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.