Holi is a religious spring festival, mainly celebrated by Hindus. Bonfires are lit on the eve of the festival, also known as Holika Dahan (burning of little Holi), in memory of the miraculous escape that young Prahlad accomplished when Demoness Holika carried him into the fire. Holika was burnt but Prahlad, a staunch devotee of God Vishnu, escaped without any injuries due to his unshakable devotion. The celebrations can last up to 16 days, with Hindus throwing coloured powder and water at each other in the street.
Obon Festival, Japan
The Obon Festival lasts for three days across Japan, usually in August. It is a Buddhist festival to commemorate one's ancestors and is celebrated through Bon Odori dances and a giant bonfire lit in the hills of Kyoto. The festival is also known as the "festival of lanterns", as one of the customs during this time is to send paper lanterns floating along the river to symbolise the souls of those departed returning to their graves in peace.
Cannes Film Festival – Cannes, France – May
Whether you adore the wonderfully charismatic glamour of the film industry and its celebrities or you are enthralled by the creativity and storytelling of filmmaking, you’ll want to make the trip to Cannes at least once. Perhaps the most important film festival on the circuit, at its heart, Cannes is about mining for new talent and providing a showcase for it. But of course, its procession of polished and gilt stars provides a certain air of prestige, too. The inaugural festival was held in 1946, which helps to further imbue it with an authoritative air, as does its French Riviera locale. Get along to absorb some brilliant cinematic works and perhaps rub shoulders with a few A-listers while you’re at it.
Snow & Ice Festival — Harbin, China — January – February
Harbin is transformed into a winter wonderland with seismic ice sculptures across the city, adorned with lights and lasers, drawing thousands of artists and art-enthusiasts alike. And if that’s not enough to tickle your fancy, there’s also the Ice Lantern Art Fair, dog sledding to watch and our favourite, “winter swimming watching”.
Shark Taronalari is Uzbekistanβs international world music festival. First held in 1997 in Samarkand, the festival has attracted a growing number of performers and participants through the years. It usually takes place every summer. Folk singers who practice traditional musical genres such as uran khai (throat singing) and makom (sacred classical, melodic Uzbek music) come to the festival to perform alongside musicians from Europe and Asia.
Carnevale — Venice, Italy
The annual Carnevale is how Venice celebrates before the privations of Lent. While Rio de Janeiro’s version of the celebration is much more famous, Italy more than holds its own.
Music festival in USA
Made In America, Philadelphia PennsylvaniaFounded by the rap mogul, Jay-Z, Made in America is a two-day celebration of successful and upcoming artists and bands. The festival is located in a very accessible, and central location in Philly and boasts some of the best artists in the world. The aim of the festival is to bring like-minded people together and enjoy the music culture. If you are a rap and hip-hop lover, this is definitely a great festival to attend. Accommodation is available all around Philadelphia and neighboring cities.
Food Festivals In Kazakhstan
Almaty apple festival is celebrated in September. The most famous creation of Almaty is celebrated by conducting a festival where various kinds of apples are in display. Music festival in Kazakhstan, Astana International Contest of Kazakh Song is the festival where one can view the tribute to Kazakh music. The Contest of Kazakh melody is held every year in September. Abroad entertainers from all over Poland, Uzbekistan and Germany contend to sing Kazakh tunes in their local dialects. The celebration is a major occasion in Astana, with nearby choirs and youngsters’ gatherings being called upon to go with a considerable lot of the challengers.
Yee Peng and Loy Krathong festivals — Chiang Mai, Thailand
Yet another reason to include the northern Thai city of Chiang Mai on your Southeast Asia itinerary, the Yee Peng and Loy Krathong festivals happen simultaneously each November. Orange lanterns take to the skies while paper lanterns line the lakes and rivers, honoring the goddess of water and illuminating the city.