IN TAMILNADU

 

PONGAL

Pongal is a festival of India which marks the beginning of the six month’s journey of Sun in Northward direction called as Uttarayan and is observed every year on 14th of January. This time is considered as an auspicious time of the year when Sun starts moving towards Makar Rashi.

It is not a celebration of a single day and is celebrated in a time span of four days. For the Hindu community, Pongal has been considered as one of the most important festivals of the year. Its significance lies in the fact that, it is celebrated to say thanks to God and the creator of the nature for the flourishing season of harvest. The name Pongal has been derived from the Tamil word “to boil”. It is held in the Thai month, which falls from January to February. During this season various cereals, rice, sugar-cane turmeric and many other cooking essentials of Tamil Nadu are harvested.

 

-DAKSHA JAIN

IN PUNJAB

LOHRI

The people of Punjab celebrate Lohri with utmost zest every year on 13th January. It is believed that the festival is celebrated on the day when days start becoming shorter and the nights start becoming longer. This festival is celebrated as the harvest festival and on this day people light bonfire, sing and dance in joy to pay respect to the Dulha Batti. Though, it is the key festival of Punjabis but some Northern states of India also observe this festival which including Himachal Pradesh and Haryana. The people of Sindhi community observe this festival as “Lal Loi”. Punjabi people living in various corners of the world also celebrate Lohri with same fervour.

How Is Lohri Celebrated?

People of India celebrate Lohri with lots of happiness and joy like many other festivals. It is one of those festivals which give an opportunity to family and friends to gather together and spend together some quality time. On Lohri people visit their friends and family and distribute sweets. This festival is particularly significant for farmers as it is considered to be a harvest season. People celebrate the festival by lighting up bonfire and dancing and singing around the bonfires. While singing and dancing around the fire, people throw popcorns, gur, rewaries, sugar-candies and sesame seeds.

On this day, in evening a pooja ceremony is held in every household. This is the time when people get blessing from the almighty by doing parikrama and offering Pooja. According to the customs and rituals people on this day eat foods like makki ki roti with Sarso ka Saag, gur, gazak, til, moongphali, phoolia and Prasad. In addition to that people also wear new clothes on this day and perform Bhangra which is a folk dance of Punjab. For farmers, this day marks the beginning of a new financial year. For newlywed couples and new born babies this festival also holds great importance. On this day newlywed brides gets gifts from all the family members and they are supposed to wear all the ornaments that brides usually wear on their marriage day.

3. Modern day Lohri Celebration

Earlier people used to celebrate Lohri by gifting each other Gajaks, while in the contemporary world the trend has been gradually changing and people prefer gifting chocolates and cakes instead of gajaks. With the increasing threat to the environment with the roaring pollution agents people have become more conscious and they prefer not to light up bonfires. People avoid cutting on more trees and plants for lighting up bonfires on Lohri. Instead they celebrate Lohri by planting more and more trees so that they can contribute to the environmental protection in the long run.

-DAKSHA JAIN

 

 

 

 

IN KERALA

 

ONAM

Onam is the most popular festival in Kerala and is celebrated with great pomp and show. It is believed to be the National festival of Kerala. Onam is celebrated each year in the month of August-September which according to the Malayalam calendar is the first month of the year called Chingam. The festivities of the Onam last for ten days.

Meaning of Onam

The word Onam is believed to have been originated from the Sanskrit word Shravanam which in Sanskrit refers to one of the 27 Nakshatars or constellations.

Importance of Onam

The festival of Onam is dedicated to the King Mahabali who though was an Asur (one with more negative thoughts in his mind) by birth but was a Sur (one with more positive thoughts in his mind) by virtue.The myth of King Mahabali says that the king sacrificed himself along with every thing else he had in order to stand true to his words. Thus as a reward for his sacrifice he was blessed to be remembered by the people of Kerala and all his followers for eternity in the form of Onam festival.

