On the occasion of the UN’s International Day Of Happiness, The Sherp picks out the festivals that radiate good vibes!

1. Holi

Holi A.K.A. ‘The Festival Of Colours’ is an ancient Hindu religious festival celebrated during spring. The festivalΒ has become popular with non-Hindus in many parts of South Asia, as well as people of other communities outside Asia. Although it is primarily observed in India, it is also celebrated in Nepal and other regions of the world with significant populations of Hindus or people of Indian origin. In recent years the festival has spread to parts of Europe, North America and even Australia where Music Festivals are organized with the Holi theme.

 

2. Wilderness Festival

The Wilderness Festival is an award winning festival of music, food, arts, learning, literature and rejuvenation. The festival is set amongst the lakes, forests and parkland of Oxfordshire’s exquisite Cornbury Estate. They aim toΒ strike a balance between relaxation and revelry, artistic refinement and simple pleasures. Honestly the pleasure of having attended Wilderness is ideal for you ‘happy place’ bucket list.

 

3. La Tomatina

Every year, a little town in Spain has an abundance of tomatoes, so much so that they don’t know what to do with it. The La Tomatina,Β held in the Valencian town of BuΓ±ol, is a festival in which participants throw tomatoes and get involved in a massive and city-wide tomato fight purely for entertainment purposes. The festival has been held on the last Wednesday of August since 1945.

 

4. Ozora

OzoraΒ is a psychedelic tribal gathering that aims to establish aΒ universe of openness and togetherness where we can evolve towards becoming one with cosmic energies, with nature, with consciousness, with wholeness through dance, trance, creation, invention, transformation and peace.

 

5. Songkran

The Songkran Water Festival is a celebration of the Thai New Year. Much like Holi, the festival involves getting wet and getting others wet. Spray guns, hoses and even elephants are used in this water fight.

 

6. Lightning In A Bottle

Lightning in a Bottle is a transformational festival held in the Central Coast region of California. Presented by The Do LaB, the production team, it seeks to promote sustainability, social cohesion, personal health, and creative expression.

 

7. St. Patrick’s Day

St. Patrick’s Day is the celebration of the feast of the foremost patron saint of Ireland. In what has become a day of extravagance, revelry and stereotypical Irish drunkenness, people all over the world celebrate this much loved festival.

 

8. Roskilde

Known not only for being a huge festival and having great lineups, but also for its humanitarian activities. This festival’s efforts include money donated to charity, food being distributed to homeless shelters and free water for festival goers!