A festival is the harbinger of oneness, revelry, and the auspicious. Our commonplace existence, while chomping at the bit for an approaching festival, is revivified with a fresh lease of life. Emotions grow intense over time. This is a common feeling that is shared equally by the entire global society during the advent of any festival.
Festivals can be a celebration of colours and lights, or it can represent triumph of the good over the bad. It may also commemorate a momentous deed, or simply exhort unity and humanity. It is needless to reiterate that we wait for any festival throughout the year; and before the arrival, we prepare ourselves, in every way possible, to imbibe the positive energy.
Across the wide world, there are many festivals that are exclusively beautiful. Here is a small list of the best of all. If you have the heart of a traveller, then you will definitely keep these festivals in mind before you plan for a holiday in these countries.
1.The Carnival of Venice, Italy
Priding themselves on the victory wrested from the Patriarch of Aquileia, Italians celebrate the Carnival of Venice. The festivity draws, every year, a huge congregation of visitors from different parts of the world. One of the pivotal attractors of this fest is the use of masks. Varying in shape and colour, each mask carries attributions of intricate designs, giving each a quirky appearance. Moreover, the wearers match the masks with complimentary attires to achieve the dramatic effects. The celebration spans over two weeks wherein there takes place attractive masquerade balls, street performances, and concerts of large scale. It is indeed one of the most colourful festivals in the world.
2.The Jinhae Gunhangje Cherry Blossom Festival, South Korea
Spring preludes the arrival of the pretty cherry blossoms on the South Korean land. Streets and neighbourhoods are bedecked with these distinctly beautiful flowers preparing the comprehensive mood for a festive time. In fact, the Japanese believe that these flowers typify clouds. This is a one-of-its-kind festival that should be considered by every traveller to witness in the flesh.
3. The Bristol Balloon Fiesta, United Kingdom
An annual event in England, the Bristol Balloon Fiesta saw the light of the day in the year 1979. One of the crucial attractions of this sporting extravaganza is the ‘Night Glow’ - balloons of various interesting shapes are flown into the air by the night, and they in turn glow thereby vivifying the sky. If you do go to visit this festival, be ready to spot unnumbered balloons.
4. The MassKara Festival, Philippines
The Filipinos, on every fourth Sunday of the month of October, congregate to observe and participate in the MassKara Festival. Albeit a riot of colours, the genesis of the same lies in the gloomy days of past. During the ‘80s, the citizens were outright beleaguered with unbearable financial straits. To make matters worse, they were struck by an unfortunate disaster on the waters that killed hundreds. It was to inject hope and optimism into the pervasive air of dejection, the locals ingeniously developed the idea to host this wonderful and colourful festival. And ever since then, the festival has been celebrated with exceptional vigour.
5. The Loi Krathong Festival, Thailand
Literally meaning ‘to float a basket’, the Thai families come together to celebrate Loi Krathong. The term ‘Loi’ means ‘float’, while the other term ‘Krathong’ is a pleasant arrangement of flowers and leaves. Into this arrangement goes incense sticks and lit candles, and the entire family assembles by the waters to set the ‘Krathong’ afloat. The Krathong carries away all the troubles and inconveniences, and makes way for prayers and wishes to come true.
Author : Satarupa Hajra