Major Attractions of Onam Celebrations

Pookkalam

Pookkalam refers to making designs with different types of flowers in front of the gate of house. With each passing day during the Onam festival, a new layer of flowers is added to the Pookalam. At some Pookalam competitions are held at some places.

Onasadya

This the grand meal prepared at the day Thiruonam. Onasadya meal is served on a Banana leaf and is a nine course meal having at least four to five vegetables. The number of vegetables in the meal varies from house to house but most of the well off families cooks nine to eleven dishes for the Onasadya. Restaurants offer as many as 30 dishes for the Onasadya.

Onakalikal

This refers to all the games played at the festival of Onam. Talappanthukali which is game played with a ball is a favorite of men. They also indulge in Ambeyyal (archery). Women engage themselves in making Pookalam and performing several traditional dances.

Vallamkali Boat Race

Also known as the snake boat race, this is one of the most entertaining events of the Onam festival. Near about 100 boatmen compete with each other in a boat riding competition .The boats are decorated beautifully in different patterns. Men and women from across the city come to witness this race.

Elephant Procession

The elephant procession is one of the most awaited events of Onam. The majestic animal is decorated with flowers, ornaments in gold and other metals. The elephant is made to take a round of whole Thrissur where this procession is held. The elephant dances and interacts with people through small gestures.

Folk dances

Other major attraction of the festival includes the folk dances performed by women. Kaikottikali is a clap dance performed on the occasion of Onam. Women performing the dance sing praises of King Mahabali. Women also perform a dance in a circle. This dance form is called Thumbi Thullal.

 

– DAKSHA JAIN

IN MALAYSIA

 1.Wesak Day

Like in all Buddhist countries, Wesak festival celebration in Malaysia gives you a chance to witness this important event marking the three major milestones in Budhha’s life – his birth, enlightenment and nirvana. Buddhists across the country observe fasting to cleanse themselves and also spend time meditating at the temples all day. They also release doves and tortoises as a symbol of liberating the soul and absolving ones past life sins. This pious festival is marked with alms giving, spirituality and positivity.

When: Full moon of May
Where: Across the country

2.Sarawak Gawai Festival

Celebrated by the indigenous Dayak’s race of Swarawak, Malaysia’s largest state, this harvest festival begins on 1st June and goes on for a whole month. The Dayak’s dress in their traditional attire, indulge in a fascinating ceremonial offering and welcome the New Year with gusto. The best place to witness the celebrations in their full glory is a longhouse, the traditional Dayak home with over 40 families residing under the same roof! Traditional dances, feasting and free-flowing tuak (rice wine) add vigour and charm to the celebrations. No wonder it has a special place in the list of festivals in Malaysia.

When: 1st June
Where: Sarawak state

 

IN SINGAPORE

1. Thaipusam 2019

Okay! Statutory warning first – the processions during this festival is not for the light-hearted. Sharp skewers pierced through tongues, cheeks and bodies as a practice of self-mortification, the devotees may send shivers down an onlooker’s spine. Celebrated in early February on the brightest moon night, Thaipusam worships lord Murugan and can be easily compared to the popular Thanksgiving festival.

Key attractions: Ornate, colorful frames – Kavadis being carried to the temples, sacrifices, and shoes during the processions
Don’t miss: The final stage of the procession, sweets that are distributed after being served as an offering to God
When: First or second week of February

2.Singapore Art Festival 2019

A must for culture buffs, the Singapore Art Festival is home to ensembles, music, theater acts, international dances and art installations. With great talent to be seen and heard around for almost an entire month from May, it is among very few fests which celebrate such diverse range of art forms on one platform. This deserves to be your one of the must attend festivals in Singapore 2019.

Key attractions: International film screenings, painting competitions, and nothing really is not an attraction if you have the right taste for art

Don’t miss: Street performances
When: May – June; you can sync your calendar from the official event calendar

 3.Hari Raya 2019

Among the other famous festivals in Singapore, this is the local version of Eid which is celebrated after the month-long fasting of Ramadaan. This is one of the traditional festivals in Singapore. The Muslims in Singapore put on new clothes and begin their day by visiting the nearest mosque where they offer their prayers. Rest of the day is spent by visiting the friends and relatives.

