05/06/2026

LYFE FRIDAY | JUNE 5, 2026

READ OUR

HERE

12

Malaysian Paper

/thesun

Unusual Asian festivals made for memorable experiences

A SIA is home to some of the world’s most vibrant festivals, but beyond well-known celebrations lies a quieter, more curious side of the region. These are the events that feel a little unexpected, sometimes unusual and often deeply rooted in local traditions. These festivals may seem unusual at first, but each offers a unique window into local culture, belief systems and traditions. Whether it is through silence, celebration or something entirely unexpected, they remind travellers that some of the most memorable experiences come from stepping outside the familiar. From streets filled with monkeys to islands that go completely silent, here are eight lesser-known festivals in Asia worth discovering. Lopburi Monkey Festival Where: Lopburi, Thailand When: Last Sunday of November In the Thai city of Lopburi, monkeys take centre stage for a feast like no other. The Lopburi Monkey Festival sees long banquet tables laid out with fruits, vegetables and sweet treats, all prepared for the town’s resident macaques. The festival is a celebration and a gesture of gratitude. Locals believe the monkeys bring good fortune and tourism to the area, and the annual feast is a way of giving back. As the food is unveiled, hundreds of monkeys descend onto the tables, creating a lively and slightly chaotic scene that is as entertaining as it is surreal. When: Often around March or April Hari Moyang is a deeply spiritual celebration observed by the Mah Meri community in Malaysia. Unlike large-scale festivals, this is a more intimate and cultural event centred on ancestral reverence. The Mah Meri are known for their intricate wooden masks, which are believed to represent ancestral spirits. During the festival, these masks are worn in ceremonial dances accompanied by traditional music. The celebration honours the spirits of their ancestors and reflects the community’s connection to nature, heritage and storytelling. Ű BY SHIVANI SUPRAMANI Hari Moyang Where: Malaysia

o From monkey buffets in Thailand to full day of silence in Bali, discover best-kept secrets

Nyepi. – PICS FROM 123RF

Lopburi Monkey Festival.

fills the streets with towering Ogoh Ogoh statues, representing demons and negative forces. These figures are carried through villages before being burned as a form of purification. When silence begins the next morning, the contrast is striking. The day is spent in stillness, with many observing fasting, meditation and self-reflection. Lai Heua Fai, or the festival of lights, transforms the Mekong River into a glowing spectacle. During the celebration, handmade boats crafted from bamboo and paper are decorated with candles and released onto the river. As they drift downstream, they symbolise the letting go of misfortune and negativity. The festival is quieter compared with larger regional events, but its gentle atmosphere and soft lights create a memorable experience. Lai Heua Fai Where: Luang Prabang, Laos When: Usually in October

procession, and the Hida Furukawa Fox Fire Wedding in Gifu Prefecture each September, which reenacts a mythical fox wedding through torchlight ceremonies and dramatic performances. Together, these events preserve centuries-old beliefs while offering visitors a unique glimpse into Japan’s rich folkloric heritage. Despite its unusual appearance, the festival is rooted in purification rituals and spiritual belief. Nyepi Where: Bali, Indonesia When: March (based on the Balinese calendar) Nyepi stands apart from most festivals for what it does not include. Known as the Day of Silence, the entire island of Bali comes to a complete standstill for 24 hours. No travel, work, lights or noise are allowed. Even the airport closes and streets remain empty as residents stay indoors in quiet reflection. The night before Nyepi tells a very different story. The Ngrupuk parade

leaves and vines before walking through the streets to ask for candles or offerings. The mud-covered appearance symbolises humility and devotion. While it may seem unusual at first glance, the festival carries strong religious meaning and a sense of community spirit. Fox festivals in Japan, known as Kitsune Matsuri, celebrate the mystical role of foxes ( kitsune ) in Japanese folklore as divine messengers of Inari, the Shinto deity of rice, prosperity and fertility. These festivals blend spiritual tradition with theatrical spectacle, often featuring participants dressed as foxes with white face paint, masks and elaborate costumes. Among the most famous are Tokyo’s Oji Inari Shrine Fox Parade, held on New Year’s Eve, where thousands gather for a lantern-lit Kitsune Matsuri Where: Japan When: Varies

Taong Putik Festival Where: Philippines When: June 24

Taong Putik, which translates to “mud people”, is one of the more visually striking festivals in the Philippines. Held in honour of St John the Baptist, participants cover themselves in mud, dried banana

Hari Moyang. – SYED AZAHAR SYED OSMAN/THESUN

Kitsune Matsuri. – PIC FROM INSTAGRAM @CUREPUKA

Lai Heua Fai. – PIC FROM INSTAGRAM @REISSTEL

Taong Putik Festival. – PIC FROM INSTAGRAM @REUFLORES