Thailand’s Songkran to Bali’s Kuningan – 5 unforgettable cultural festivals to travel to in Asia this spring
From the lilac blossoms of Japan to Bali’s double new year’s celebrations, the world’s most-populated continent is also home to its most colourful cultural celebrations – here are 5 travellers can enjoy with nothing more than a plane ticket
As the largest and most-populated continent on our home planet, Asia is a melting pot of cultures, each with its own strange, beautiful and colourful customs and celebrations. Here are five unique festivals worth travelling for this spring.
Galungan and Kuningan
What: Two different yet intertwined festivals on the Island of the Gods.
Galungan is celebrated every 210 days and is one of the two Balinese new years (yes, there are two). The festival celebrates the triumph of Dharma (good) over Adharma (evil) and honours the creator of the universe as well as departed ancestors who return to earth for 10 days.
Kuningan is observed 10 days later and celebrates purification. The day is also marked with prayers and offerings as visiting ancestors and spirits return to heaven.
When: Often falling twice in a calendar year, this year Galungan and Kuningan will be celebrated both in February and September
Nyepi