July–August
Gion Matsuri
Kyoto, Japan
The Gion Festival dates back
to 869, and takes places in
Kyoto every year, usually
running for the whole month
of July. It began with the
purpose of appeasing the
god of the Yasaka Shrine,
Susanoo-no-mikoto (who
was thought to cause
natural disasters) following
an epidemic. Gradually, the
rituals became less intense,
but the procession with the
impressive Hoko and Yama
floats still remains a vital
part of the festival.Naadam
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Locally termed eriin
gurvan naadam, this
extravagant occasion
holds three sporting
competitions, namely
wrestling, horseracing and
archery. Naadam formally
commemorates the 1921
revolution when Mongolia
officially declared its
independence. Visitors can
join in the festivities by
watching the competitions
and feasting on traditional
foods and airag, fermented
horse milk.Boryeong Mud
Festival
South Korea
This festival sends a flood
of international visitors
and tourists to South
Korea every year, owing to
its main attraction: mud.
But this not just ordinary
mud; the Boryeong variety
is filled with beneficial
properties. This festival
was conceived to educate
people about the numerous
benefits of the mineral-rich
mud, which was ingeniusly
promoted through vigorous
mud wrestling matches.Esala Perahera
Kandy, Sri Lanka
The Esala Perahera Festival
honours the Sacred Tooth
Relic and the four guardian
gods. The Esala Perhera
procession is dedicated
to praying for a bountiful
crop yield for the country.
Spectators can enjoy
five consecutive dance
processions, each with a
different theme, dedicated
to different deities. Some
of the attractions include
fire dancing, whip dancing,
and various other Kandyan
cultural dances.JULY JULY JULY AUGUST
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Naadam96 FESTIVALS