Joanna James
When you think of Asia, the first thing that pops into your head alongside the vibrant colours and cuisine will be the cultural significance and impact that it has had across the globe. As a part of the world that has preserved and successfully integrated its deeply rooted traditional aspects with the modern world, Asia should be on everyone's travel bucket list.
Our first stop is in China, where the Chinese Lunar New Year Festival is celebrated on the grandest scale, bringing families and friends together for the holidays. Marking the transition from winter to spring, this festival is looked forward to with a lot of eagerness and happiness, especially from the younger generations. During the Lunar New Year popular hotel chains such as the Minor Hotels are often booked in advance to ensure comfortable stays or to have a quiet and peaceful family. Media releases cover beautiful aspects of this festival bringing in every piece of information to your mobile devices, helping you celebrate this festival even if you are in another country.
As the cultural hub and former capital city of Japan, Kyoto is famous for its Gion Matsuri Festival which is celebrated in the month of July. This festival is centred around the “Yasaka Shrine,” and it acts as a reflection of the deep-rooted connection between the city’s residents and their Shinto traditions. The festival’s main attraction is the “Yamaboko Junko Parade,” where an assortment of enormous and elaborately decorated floats are pulled through the streets for everyone to see.
This festival is celebrated across Thailand and it has been popularised for its is best known for its playful water fights, symbolising the washing away of misfortunes from the past year. The beauty behind the symbolism of washing away your misfortunes makes this festival an important festival for the locals, helping them create a clean slate for themselves for the remainder of the year.
Diwali is a festival popularised across the world as a beautiful and vibrant experience that brings together the most beautiful assortment of colours and lights, making a positive and lively atmosphere. Diwali celebrations include lighting oil lamps (diyas), setting off firecrackers, and creating beautiful rangoli (patterns made from coloured powders), all of these activities are done when the families come together. Additionally, this festival is a beautiful opportunity to exchange sweets and gifts with those important to you and perform rituals with (loved ones) that are believed to bring prosperity and happiness for the coming year.
This festival is celebrated on the 15th month of the eighth lunar month and has been popularised as a festival for children, highlighting innocence and youth. This festival is celebrated by processions of lion and dragon dances, sharing mooncakes (intricately decorated pastries filled with sweet fillings such as lotus seed paste or red bean), and colourful lantern parades that are led by children.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
