
As the saying by Siddharth Katragadda goes, the greatness of a culture can be found in its festivals. Cultures of the world have observed and enjoyed some days, weeks or months as festivals or celebration events, and all reflect samples of their cultures; from religious practices to national celebrations, from sports organizations to art events. Here are some of the international festivals, celebrations from various cultures of the world.
1. Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year is the greatest festival of China. It is the largest festival and holiday for the country as the celebrations run from Chinese New Year’s Eve, the last day of the last month of the Chinese calendar, to the Lantern festival on the 15th day of the first month. It is also known as the Spring Festival. The arrival of the new year is celebrated. Dragons, fireworks, symbolic clothing, flowers, lanterns, etc. are displayed during the celebrations. The traditional lion dance is also performed at the festival.
2. Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival: Taiwan
Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival is one of the biggest cultural events in Taiwan. It falls on the 15th day after the Chinese New Year. The exact event location is announced by the municipality every year. The purpose is to bring people together to make wishes and be part of incredibly beautiful scenes and moments. There are, of course, other events within the festival but the main festival event is group releasing events. Groups release lanterns into the sky, with their wishes attached to them. The Bureau of Tourism provides lanterns at some certain points.
3. Diwali
Diwali is India’s biggest and most important holiday of the year. It is as important to people of India as the Christmas is to Christians or Eids to Muslims.
Originally, it is a spiritual, religious festival, but over the centuries, it has also become a national festival. As India is diverse in faith, the festival means different to all, but the main reason for the celebration is the victory of the good over evil. A large colorful statue of an Indian elephant forms the special part of the decoration at the festival. There are different activities for each day of the festival. On the first day, people usually clean homes, shop for gold and kitchen utensils because they believe it will bring good luck. The second day is for home decoration with clay lamps and creating design patterns on the floor with colored powders or sand. Time for the family gathering and feasts is the third day. Firework festivities are also on this day. The fourth day is the first day of the new year. Friends and relatives visit each other to give gifts and best wishes. The last day is for brothers to visit their married sisters and to have a big meal.
4. Winterlude
Winterlude is Canada’s, especially the Capital’s, annual winter celebration. The purpose is to bring fun and joy to the winter. It lasts for three weeks with intensive weekend activity programs. During the festivals, snow and sculpture competitions are arranged, snow playgrounds are constructed, sporting and
skating events are organized. Sports, arts, fun, excitement await you during Winterlude.