Special Events Around The World
30 January 2010
Thaipusam
This is a festival celebrated by
Hindus all over the world. It commemorates the birthday
of the deity Murugan (youngest son of Shiva and
Parvati) and his victory over
the evil demon Soorapadman. Devotees
pray, fast and take on various burdens to
show their devotion.
12 - 28 February 2010
2010 Winter Olympics
Winter sports athletes and
spectators around the world
look forward to this sporting
event every four years. The
sports include skiing, figure
skating and ice hockey.
Legendary Asian athletes include speed
skater Hyun-Soo Ahn of South Korea
and figure skater Shizuka Arakawa of
Japan. This year’s Games will be in
Vancouver, Canada.
14 February
Chinese New Year
The most important of
Chinese festivals, it’s also
called the Lunar New Year
and begins on the first day of
the first month in the lunar
calendar. Children
greet parents and
wish them a healthy new year,
and they will often receive
lucky red envelopes filled
with money or sweets
in return.
Festivals in Asia
5 January 2010
CHINA
Harbin Ice and Snow Festival
Held annually since 1963, visitors
can marvel at the intricate ice
sculptures and snow carvings in
this month-long festival. Other
activities during the festival include
alpine skiing, winter swimming and
ice lantern exhibitions.
14 January 2010
INDIA
Makara Sankranthi
This festival of harvest is one of the
largest and most auspicious festivals in
India. Different regions celebrate the day
differently – some people will offer prayers
to the Sun God Surya, others will fly kites or
exchange tokens of good will.
28 February 2010
TAIWAN
Lantern Festival
This major festival in cities like Taipei, Kaohsiung and Pingsi
often marks the end of Chinese New Year celebrations. You
can see hundreds of colourful traditional and electronic
lanterns light up at night, with some more than 10
metres tall. |