Key attractions: The colorful streets, the festive attire, mouthwatering delicacies
Don’t miss: Decorated bazaar at the Sultan Mosque, breaking fast rituals at any mosque in the neighborhood
When: June- July

 

IN JAPAN

 

MATSURI

 

In Japan, there are more than 300,000 traditional “matsuri”, which means festival in Japanese, and they are very different from area to area. Normally, a matsuri is sponsored by a local shrine or temple and is organized by the local community. People wear a typical matsuri costume and carry a heavy Mikoshi, which is a portable shrine around the street, hoping it can bless the town and people.

Matsuri sometimes refers to an event held in a local area. It could be a dancing performance or an artistic competition, such as Yuki matsuri (Hokkaido), or Yosakoi matsuri (Kochi).

 

1. Gion Matsuri (Kyoto)



 

Gion Matsuri is a one of the most famous festivals in Japan. It takes place during the entire month of July, but the highlight is the grand procession of floats called “Yamaboko Junko” on the 17th and 24th. It takes place on the Kawaramachi and Oike Streets.

2. Awa Odori (Tokushima)



 

This is the largest traditional dance festival in Japan. Men, women and children dance on almost all of the streets in Tokushima City, from the 12th to the 15th of August.  They wear summer cotton kimono and straw hats. More than a million people get together for this festival, and it is a spectacular sight. You can even join them to dance with the rhythmic music!

3. Kanda Matsuri (Tokyo)



Kanda Matsuri is one of the most famous festivals in Tokyo and is a festival for the Kanda Myojin Shrine. The main action happens during the middle of May. The portable shrines, called Mikoshi, are  accompanied by about a thousand people, and after they leave the Kanda Myojin Shrine in the morning, the  parade continues through the Kanda district, Nihonbashi and Akihabara and returns to the shrine in the evening.

4. Yuki Matsuri, Snow Festival (Sapporo)



 

Sapporo’s Yuki Matsuri takes place in February. The origin of this festival was six snow statues built by local high school students in 1950, and now it has become an international contest of gigantic snow sculptures.

5. Nebuta Matsuri (Aomori)

 

The Nebuta Matsuri takes place from the 2nd to the 7th of August in Aomori City. Nebuta are lantern floats which depict human figures and are accompanied by thousands of chanting dancers. The parade starts at sunset and continues for hours.

6. Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri (Kishiwada, Osaka)

 

 

Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri takes place in Kishiwada City, Osaka, during the middle of September. Danjiri are wooden floats, many of which are heavier than 3000 kg. The Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri is one of the most thrilling festivals in Japan. People pull their huge floats at breakneck speeds, with the team leaders hopping and dancing on top of the floats.

7. Tenjin Matsuri (Osaka)

 

 

Tenjin Matsuri is a festival supported by the Tenmangu Shrine in Osaka, and is held on the 24th and the 25th of July. The highlights are on the second day with both a land procession and a river procession. At the river procession, the illuminated boats reflect off the river the fireworks go off in the sky.

 

8. Kochi Yosakoi Matsuri (Kochi)

Kochi Yosakoi festival began in 1954 after local people created the Yosakoi Naruko Dance. The dance is based on their old folk song, called “Yosakoi Bushi.” People dance passionately with the uptempo music, carrying clappers called “Naruko” which make a click-clack sound. It takes place during the middle of August.

 

9. Tanabata Matsuri (Sendai, Miyagi)

 

 

Tanabata Matsuri takes place from the 6th to the 8th of August in Sendai City, Miyagi. It is a festival based on the Chinese legend about two stars, Altair and Vega. You will find thousands of huge colourful paper decorations hanging in the streets.

