South Asia
This Hindu festival of lights celebrates the victory of light over darkness.
What is Diwali?
During this Thai festival, people release small floating lanterns made of banana leaves onto rivers to give thanks to the water goddess.
What is Loy Krathong?
In China, people eat mooncakes and carry lanterns during this autumn festival.
What is the Mid-Autumn Festival (Moon Festival)?
In Saudi Arabia and some Gulf countries, this pilgrimage draws millions of Muslims from around the world every year.
What is Hajj?
In Russia, this winter holiday is celebrated on January 7th by Orthodox Christians with church services and family gatherings.
What is Orthodox Christmas?
People throw bright powders and water at each other to celebrate this colorful spring festival.
What is Holi?
People in Laos celebrate their New Year by throwing water, just like in Thailand.
What is Pi Mai Lao (Lao New Year)?
This Chinese festival celebrates this festival with red envelopes, dragon dances, and fireworks.
What is Chinese New Year (Spring Festival)?
This Islamic festival marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting, and is celebrated with feasts and prayers.
What is Eid al-Fitr?
In Russia, people celebrate the end of winter by eating pancakes and having outdoor games during this festival.
What is Maslenitsa?
Muslims celebrate this festival with prayers and feasts after the month of fasting called
Ramadan.
In the Philippines, towns celebrate the harvest with colorful rice decorations called Kiping.
What is the Pahiyas Festival?
In Japan, people enjoy picnics under cherry blossom trees during this spring festival.
What is Hanami?
This Jewish festival celebrates the story of the Exodus from Egypt, marked with a special meal called the Seder.
What is Passover (Pesach)?
This spring festival is celebrated in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and other Central Asian countries to mark the Persian New Year.
What is Nauryz (Nowruz)?
During Navaratri, many people in Gujarat celebrate by dancing this traditional folk dance with sticks.
What is Garba
In Cambodia, this festival marks the end of the rainy season and includes boat races along the Tonle Sap River.
What is Bon Om Touk (Water Festival)?
In Korea, families honor their ancestors and share special food during this autumn festival.
What is Chuseok?
In Israel, this Jewish festival commemorates the story of the Maccabees and is celebrated by lighting candles on a menorah.
What is Hanukkah?
In Tajikistan, this festival celebrates the arrival of spring with music, dancing, and water games, similar to Nowruz.
What is Sabo Festival?
This festival marks the beginning of the new year in many parts of South India, especially Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
What is Pongal (or Onam)?
This is the most important holiday in Vietnam, celebrating the Lunar New Year with family gatherings and red envelopes.
What is Tết?
In Mongolia, people celebrate the New Year with horse racing, wrestling, and archery competitions.
What is Naadam?
In Iran and other countries, this ancient festival marks the Persian New Year and the first day of spring.
What is Nowruz?
In Mongolia, this summer festival features eagle hunters showing their trained birds in hunting demonstrations
What is Eagle Festival?