Year's Eve, villagers gather in the grounds of their local pagoda, in a treeless area. Begin with the construction of a bamboo archway, decorated with leaves and flowers. Beneath this arch stands a table on which villagers place offerings of bananas, coconuts, sweet potatoes, cassava and, most importantly, new sticky rice. The following day features Ghe Ngo (Ngo boat)races.

January 2010

1 January 2010: New Year Bell Striking (Shanghai, China) The festival is located inside Longhua Temple, No 2853, Longhua Road, Xuhui District. This is a traditional activity to celebrate the New Year. At midnight on December 31st each year, many locals, as well as Chinese and foreign tourists, gather in the ancient Longhua Temple. Visitors can savor New Year Noodles in the temple, join in the entertainment and dancing at the square or watch the fireworks display.

January 2010: Kumbha Mela (Haridwar, India) If Muslims have Hajj, Hindus have this! The mass Hindu pilgrimage held four times every twelve years (not necessarily to be once every 3 years), takes 45 days for more than 70 million pilgrims to do their ritual. This occasion marks the largest gathering anywhere in the world EVER!

8 January - 28 February 2010: Ice Lantern Art Festival (Longing Gorge, China) Longing Gorge, 85 Kilometers from Beijing, the winter here is cold but not dreary. The Longing Gorge Ice Lantern Festival is second to Habin Ice and Snow Festival in terms of scales and has already become a traditional tourist attraction. It is a large outdoor ice lantern festival held in the lowest latitude in the world. This makes longing Gorge an ideal destination of extended Beijing Tours during the festival period.

10 January 2010: Manao Festival (Myitkyina and Bahmo, Myanmar) The Duwas celebrate a sacrificing-cum dancing best known as Manua to propitiate or exercise numerous. Nat (spirits) the spectacular carnival held in every January is the festival to celebrate a victory or achievement where the young and old, the great and simple gather in true community spirit.

10 -16 January 2010: Anandar Pagoda Festival (Bagan, Myanmar) Bowls of alms filled with crops are offered to Buddhist monks who all wait in a long line. Pilgrimage and holiday outings on country oxcarts can be seen.

14 - 15 January 2010: Naga New Year La He (Khamti, Myanmar) Although most people have heard about Naga tribes there is some who have seen them and only a few who have been to their area. Nagas celebrate their new year 15 of January each year. In this particular day you will se the most unique Nagas gathering from the entire region with festive mode. You will be busy shaking hands with Naga warriors wearing hats made from bear fur, wild boar tusks, hornbill feathers, and tiger claws. Some also have tiger fangs hanging from their necklaces.

18 - 20 January 2010: Bor Sang Umbrella and Sankampaeng Handicraft Festival (Chiang Mai, Thailand) Bor Sang is where they made the colorful hand-crafted umbrellas, made from Sa paper (manufactured from the bark of the mulberry tree). Apart from exhibition and shops, Miss Bor Sang pageant is another way of displaying the gorgeous Lanna girls with their stunning umbrellas. In this festival, everything is beautiful.

23 January 2010: That Phanom Festival (Nakhon Panom, Thailand) A week long religious festival where thousand of people come together once a year for paying homage to one of the most important Buddhist monuments of the country, Phra That Phanom. Visit Wat Phra That Phanom, one of the most beautiful and most scared temples in Thailand with extravaganza Khmer-style.

February 2010

1 - 2 February 2010: Wa, Lisu, Lahu New Year Festival (Kyaingtung, Myanmar) Celebrate at the same day of Chinese New year day. Similar to those of Kachine Manaw festival, celebrate a sacrificing cum dancing in different ways.

2 - 5 February 2010: Bawgyo Image Festival Tibaw (Shan State, Myanmar) A large volume of Shan and Bamar merchandise is traded. There are boat races on Dottawadi river.

13 - 19 February 2010: Baiyunguan Temple Fair (Beijing, China) Baiyunguan is a Taoist temple with a history of more than 1,000 years old. It hosts the only temple fair that is now actually held within a temple. Special activities include riding donkeys, stroking stone monkeys, savoring special local snacks and learning about Taoist culture. It is going to be a unique culture experience added to your tour of Beijing.

