#ShortList : Festivals of Light

Yi Peng, Chiang Mai, Thailand

The lantern festival is celebrated on the eve of the full moon of the 12th month of the Thai lunar calendar – in 2016, this falls on November 16. Paper lanterns are released into the sky all at once. Buddhist monks will launch three: one for Buddha, one for Dharma, and one for Sangha.

Original picture!! #nofilter #original #originalpicture #SEAsia #thailand #laturnfestival #loykrathong #loikrathong #laturnup #laturn #backpacking #backpack

Une photo publiée par Henkelee (@henkelee) le 28 Déc. 2015 à 10h50 PST

Diwali, India

The festival symbolises the victory of light over darkness or good over evil, knowledge over ignorance, and hope over despair. It is celebrated throughout the country over a five day period, culminating on Diwali night which falls on the new moon, usually between mid-October to mid-November. Everyone is involved and the parties spill out on to the streets with lights, oil lamps and fireworks.

It was amazing to be in Mumbai for Diwali last year, such an incredible experience to walk through the 1000s of people massed along Marine Drive setting off an insane amount of fireworks

Une photo publiée par Boucher-Harris Photography (@shoottheplanet) le 16 Févr. 2016 à 12h45 PST

Bonfire Night (Guy Fawkes Day), Great Britain

Remember, remember the fifth of November. This day commemorates the failed attempt to explode the House of Lords (upper house of Parliament in the UK) by Guy Fawkes (whose figure is now well-recognised as the face of the “Anonymous” hactivist group). Effigies of Guy Fawkes are lit, as well as bonfires, torches and burning crosses.

#Lewes #lewesbonfire #guyfawkes #fire #night

Une photo publiée par @mogwai888 le 22 Févr. 2016 à 12h42 PST

Vivid Sydney, Australia

Vivid Sydney is a three week celebration of light, illumination, creativity and enlightenment. Art installations of light are exhibited all over the city, with the most-notable being the Sydney Opera House having it sails illuminated in immersive light.

Life in Colour. ????  #Kemikulz2015LookBack . And we're on the last day of 2015 and my final lookback photo. Time really flies! It's been an amazing  and definitely colourful and wonderful year. And what better way to end it than by reaching 4k followers! ???????? What a treat! ???? Thank you everyone for all you support and encouragement – wouldn't have continued photography without you guys. I'm happy to have rediscovered this app called @instagram. I've met a lot of awesome and inspiring people, made some great friends, went on roadtrips to places I didn't even know existed before, learened so much and got presented with great opportunities ???? . 2015, you have been fantastic! Can't wait for what's in store in 2016! ???????????? ???? Have a safe and happy new year everyone!!! ???? . #sydneyfolk #2015inreview #happynewyear #chasingessence #chasingemotions #jj_faceless #jj_humanedge #heatercentral #findyouroutpost #infinity_shotz #agameoftones #vividsydney #sydneylocal

Une photo publiée par Kel Morales – Sydney (@kemikulz) le 30 Déc. 2015 à 21h39 PST

Nozawa Onsen Fire Festival, Northern Nagano, Japan

Each year on January 15, the town of Nozawa Onsen hosts the greatest fire-setting-battle you will have ever seen. Men aged 25 and 42 are said to have unlucky ages, so they are the ones to participate in the battle. A large tower is built, at the top of which the 42-year old men sit. The villagers charge in to try and set the tower alight – the 42-year old men protect the top of the tower and the 25-year old men protect the base. The event can last up to four hours, but mix a little saké into the equation and it seems like one helluva ride.

Flashbacks to the Dosojin Fire Festival from a couple of years back. What a trip… This is still the craziest thing I have ever experienced. #nozawa #dosojin #fire #japan

Une photo publiée par Jarrad Grigg (@jarradgrigg) le 16 Nov. 2014 à 4h53 PST