Holidays in Asia usually take place under the bright flashes of fireworks and the sounds of drums. Some events attract travelers from all around the world, others can scary tourists.
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Festival-vegetarians self-torturers, Thailand, 5-13 October
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In October, in Thailand it is the time of one of the most unusual and shocking events, where participants put themselves to sophisticated tortures - pierced cheeks with knives, electric drilling of the body, walking on coals. Fanatics believe that such things grant them the mercy of the gods. The festival lasts for nine days, starting from the ninth day of the ninth month of the lunar calendar. All nine days participants observe a strict diet and sexual abstinence.
Dashain / Durga Puja, Nepal, October 9-13
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One of the most important holidays for the residents of Nepal dedicated to Hindu goddess Durga. The celebrations last for 10 days. Children in the villages make large bamboo swings, kites adorn the heavens, and the maskers are dancing in the evenings on the streets (especially in Patan, Kathmandu Valley).On the seventh day of the feast, the President takes Tundikhel military parade. On the eighth day at midnight begins animal sacrifice. Blood flows in the river the whole next day. The blood of the sacrificial buffalo and goats sanctify weapons and tools, motorcycles, cars and even airplanes and so shield yourself from accidents for the next year.
Diwali, India, Nov. 3
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One of the most spectacular (and sometimes dangerous) Indian festivals - the festival of lights Diwali - accounted for late October-early November. Across the country at this time everybody lits candles and lanterns, you can see endless fireworks and explosions of firecrackers. It is a real festival of lights symbolizing the transition from darkness to light, spiritual growth, rebirth. According to the legend, this festival is associated with the victory of the incarnate god Rama over evil in the form of Sri Lankan demon Ravana. Holiday rituals and ceremonies in the temples last for a few days. At night, in the big cities of due the illumination it becomes as bright as during the day.