An Indian devotee prays to the Sun God as he takes holy dips at Sangam, the confluence of the Rivers Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati on Maghi Purnima, or the full-moon day, considered an auspicious bathing day, during the Maha Kumbh festival in Allahabad, India. —Photo by AP

A Sri Lankan Buddhist prays during Poya, a full moon religious festival, at the Kelaniya Temple in Kelaniya. —Photo by AFP

Chinese blacksmiths throw molten metal against a cold stone wall to create sparks, during the Lantern Festival which traditionally marks the end of the Lunar New Year celebrations, in Nuanquan, Hebei province. For over 300 years, the village which is famous for its blacksmith skills, has maintained the tradition which they considered a cheaper alternative than buying fireworks during the Lantern Festival. —Photo by AFP

People launch sky lanterns into the sky in celebration for the Lantern Festival in Fuyang, Anhui province. —Photo by Reuters

South Korean singer Psy performs his hit single “Gangnam Style” during a concert in Istanbul as part of the Istanbul Blue Night festival. —Photo by AFP

An ultra-Orthodox Jewish man dances while celebrating the Purim festival at a synagogue in the town of Bnei Brak near Tel Aviv, Israel. The Jewish holiday of Purim commemorates the Jews' salvation from genocide in ancient Persia, as recounted in the Book of Esther which is read in synagogues. —Photo by AP

Marek Jama of Poland performs with a pony during the “International Cirkus Festival” in Prague. —Photo by AFP

Traditional dancers from Sri Lanka perform at Navam Perahera, a Buddhist pageant of elephants, dancers and drummers, in Colombo. Elephants participate in the street parade for Gangaramaya temple's annual Perahera festival, along with a nightly procession of traditional dancers, fire twirlers and traditional musicians. —Photo by Reuters

Two Ultra Orthodox Jewish boys dress as clowns during the Purim festival in the ultra-Orthodox town of Bnei Brak, Israel. Other customs include: sending food parcels and giving charity, dressing up in masks and costumes, eating a festive meal, and public celebration. —Photo by AP

A dancer playing a giant traditional puppet called “ondel-ondel”, performs during Cap Go Meh festival in Jakarta, Indonesia. The festival is held every 15th day after the Chinese New Year to mark the end its celebration period. —Photo by AP

Filipino students in costumes perform during the annual “Caracol” festival in suburban Makati, south of Manila, Philippines. The event aims to promote public awareness on environmental issues and cultural heritage. —Photo by AP

Mexican rock band Mana performs during the 54th International Song Festival in Vina del Mar, northwest of Santiago. —Photo by Reuters

A girl holds a firecracker in an alleyway in Beijing during the lantern festival, which marks the end of celebrations for the Lunar New Year. —Photo by AFP

Sri Lankan Buddhist monks bless a domesticated elephant brought for a Buddhist temple festival in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Tamed elephants traditionally have an important role in the island's Buddhist customs and are considered a status symbol. Colorfully decorated elephants are used to carry sacred relics in annual Buddhist processions. —Photo by AP

Devotees carry a wooden icon while walking through fire during the annual festival at Lim Ko Nieo temple in Thailand. Chao Mae Lim Koh Nieo, a goddess believed to possess potent magic powers, is revered by the Chinese community in Yala and other provinces of southern Thailand. —Photo by Reuters

A girl points to a lantern as she was carried by her grandmother at a market in Confucian Temple of Nanjing, Jiangsu province. —Photo by Reuters