Magazines

What is tradition? In this issue, we look at how a people’s loving protection and willing maintenance of ancient observances allow rituals like fire wars to survive the generations, and revive fading subcultures – like Thailand’s forest wizards – from the brink of extinction. Yet this era’s predominant theme seems encapsulated by the underdog tribe’s failure to resist bartering unique customs for a share in progress, meaning unusual ways of life, like monkey hunting and corpse care, may soon be permanently forfeited to history. Dive into the weird and wonderful parts of Asia’s heritage as we uncover the diverse ways that her people make meaning of milestones and seasons, and live unique lives across remote islands, quiet villages and high mountains.

Did you know there’s a train with rocket boosters on it? How about the fact that you’re probably half the size of the world’s biggest bat? And that there’s a super-mysterious disappearing bridge in India that has scientists all confused? (We want to know what you think!). Amazing science and modern technologies made these and more all happen… read on to find out how!

From the awe-inspiring great white to the adorable dogfish sharks, Scuba Diver Ocean Planet presents a collection of images from some of the most talented underwater photographers across the globe. These individuals have united with the same vision – to see our sharks saved. Featuring the smallest, fiercest, friendliest, and rarest sharks, let these images attest to the true nature of sharks in this Collector's Edition.

Wrecks are enigmatic, revered, and sometimes dangerous. Yet they can be found in abundance: It is estimated that there are around three million wrecks underwater. But for the majority of the population, these treasure troves remain hidden beneath the waves. With Asia being a hotspot in the theatre of World War II, its waters host a plethora of historical wrecks waiting to be explored. While some are the result of a rich history, others are purposefully-sunk as artificial reefs. Either way, these wrecks have now become home to the ocean’s creatures, sustaining new life when all was dead.  

Asia’s festivals can really be summed up in one word: diverse. From east to west, the region boasts a smorgasbord of the weird, the wonderful, and the downright bizarre. But whatever their flavour, festivals offer a fantastic means of immersing oneself in a foreign community’s culture. In keeping with Passport’s mission to equip the modern traveller with a comprehensive guide to Asia, we’ve covered as many bases as possible, with a calendar and listings of some of the festival highlights in the region – and you’re invited. Journey to Mongolia for the riotous Naadam festival, which gives the Olympics a run for its money in terms of its fierce competitive edge, with three Genghis Khan-approved traditional sports. Visit the Surin Elephant Roundup, which has its origins in Thailand’s royal hunts in the Ayutthaya period. In the Philippines, Easter takes a turn for the queasy as Catholic devotees re-enact the crucifixion in all its gory glory. Take a turn to India for the Pushkar Camel Fair, the largest of its kind in the world, and in Central Asia, get into the spirit of the widespread Nowruz celebrations.

Lost cities, sunken galleons, underwater museums, and underwater art exhibitions, SDAA+OP brings readers tales of wonder, history and art from the bottom of the sea.