 

10. Hakata Dontaku Matsuri (Fukuoka)

 

 

Hakata Dontaku Matsuri is held on the 3rd and the 4th of May in Fukuoka City. People dance and parade through the streets with wooden “Shamoji,” which is a utensil used for serving rice. It is also called Hakata Dontaku Port Festival because there are lots of events held around the Hakata Port.

 

IN CHINA

These traditional festivals will really introduce you to life in China. There are annual events like Chinese New Year, the Lantern Festival, the Qingming (Tomb Sweeping) Festival, Double Seven Festival, and the Winter Solstice.

TRADITIONAL FESTIVALS

Chinese New Year 2019 (Dates, Traditions, Animal Signs )

Feb. 4 to Feb. 10

Chinese New Year (within 15 days of February 5) is also called Spring Festival. It is the most important festival to Chinese people. Many activities are held to celebrate the festival, such as dragon dances, setting off firecrackers, making dumplings, etc.

Dragon Boat Festival 2019

Jun. 7 to Jun. 9

The most popular and representative activity of Dragon Boat Festival is dragon boat racing. Dragon Boat Festival falls on month 5 day 5 of the Chinese lunar calendar (around mid-June). During this traditional festival in China, people customarily eat rice dumplings.

 

China’s Lantern Festival 2019: Traditions, Activities, Places To Go

Feb. 19 

The Lantern Festival is traditionally the last day of the Chinese New Year period. It became a festival about 2,000 years ago. Billions of lanterns and giant lantern and drone displays makes the time festive.

 

Qingming Festival 2019

Apr. 5 to Apr. 7

Qingming Festival (around April 4) is Chinese people’s day for visiting graves and burial grounds to pray their respects to their ancestors. It’s known as Tomb Sweeping Festival in English. Many Chinese also go for a picnic during Qingming Festival to enjoy the picturesque scenery of spring.

 

 

Double Seventh Day — How to Celebrate China’s Valentine’s Day

 Double Seventh Day falls on the 7th day of the 7th month of China’s lunar calendar (around mid-August); that’s why it is called Double Seventh Day. Known as China’s Valentine’s Day, it is a festival that has legendary links with romance and love in China.

The 24 solar terms

The 24 solar terms were first named by farmers in ancient China to help to guide agricultural affairs and farming activities. It is a system that marks the changes in seasons, weather, and nature by splitting a year into 24 equal periods of time.

Winter Solstice (Dongzhi) Festival

Dec. 22 

Some Chinese celebrate the Winter Solstice on December 21st, 22nd or 23rd depending on the day it falls. It is a custom for people to eat dumplings and/or tangyuan with their family on the day of the Winter Solstice.

Summer Solstice (xià zhì夏至) — the Longest Day

Jun. 21 

Solar terms are a Chinese conception of the seasons and a product of the tireless exploration of the natural sciences by Chinese people’s ancestors. ‘Summer solstice’ is one of the most impo…

The Double Ninth Festival

The Double Ninth Festival is also named Chongyang Festival. It is held on the 9th day of the 9th month of the Chinese lunar calendar (around mid-October). During the festival, enjoying chrysanthemums and climbing mountains are both popular activities in China.

Hungry Ghost Festival

Aug. 15 

In China, special customs for memorizing the dead are held on Qingming Festival and Hungry Ghost Festival. Hungry Ghost Festival is the most important festival in month seven of the lunar calendar for Chinese people. The date, lunar month 7 day 15, is around late August.