13 - 19 February 2010: Dongyuemiao Temple Fair (Beijing, China) The theme of Dongyuemiao Temple Fair is praying for fortune and luck. You will find various forms of the temple. Many people come to seek their fortune and luck and take them back home

14 February 2010: Lunar New Year
"Chinese New Year" (Nationwide, China)
Tet (Nationwide, Vietnam)
Lunar New Year celebrates the beginning of a new year in the twelve-year Chinese lunar calendar. It is probably the most important of all holidays and festivals celebrated in Asia, and by Asians living abroad. Celebration involves social rituals lasting several days. People wash the fronts of their homes and shops, and buy new clothes. It is considered essential for everyone to return to their families during this time, so transportation is pushed to critical limits. Since most people believe that they will spend the year to come doing whatever they did during the holiday period, nobody wants to work. While this is a convivial time in China, , it is probably the worst possible time to visit Vietnam, since major cities empty as workers return to their distant provinces, leaving businesses, attractions, banks and government offices closed.

14 - 28 February 2010: Changdian Temple Fair (Beijing, China) It is tradition for Beijingers to attend temple fairs during the Spring Festival. The Changdian Temple Fair is Beijing's oldest and best know temple fair with distinctive local features. Performances include Lion Dance, Peking Opera, martial arts, acrobatics ,pop music, folk dancing and traditional Chinese handicrafts. At the temple fair, you can not only watch wonderful live shows but also savor local flavors and enjoy shopping around. Participate in this even to make your Beijing tour special.

14 February - 3 March 2010: Yuyuan New Year Folk Customs and Lantern Festival (Shanghai, China) The festival is located inside Yuyuan Shopping City (close to Yuyuan Garden) Lanterns are an indispensable part of Chinese New Year celebrations. During the festival, colorful lanterns can be seen on Mid-Lake Pavilion and Jiuqu Bridge in front of Yuyuan Garden. These exquisite handmade lanterns imitate natural sceneries, animals or cartoons, with expressions of good wishes painted on them. The locals believe that the lanterns can bring good fortune to them in the New Year. There are performances of dragon and lion dances and Yangge, which is a rural folk dance popular in north China. Visitors can also participate in the game of guessing lantern riddles, which is a good way to learn about traditional Chinese folk customs and culture.

19 February 2010: Perfume Pagoda (My Duc, Vietnam) Perfume Pagoda (Huong Tich), at My Duc, 69km south of Hanoi, without doubt, is the most famous Buddhist pilgrimage site in northern Vietnam. Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims travel to this sacred cave to pray for happiness and prosperity in the coming year. The Perfume Pagoda Festival lasts from the 6th day of the 1st month to the end of the 3rd month of the lunar calendar.

22 - 23 February 2010: Full Moon Festival (Nationwide, Myanmar) Traditionally, it is held on the full moon day of this month as the harvest festival when people rejoice in the combined communities preparation and distribution of glutinous rice delicacy or feast of Htamane. One should not miss this opportunity to sample the delicious Myanmar delicacy consisting of glutinous rice freckle of coconut, sesames seeds, peanuts, ginger, and oil, which is specially prepared for the feast. Among the major Buddhist festivals is Mahamuni Pagoda ceremony in Mandalay and Kyaikkhauk festival in Yangon.

22 - 23 February 2010: Mahamuni Pagoda Festival (Mandalay, Myanmar) Incenses are burnt in large flame in symbolic of offering heat to the great image.

22 - 23 February 2010: Bon Fire Ceremony (Pyay, Myanmar) Plants which emit no smoke when lit, are burnt at four cardinal points on the platform of the pagoda in the early morning. Worshippers than proceed to Pho U mountaintop where the Lord Buddha is said to have visited and made preordination of events.

28 February 2010: Boun Khao Chi (Grilled Sticky Rice) (Nationwide, Laos) Sticky rice (khao neow) is a unique variety of rice. Laotian is eating rice three times a day mainly is sticky rice. North and Northeast of Thailand also eat sticky rice as their main dish. A ceremony is held at "Wat" (temple) in the morning, when a special "bread made of sticky rice" is offered. This festival is held during the third full moon of the lunar calendar.

28 February 2010: Wat Phou festival (Champasak , Laos) This festival is held during the third full moon of the lunar calendar on the grounds of the enchanting pre-Angkorian Wat Phu ruins in Champasack. Festivities include elephant races, buffalo fights, cock fighting, traditional music and dance performances. To coincide with the festival, a trade fair is also held to showcase products originating from southern Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam.

