In November, locals and visitors celebrate Yi Peng festivals in northern Thailand and Loi Kratong in the south. Loi Krathong is a mesmerizing spectacle of candlelit little vessels floating on waterways against the backdrop of a full moon. People of all ages gather to release their Krathongs, symbolizing letting go of their troubles, negative thoughts and bad luck.
Yi Peng was originally a separate event in the North. Now, it is celebrated with Loy Krathong. It is a magical festival with the release of lanterns into the night sky and a time to make merit, honor Buddha and ask for good luck and wisdom.
A fascinating and colorful festival, massive and impressive floats are paraded through the city of Karatsu to celebrate a good harvest. Celebrated for 400 years, it is recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Boun Pha That Luang is the most meaningful festival in Laos. It is a 3-7 day festival, usually in early November. The first evening. People carry flowers, candles, and incense and decorate wax castles in processions wearing Lao ethnic costumes. There is dancing and traditional music. Hundreds of monks come from around the country to pay homage at the stupa. After people in the crowd play a game resembling hockey, there is one last candle-lit procession with fireworks.
The Hoi An Lantern Festival is a must-see event. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hoi An celebrates this every month during the full moon. Lanterns are lit and line the streets and bridges, transforming Hoi An into a magical place. Little lights are also floated on the Thu Bon River as a symbol of good luck, prosperity and respect for ancestors.
The Gong Cultural Festival showcases the beauty of the highlands and how the indigenous people value the relationship between their gong orchestral music, dance, and spiritual lives. This mesmerizing musical festival preserves their rich traditions and is the World’s intangible cultural heritage.
Diwali is a big, colorful 5-day festival in Singapore from the end of October to November and is celebrated with as much enthusiasm as in India. Diwali celebrates the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. Lamps often light up homes and streets. People set off fireworks and exchange gifts. Designs are made on the floor from colored sand powder and rice or flower petals.
No matter the time of year, festivals are unique experiences, allowing us to immerse ourselves in local culture, make friends, and understand how much we are alike in our desire to honor our traditions and pay tribute and thanks for what we have as we celebrate life.
