Festivals of South East Asia offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary exploration of ritual practices, seasonal celebrations, and cultural performances across six countries — Thailand, Indonesia, Burma (Myanmar), Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam. Drawing from primary fieldwork, historical sources, and oral traditions, this volume documents nearly 50 major and lesser-known festivals, presenting them through the lenses of anthropology, religious studies, art history, and cultural heritage studies.

Structured both thematically and regionally, the book delves into the symbolic, spiritual, and socio-cultural dimensions of each festival. It highlights how these events serve not only as expressions of local belief systems but also as platforms for community identity, memory preservation, and cross-cultural continuity. Special attention is given to the shared Indic heritage, indigenous belief systems, and evolving ritual ecologies shaped by migration, modernity, and state narratives.

Enhanced by over 150 archival and contemporary images, the work contributes to the broader discourse on intangible cultural heritage, providing valuable insight into Southeast Asia’s living traditions. It is a vital resource for scholars, researchers, students, and educators in South and Southeast Asian Studies, Religious and Cultural Studies, Ethnography, Tourism Studies, and Heritage Conservation. It is also fascinating for anyone who loves to know or loves to travel. This book is not a reading; it’s a journey.