28 February 2010: Holi (Nationwide, India) Celebrating the slaying of the demoness Holika by Lord Vishnu's devotee Prahlad, people attack one another by colored powder and water! This "Festival of Colors"ť, held in India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, and countries with large Hindu populations and attracts lots of tourists. Celebration might take 3 - 16 days!

March 2010: Boun Pha Vet (Nationwide, Laos) An offering ceremony where a donation is made and one's future is read during the three day-three night festivals. The festival is also for gaining a merit by giving food to spirits both for dead ancestors and spirits without family

1 - 7 March 2010: Hola Mohalla [also Hola Mohalla or simply Hola] (Anandpur, India) Hola is masculine name of Holi. So a day after Holi, it's time for Hola! In this week-long, military-influenced festival, Sikh men become gladiators! They get-together for camping, kirtan (call-and-response chanting), music, poetry, pangats (big feast which they eat vegetarian Langars provided by volunteers), and a long, military-style procession.

March 2010

2 - 7 March 2010: Kyaik Khauk Pagoda Festival (Syrium, Myanmar) Maintaining the heritage of donating drinking water to all by descendants of the first donor family is amazing.

8 - 5 March 2010: Kekku Pagoda Festival (Taunggyi, Myanmar) Traditional Pa O Theatrical performances and singing contests are included.

10 - 16 March 2010: Zeedaw Nat Festival (Monywar, Myanmar) Spirit festival is held at Zeedaw village across Chindwin river.

12 - 14 March 2010: 3rd Annual Phangan Film Festival (Surat Thani, Thailand) "Nature and Spirit"ť is the theme for this by-the-sea, underneath-the-star movie experience in 2010. Many independent films show here to promote Eco-friendly awareness. Music and feast also features in this fete. Sea-sand-sun fun is always there. Full moon or not, weekend in Phangan never be boring one bit.

16 - 17 March 2010: Full Moon Day of Tabaung (Nationwide, Myanmar) This is the last month of Myanmar lunar calendar. The most colorful month of the year with Pagoda Festivals in full swing everywhere. The Shwedagon Pagoda Festival is held on the day of the full moon of Tabaung and is the month's finest event. During this festival, visitors can get to know the true religious feelings of the people of Myanmar by participating in events at pagoda fairs or by observing the rituals of the holiday.

19 - 26 March 2010: Shwemyitsu Pagoda Festival (Inndawgyi, Myanmar) Ceremony sponsored by Kachin Buddhist. The summer, a footpath leading to the pagoda surfaces enabling pilgrims to walk to the pagoda. Usually the pagoda is surrounded by a large volume of water.

19 - 26 March 2010: Pindaya Cave festival (Pindaya, Myanmar) Typical Taung Yoe pagoda festival. Different ethnic minorities can be seen.

19 - 26 March 2010: Taung Gwe Zedi Festival (Loi Kaw, Myanmar) Thousand Buddhist monks are offered food on the full moon day. Long necked Padaung, red dressed Kayan and black dressed Kayah among other minorities are seen.

21 - 24 March 2010: Shwesayan Pagoda Festival (Mandalay, Myanmar) Merchandise from northern Shan State and other part of the country are exchanged at Pagoda bazaar.

31 March -15 April 2010: Shanghai Peach Blossom Festival (Shanghai, China) Located at Nanhui District. This festival has been successfully held in Nanhui since 1991. Nanhui District has over 65 square kilometers (25 square miles) of peach trees. The trees usually start to blossom at the end of March, reaching full glory in the beginning of April. Luchao Port Peach Garden and Seaside Peach Garden are good places to admire these beautiful blossoms, whereas North City Folk Custom Village provides folk music and performances. Visitors can live a day as farmers or fishermen: fishing from boats or plowing fields. There are tasty country snacks to savor.

April 2010

April 2010: Chiang Mai Art and Culture Festival (Chiang Mai, Thailand) 2nd of April is the birthday of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhornl or our beloved Phra Thep, who has a strong passion for arts. So artists gather to perform as a way to celebrate and pay respect. Enjoy various kinds of performances, even puppet shows for kids!

6 - 14 April 2010: Vasant Navratri (Nationwide, India) Another one of four "Nine Night"ť festivals and this one is the second most important. Highlight of this Spring Navratri are on the eighth day, when they have Chaitra Navratri Kanjak Ashtami Puja (young girls worshipped as Goddess). The last day, called Ram Navratri, is for worshiping Lord Vishnu.

