Have you heard of the second grandest festival in China? Mid-Autumn Festival is simply a celebration of autumn fantasies with dazzling lanterns and colourful festivities. Do read on! Overview The Moon Cake Festival or the Mid-Autumn Festival has a rewarding history that runs back to 3000 years. This celebration was derived from the moon worship custom which was celebrated during the Shang Dynasty. According to the Chinese lunar calendar, the festival usually falls on the 15th day of the 8th month. From time immemorial, Chinese people used to pay homage to the moon praying for a good harvest. Customs On the evening of the festival day, usually, the Chinese people have a meal together with all the family members. Also, there’s a special ritual to …

The end of the Ramadan months signals the beginning of a festival called Hai Raya Puasa in Malaysia. With most of the population in the country being Muslims, the festivities are celebrated in on a grand scale. Here are some facts about Hari Raya Puasa. Before the feast Ramadan is said to be the 9th month on the Islamic colander is also one of the holiest months for Muslims. During this period, the devotees avoid eating, drinking and smoking during the day. This act of fasting and abstinence is for one to learn good virtues like patience, humility and spirituality while surrendering oneself to Allah. The period of fasting begins at dawn and ends at 4 pm. Prayer time During this one month of fasting, …

Celebrated during the auspicious month of April, the New Year Festival is a very important national holiday for both Sinhalese Buddhists and Tamil Hindus in Sri Lanka. Who celebrates it The solor festival is celebrated by both the Sinhala Buddhist and Tamil Hindu Communities. What it’s About Unlike western celebration where the New Year is celebrated at midnight on 31st of December, the Sinhala and Tamil New Year is determined by astrological signs and is celebrated when the sun moves from the House of Pisces to the House of Aries. Traditional Customs and Rituals The rituals and customs followed by the Sinhala Buddhist community are similar to those observed by the Tamil Hindus. A variety of rituals such lighting the fire in the hearth, preparing …

Thailand is renowned for its culture, and there’s so much to experience where that is concerned. One of the best, and most famous, festivals that happen in Thailand is Songkran. What is Songkran? Songkran is derived from the ancient Sanskrit word, Sankranti, and is a reference to the traditional New Year that is celebrated in South Asian countries such as Cambodia, Myanmar and Vietnam. So it’s an International Thing? The traditional New Year is celebrated in many ways throughout the world, in nations such as Sri Lanka, for example, it’s the ‘Sinhalese New Year’, in Myanmar it’s called ‘Thingyan’. Only Laos and Thailand refer to the occasion as Songkran. Songkran in Thailand Since Songkran is associated with purification and washing away of bad luck and …

Thailand’s Songkran celebrations have become famous throughout the world, especially since the nation breaks into a massive water fight with people of all ages taking part in the festivities. Songkran This is the name for the traditional New Year that is celebrated in many countries across South Asia, which includes Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Cambodia. The Festivities Songkran is associated with purity and the washing away of past misdeeds, which is where the water aspect comes in. Many would visit temples, pour water on Buddhist statues, as well as loved ones are common practices. The Water Fights The ‘water festival’ is mostly celebrated by young people, and entire streets tend to get closed off to cater to this massive celebration that has become world-renowned, …

Malaysia is one of the most colourful nations in the world where culture is concerned, and the nation is at it’s most beautiful around the time of the traditional new year, known as Songkran. What is Songkran? Songkran is the traditional new year that is celebrated through most of Asia, including Vietnam, Thailand, Laos, North-East India, Sri Lanka, and parts of China. This period commences when the sun moves through the Aries constellation. Penang This state is situated towards the northwestern coast of the Malaysian Peninsular and consists of parts. It’s one of the best places to be during this time because of two particular festivals. Penang International Food Festival The food culture of this state is quite famous, and this is why the Penang …