Thousands of festivals are celebrated all over the world today but there’s always that one festival in every country that tops the list.
We’ve short-listed the most popular festivals celebrated around the world in various countries.
1. CHILAM JOSHI, PAKISTAN
Chilam Joshi is a festival celebrated in Pakistan where people of Kailash play music and dance for hours to welcome spring. This festival represents the coming of spring and people celebrate it to express their joy over its arrival.
2. DIWALI, INDIA
Diwali is originally an Indian festival which is now celebrated in many countries. It generally occurs between October and November. The festival is celebrated as a gesture to promote goodness over evilness and lightness over darkness. Besides, Diwali is celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains as they consider it a religious festival. In addition, various rituals are practiced and presents are also exchanged during the celebrations.
3. OBON FESTIVAL, JAPAN
It is a Buddhist festival celebrated in Japan for 3 days, normally in August every year. The festival is celebrated in remembrance of peoples’ ancestors. It involves a huge bonfire in the Kyoto hills. Moreover, Obon Festival is also known as the festival of lanterns. Paper lanterns are sent along the river to signify the departed souls returning to their graves peacefully.
4. HARBIN INTERNATIONAL ICE & SNOW SCULPTURE FESTIVAL, CHINA
This Ice Festival celebrates the extreme cold in winter weather that you’ll experience in China. In Harbin, the average winter temperature is around 1.8 degree Fahrenheit. Why is the festival celebrated there, you may wonder? Because Harbin is home to the biggest ice sculptures in the world. Furthermore, the festival occupies the entire city. And many activities happen during the celebration including alpine skiing, ice lantern exhibitions, and swimming.
5. DIA DE LOS MUERTOS, MEXICO
Dia De Los Muertos is a Mexican tradition celebrated in the remembrance of the dead loved ones. Parades and Aztec rituals take place during the festival. Also, families and friends of the deceased paint their faces with skeletal makeup and vibrant costumes.
6. PERAHERA FESTIVAL, SRI LANKA
One of the most sacred remnant, the Buddha’s teeth is exhibited during a parade around the streets. The festival takes place every August and lasts for ten days. A lot of colorful celebrations can be observed during this 10 day festival. The activities involve the elephants, acrobats, dancers and drummers. Therefore, Perahera Festival is one of the best sights in Sri Lanka.
7. OKTOBERFEST, GERMANY
In 1810, a German prince tied the knot and arranged a large number of festivities for his people to enjoy. However, the people loved it so much that they decided to carry out the celebrations every year. The celebrations are now known as Oktoberfest. It is without a doubt, one of the largest and finest festivals in Europe. Moreover, millions of people from all over the world visit Germany to experience it. The festival caters good food, historical and local cultural aspects, a lot of fun games and much more.
Author:
Aqsa Butt (@aqsaaa_buttt)