10 - 14 April 2010: Songkran (Nationwide, Thailand) Time for water-war! In the middle of hottest month in Thailand, everybody will get ready for splashing everyone in sight! But don"™t forget to pay homage to the Buddha and your elders, as it's the main idea. After that, enjoy! (Instrument: Water Pistol. Dress code: Half-naked. Caution: Wet Floor.)

13 April 2010: Vaisakhi (Punjab, India) One of the most important days in Sikhs as, back in AD 1699, the creation of the Khalsa (baptized Sikhs). And also marks the new harvest season. (Sometimes coincides with Hola). Sikhs gather, parades, dancing, singing, and chanting are parts of the event. Some even baptized on this day.

13 - 15 April 2010: Boun Pi Mai (Nationwide, Laos) Lao's New Year is celebrated at the same time each year (April 13 - 15) On the 13th, Buddha images are taken out of the temples to be cleansed with scented water by devotees, and placed on special temporary alters within the compounds of "Wats" (temples). Devotees gather the scented water falling off the images, to take home and use it to pour on friends and relatives, as an act of cleansing and purification before entering the New Year. On the evening of the 15th, the images are returned to their proper shiners within the temples. This special occasion consider as family days as well. Boun Pimai is a time for much joyous celebration, with good deeds and prayers in anticipation the New Year. (Best in Luang Prabang 10 "“ 18 April)

16 April 2010: Longhua Temple Fair (Shanghai, China) Longhua Temple Fair has been held on Mar. 3rd of the Chinese lunar calendar every year. The fair has a history of over 400 years. On this day, many pilgrims and local people come to worship Buddha in Longhua Temple and shop for souvenirs. Visitors can come here to experience the traditional way of life of the local residents. There are also local opera and folk art performances to enjoy.

23 April 2010: Chu Dong Tu Festival (Hung Yen, Vietnam) This festival occurs for three days from the 10th - 12th of the third lunar month in Chu Dong Tu Temple in Du Hoa Village, Chou Giang District, Hung Yen province, some 20 km from Hanoi. Saint Chu Dong Tu was one of the "four immortal heroes" at the center of Vietnamese society. Chu Dong Tu was a cultural hero and the founder of agriculture because he conquered the marsh and developed agriculture and trade. After the opening ceremony, there is a procession to remind people of the legend, life, and work of Saint Chu Dong Tu.

28 April 2010: Whale Festival (Danang, Vietnam) The Whale Festival has been, for centuries, the biggest water festival of the fishermen in Quang Nam, Danang province. The worshipping of the whale is not only about paying respect to their God, but also about ensuring prosperity for the villagers. The ceremony is held to respect the Whale God and to pray for the safety and prosperity of the village. The official ceremony is conducted as school children offer incense and the orchestra plays a classical opera. All the fishing boats and villagers, no matter where they are, will return to take part in the Whale Festival.

28 April 2010: Kovagam Festival, Kothandavar Temple, near Pondicherry, India, which is home to many eunuchs. During the festival the eunuchs symbolically "marry" the mythical Lord Kothandavar, who volunteered to die in a battle. His only wish was to be married before he died, so Lord Vishnu/Krishna transformed himself into a woman to be his bride on th eve of his death. The next day, eunuchs mourn the god Kothandavar's death through ritualistic dances and by breaking their bangles. An annual beauty pageant and several other competitions like singing contests are held. The main event of the festival will take take place on 28th April 2010 which is a full moon day. The festival attracts eunuchs and transsexuals from throughout India. Kothandavar Temple is 60 km from Pondicherry & around 170 km from Madras.

April/May 2010: Shanghai International Tea Culture Festival (Shanghai, China) The festival is about a week long, focusing on Chinese tea. Tea is indispensable in the daily lives of the Chinese people. The opening ceremony is always held in Shanghai, but the closing ceremonies are usually in southern cities that are famous for their tea productions. Tea specialists, delegations and tourist groups from all over the world come to Shanghai during the festival. Visitors can come to learn the proper way of brewing tea, taste various precious teas, watch the exhibitions or attend lectures.

April 2010: Shanghai International Flower Festival (Shanghai, China) During the festival, a large number of flowers turn Changfeng Park into an ocean of beauty. Flowers from China, America, Holland, Japan and Singapore are displayed here. There are various activities to take part in, such as flower photography, guessing flower riddles, ikebana competition and exhibitions on root engraving, strange rocks and bonsai. There are famous horticulturists lecturing on how to grow flowers and use them to decorate your home. This is a good choice when visiting Shanghai in a bright and pleasant springtime.

