September–October
Onam Festival
Thiruvananthapuram, India
The day of Onam is believed
to be the day that Lord
Vishnu sent King Mahabali
to the underworld. People
lay down flower mats, and
feast and dance with the
purpose of conveying to
King Mahabali – who makes
his annual visit to the living
world – that his people are
happy and prosperous.
During this period, the fields
are filled with golden paddy
grains and blossoming
flowers, putting on an extra
show for visitors.Chuseok Festival
North and South Korea
The Chuseok Festival
is one of Korea’s three
major holidays. Koreans
hold memorial services
in their homes in honour
of their ancestors, or
sweep their ancestors’
graves. Tourists can visit
the Korean folk village
for traditional games,
dance performances
and re-enactments of
Chuseok customs and
rites. The palaces offer free
admission to those wearing
a hanbok traditional dress.Awal Muharram
Brunei
The Hijri New Year reminds
Muslims to work towards
positive change, but it is
also a time of festivity with
family. With approximately
67 percent of Brunei's
population Muslim, the
kindgom is the perfect
place to celebrate Hijr in
that it is home to some
exquisite mosques: Masjid
Omar Ali Saifuddien is
mirrored in a surrounding
pool, and boasts opulent
interior decor with lavish
carpets and chandeliers.Naga Fireball
Festival
Nong Khai, Thailand
Spectators line the
banks of the Mekong to
witness the eruption of
unexplained fireballs,
which are believed to come
from the naga – a mythical
serpent living in the river.
Scientists suggest that
the fireball is the result
of rising flammable gas.
Devotees maintain that this
is the naga paying tribute
to the the Lord Buddha. The
festival also includes a light
show and boat races.SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER OCTOBER
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Onam Festival98 FESTIVALS