The history of Mexican clothing includes traditional vibrant, colourful and very practical dressing for daily use as well.Traditional Mexican clothing was one of the most renowned clothing styles back then. It included vibrant colors, wonderful skirts, and of course the hats. The clothing discussed below, was worn throughout Mexico in the past. Today, the country follows the contemporary styles that are prevalent around the world. The only traces of traditional clothing are visible in the small towns and villages. men in Mexico wore pants, shirts and boots, as everyday clothing. Shirts were usually only a single color which wasn’t amongst the bright ones. Along with this routine wear, men wore a straw hat called the ‘sombrero’. The sombrero has since then been a symbol of Mexican clothing. If the temperatures grew colder, the men wore a cape on this attire. This cape was called the ‘sarape’, and reached the knees a minimum. The only colorful part of menswear in Mexico was this sarape. For functions and occasions, men wore the ‘charro suit’, which, since then, has been a legendary form of attire. The women in Mexico had some of the most awesome and lively dress styles back then. Skirts were worn more commonly than any other form of clothing. These skirts were either ankle length or knee-length. Again, the ankle length skirts were more common.  Mexicans loved loud colors and earthy shades as well. Shades of brown, red, orange, green and yellow, were the most common. Initially, pigments were obtained from plants grown nearby. Once the Europeans settled there, these pigments were replaced with artificial acrylic dyes. The festive occasions demanded more color in the clothing. More vibrant the color, the better dressed you are. These colors were responsible for adding life to the clothing. These colors were observed even in the jewelry Mexican women wore back then.

Mexican clothing images

Lederhosen, which means “leather trousers” in German, are the short, leather pants worn by men. These are usually knee-length and are the historically worn by working-class German men. The dirndl is a ruffled apron dress worn by German women that consists of a bodice, or blouse, and a skirt. In the 19th century, the dirndl was the standard uniform of servant girls, but today it is mostly worn in Bavaria and Austria, and like lederhosen, usually for celebration. Each of these garments is a type of tracht, which historically was used to help identify people as members of a certain status (social, political or otherwise). For the ladies, a soft, felt shoe with clunky heels and decorative buckles would typically accompany the dirndl. While not exactly clogs, these shoes would work just fine for an evening of dancing. Men would usually opt for the haferl shoe, a thick leather or rubber sole invented in Bavaria for farming. Shoemaker Franz Schratt based the design on that of animal hooves, and the word heferl, roughly translated, means “half a shoe.” These were also easy on the feet, and men took great pride in the care that went into handcrafting their haferl.  The skirts always had a flare to them. On these skirts, women wore the traditional vintage blouses, but light in weight and material too. The blouses usually had quarter or half length sleeves. When the temperatures got hotter, the women wore a tunic called ‘huipil’. This huipil was sleeveless and usually had patchwork done on it. This tunic was not body hugging, thus allowing passage of air.

 

German clothing images

Ireland’s tumultuous history affected every bit of the island’s culture, including clothing fashions. In poor times, peasant dress was exceedingly simple. Men and women alike wore might’ve worn simple knee-length leine, or shirts. Men worn just the leine, while women often used these shirts as undergarments covered by open-sleeved dresses.

But there are other, more recognizable traditional fashions in Ireland. The kilt is one of them. Although most scholars pin the development of the “man’s skirt” on Scotland, Irish men also wore them regularly, especially in the early 20th century.

Some of the stitches in Aran sweaters have traditional meanings. For example, the roundish honeycomb stitch is said to symbolize the hard work of the honey bee and the sweetness of the fruits of labor. However, there’s no truth to an oft-repeated myth that each family has its own unique sweater stitch patterns.

Contemporary Irish dancers also wear traditional clothes. Female dancers usually wear brightly colored dresses with intricate embroidered patterns, and each school of dancing has its own unique designs. Often, Celtic patterns find their way onto these dresses, and some dancers include a Tara brooch (an elaborate, traditional Irish brooch), in part as a reminder of the artistry of ancient inhabitants of Ireland.

Less is known of the early apparel of the Irish women and children. Like men, women’s clothing was mostly derived from wool. It is likely that the earliest female inhabitants of Ireland also donned léine which looked similar (if not identical) to those of their male counterparts. By the fifteenth century, women were wearing long dresses made from wool cloth, often decorated with ribbons and other accessories. These dresses were created and worn in direct imitation of those found in England, where the nobility had banned Irish clothing.

 

irish clothing images