May 2010

3 May 2010: Giong Festival (Hanoi, Vietnam) The Giong Festival is held annually in Phu Dong Village, Gia Lam District, Hanoi. This large festival is held on the 9th day of the 4th month of the lunar calendar. The date commemorates Saint Giong who defeated the An invaders. In order to show their gratitude to the hero of Giong Village who sacrificed his life to fight invaders, the people proclaimed him Saint Giong. At the Giong Festival, people can make connections with their neighbors, with relatives, between the individuals within a community, and with the past and present.

3 - 20 May 2010: The Hijras/Kovagam Eunuch Festival (Tamil Nadu, India) Hijras or aravanis, as they are called there, is a "Third Gender"ť in India. For this 18 days festival, the aravanis reenact a story of the religious epic Mahabharata through dancing, as well as various health and HIV/AIDS seminars and beauty pageant. Hijras from everywhere travel to this festival.

8 - 9 May 2010: Boun Bang Fai (Rocket Festival) (Nationwide, Laos and Northeast, Thailand) A ceremony praying for rain is performed at the rain. In the afternoon, people gather in fields on the outskirts of villages and towns to launch the rockets with much abandoned revelry. Villages, communities and department compete for the " best decorated" and the " highest traveling" rocket. Beginning around the middle May, the festivals are staggered from place enable more participation and attendance. This is the time when an offering to the spirits can be made in a comer of one's garden, early each morning. In Luang Prabang, this happens during Lao New Year celebrations, 2nd weekend in May for Northeast, Thailand (biggest celebration for Thailand is in Yasothon.)

22 May 2010: Chem Temple Festival (Hanoi, Vietnam) Worships aliases Ly Ong Trong, during the Hung kings Dynasty, who helped the Chinese Emperor Tan Thuy Hoang to hold in check the Mongolian invaders.

26 - 29 May 2010: Loi Ruea Chao Le Festival aka The Setting Adrift of the Chao Le Boats (Krabi, Thailand) It's full moon night of the sixth lunar month, so one more time for this twice-a-year festival. This time is to "Goodbye sunshine. Hello rain.". Let's enjoy the last festival of summer and welcome monsoon that will hit Thailand by storms. You might enjoy the sea when it rains!

28 May 2010: Boun Visakhabouxa (Nationwide, Thailand and Laos) This festival is held during the sixth full moon of the lunar calendar for the Buddha. Candlelight processions are held in temples to mark the birth date of Buddha. Buddhists will take their family members to pray and walk circle the principle hall and listening to monk chanting.

June 2010

7 - 11 June 2010: Shanghai Television Festival (Shanghai, China) Established in 1986, Shanghai Television Festival has been successfully held for more than 20 years. It is now one of the most influential Chinese TV festivals, promoting the development of domestic TV industry and strengthening the communication and cooperation between Chinese and foreign television circles. Magnolia Award International TV Program Competition and Showcase is a highlight of the festival. A great number of quality TV programs gather here to compete, communicate and show its specialties. Magnolia TV Forum is another important activity, focusing on the hot topics and news of the television industry.

18 - 20 June 2010: The Phi Ta Khon festival (Loei, Thailand) Dubbed Thai Halloween, Phi Ta Khon held once a year. It is part of a grand merit-making festival known as the "Boon Luang" festival. This event reflects the local Isan belief in ghosts and spirits. And, like Isan people, it's fun-spirited and open to everyone with warm welcome.

July 2010

5 July 2010: Nag Panchami (Nationwide, India) From the myth of the great 5 cobras, Hindus go to temples and snake pits and worship the snakes! They also fast and offer milk and silver jewelry to the Cobras to protect them from all evils. The wives visit their parents during this occasion and people celebrate together.

11 July 2010: Tra Co Village Festival (Quang Ninh, Vietnam) This festival is held in Quang Ninh Province, in memory of the establishment of the ancient fishing village which was founded 600 years ago. (2011: 30 June - 2012: 18 June)

18 July 2010: Bonalu (Hyderabad, Secunderabad and parts of Telangana and Rayalaseema, India) In this ritual event for paying homage to Mahakali or Kali, the Mother Goddess, women bring feasts to the temple, led by drummers and dancing men. The ladies dress up in silk saris and beautiful accessories. Along the way, people come out to join this parade. So can you! (2011: 3 July - 2012: 24 July - 2013: 14 July - 2014: 24 July)

27 July 2010: 3rd International Wax Sculpture (Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand) Join welcoming ceremony of His Majesty the King's royal candle. Participate in Asalha Puja and the Khao Phansa Buddhist ceremony. Be amazed by the international candle-carving competition from various countries. Exhibition and showcases with different theme each week. Don't miss "Pha Khao Laeng"ť, a local food especially prepared for tourists. (2011: 16 July - 2012: 3 July - 2013: 23 July - 2014)

26-27 July 2010: Boun Asalahabouxa and Boun Khao Phansa (Buddhist Lent) (Nationwide, Laos) It is the beginning of Buddhist Lent. During the next three month period, monks spend most of their times in prayer and meditation and are restricted from spending nights in other "Wat." This festival is held during the eighth full moon of the lunar calendar. Many young kinds become a novice during this festival.

August 2009

20 August 2010: Boun Khao Padabdin (Rice) and Boat Racing Festival (Luang Prabang, Laos) At the Khao Padabdin ceremony day, people visit local temples to make offerings to dead ancestors as well as to share merits making. This festival includes boat racing on the Nam Khan River and a trade fair in Luang Prabang World Heritage town.

23 August 2010: Ganesh Chaturthi (Nationwide, India) Ganesh, supreme god of wisdom, prosperity, good fortune and god of arts, is one of the most well-known and respected figures in Hinduism. This occasion is 10-day BIG CELEBRATION of his birthday. Expect all kinds of spiritual activities. For Hindus and believers, this festival is nothing short of Christmas!

September 2010

7 September 2010: Onam (Kerala, India) Spring Carnival! This historical and spiritual ceremony became a harvest welcome. Start on Atham day, 10 days before Onam, with decorated flower carpet. Dress and gift your love ones with onakkodi (new clothes). Enjoy 5 dances, 6 games, and more than 20 festive-recipes on fresh banana leaves.

12 October 2009: Shanghai Tourism Festival (Shanghai, China) Shanghai Tourism Festival is the grandest among the modern festivals celebrated in the city. Established in 1990, it attracts both the locals and the visitors by showing the city's colorful tourist products and activities relating to sightseeing, entertainment, dining, shopping and exhibitions. There are also folk customs, food, art, fashion and culture from many other countries to enjoy September 2010: Thailand International Swan Boat Races 2009 (Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Thailand) Enjoy boat races and activities in the River of King. The dramatically beautiful boats, that would take up to 50 adrenaline-driven guys to row, will compete for victory here. Have fun with activities around the river and purchase the Thai handicrafts and souvenirs.

24 September 2010: Prachum Benda (Nationwide, Cambodia) Exclusive in Cambodia, this Ancestors' Day is a big religious festival. On this special occasion, Buddhists cook meals for monks and pay respect to their loved ones. You can experience the real Buddhists way-of-living that can rarely be seen now.

28 September – 6 October 2010: Navratri (Nationwide, India) "Nine Nights"ť by its meaning in Sanskrit. Some call it "Dasahara"ť or "Ten Days"ť for one more extra day they extend. Worshiping 9 forms of Shakti, The Great Divine Mother, devotees express their faith through dancing! Women in colorful saris crowd and decorated light is everywhere. Totally Bollywood!

October 2010

3 October 2010: Doson Baffalo Flighting Festival (Haiphong City, Vietnam) The Buffalo Fight in Do Son (Haiphong City). Fighting buffaloes must be carefully selected, well fed, and trained. These buffaloes must be between 4 and 5 years old, with a good appearance, a wide chest, a big groin, a long neck, an acute bottom, and bow shaped horns. The Buffalo Fight in Do Son is a traditional festival that is attached to a Water God worshipping ceremony and the "Hien Sinh" custom. The most typical reason for the ceremony is to express the martial spirit of the local people in Do Son, Haiphong.

1-3 October 2009: The Illuminated Boat Procession (Nakhon Phanom, Thailand) To pay respect to The Lord Buddha, people of Nakhon Phanom added this colorful festival to the normal spiritual ceremony. Imagine the illuminated boats lined up in the middle of the Mekong River, what an impressive scene that is! Let alone the great experience along the way. PRICELESS!