• The God of Wealth arrives at the Lunar New Year celebration at Thean Hou Temple in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on February 10, when the Year of the Dragon begins. Getty Images
    The God of Wealth arrives at the Lunar New Year celebration at Thean Hou Temple in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on February 10, when the Year of the Dragon begins. Getty Images
  • An egg is offered to tiger sculptures at a Chinese temple during Chinese Lunar New Year celebrations in Kandal province, Cambodia. EPA
    An egg is offered to tiger sculptures at a Chinese temple during Chinese Lunar New Year celebrations in Kandal province, Cambodia. EPA
  • Incense is burned at a Chinese temple in the Chinatown area of Yangon, Myanmar, on the first day of the Lunar New Year of the Dragon. AFP
    Incense is burned at a Chinese temple in the Chinatown area of Yangon, Myanmar, on the first day of the Lunar New Year of the Dragon. AFP
  • Dancers perform a traditional Lion Dance during the Chinese Lunar New Year celebrations in Manila, Philippines. EPA
    Dancers perform a traditional Lion Dance during the Chinese Lunar New Year celebrations in Manila, Philippines. EPA
  • Incense and prayers during Lunar New Year celebrations at a temple in Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia, where Lunar New Year is known as Imlek. EPA
    Incense and prayers during Lunar New Year celebrations at a temple in Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia, where Lunar New Year is known as Imlek. EPA
  • Chinese artists perform a dragon dance in Yangon, Myanmar. AP Photo
    Chinese artists perform a dragon dance in Yangon, Myanmar. AP Photo
  • Prayers for Lunar New Year at a temple in Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia. EPA
    Prayers for Lunar New Year at a temple in Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia. EPA
  • A Filipino dancer performs with fire to mark the Chinese Lunar New Year in Manila, Philippines. EPA
    A Filipino dancer performs with fire to mark the Chinese Lunar New Year in Manila, Philippines. EPA
  • A traditional Lion Dance in Manila. EPA
    A traditional Lion Dance in Manila. EPA
  • Candles are lit at Kuan Yim Shrine in Chinatown on Lunar New Years Eve in Bangkok, Thailand. Getty Images
    Candles are lit at Kuan Yim Shrine in Chinatown on Lunar New Years Eve in Bangkok, Thailand. Getty Images
  • People at prayer during Lunar New Year celebrations at a temple in Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia. EPA
    People at prayer during Lunar New Year celebrations at a temple in Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia. EPA
  • A gathering for prayer at a temple in Yangon, Myanmar. AP Photo
    A gathering for prayer at a temple in Yangon, Myanmar. AP Photo
  • Selfies with a decorative dragon lantern during Lunar New Year celebrations at Thean Hou Temple in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Getty Images
    Selfies with a decorative dragon lantern during Lunar New Year celebrations at Thean Hou Temple in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Getty Images
  • Incense sticks and prayers during Lunar New Year celebrations at a temple in Medan, North Sumatra, Indonesia. AP Photo
    Incense sticks and prayers during Lunar New Year celebrations at a temple in Medan, North Sumatra, Indonesia. AP Photo
  • Malaysian ethnic Chinese pray on the first day of Lunar New Year's holidays at a temple in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. AP Photo
    Malaysian ethnic Chinese pray on the first day of Lunar New Year's holidays at a temple in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. AP Photo
  • Photos to remember the Lunar New Year celebration at Thean Hou Temple in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Getty Images
    Photos to remember the Lunar New Year celebration at Thean Hou Temple in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Getty Images
  • People queue to pray at a temple during the celebration of the Chinese Lunar New Year in Taipei, Taiwan. EPA
    People queue to pray at a temple during the celebration of the Chinese Lunar New Year in Taipei, Taiwan. EPA
  • Residents touch the Lion Dance during a performance at the Dongyue Temple on the first day of the Chinese Lunar New Year in Beijing. AP Photo
    Residents touch the Lion Dance during a performance at the Dongyue Temple on the first day of the Chinese Lunar New Year in Beijing. AP Photo
  • Fireworks fly after a Lunar New Year's Eve countdown celebration at Thean Hou Temple in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Getty Images
    Fireworks fly after a Lunar New Year's Eve countdown celebration at Thean Hou Temple in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Getty Images
  • A member of a Chinese acrobatics troupe performs during the Lunar New Year celebration at Thean Hou Temple in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Getty Images
    A member of a Chinese acrobatics troupe performs during the Lunar New Year celebration at Thean Hou Temple in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Getty Images
  • The God of Wealth attends a Lunar New Year celebration at Thean Hou Temple in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Getty Images
    The God of Wealth attends a Lunar New Year celebration at Thean Hou Temple in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Getty Images
  • An Indonesian-Chinese man lights incense sticks during the Lunar New Year celebrations at a temple in Medan, North Sumatra, Indonesia. AP Photo
    An Indonesian-Chinese man lights incense sticks during the Lunar New Year celebrations at a temple in Medan, North Sumatra, Indonesia. AP Photo
  • A Buddhist holds an oil lamp in a shape of a lotus flower as he offers prayers during a Lunar New Year celebration at Thean Hou Temple in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Getty Images
    A Buddhist holds an oil lamp in a shape of a lotus flower as he offers prayers during a Lunar New Year celebration at Thean Hou Temple in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Getty Images
  • Diners watch a Lion Dance in a restaurant of the Chinatown area of Yokohama, Japan, on the first day of the Lunar New Year of the Dragon. AFP
    Diners watch a Lion Dance in a restaurant of the Chinatown area of Yokohama, Japan, on the first day of the Lunar New Year of the Dragon. AFP
  • A woman prays at the Lama Temple on the first day of the Lunar New Year of the Dragon in Beijing. AFP
    A woman prays at the Lama Temple on the first day of the Lunar New Year of the Dragon in Beijing. AFP
  • Children dressed in costumes prepare to perform a Dragon Dance, as they take part in celebrations to mark the Lunar New Year, in Kolkata, India. Reuters
    Children dressed in costumes prepare to perform a Dragon Dance, as they take part in celebrations to mark the Lunar New Year, in Kolkata, India. Reuters
  • A man looks on as members of the Chinese community take part in a traditional Dragon Dance in Kolkata on the first day of the Lunar New Year of the Dragon. AFP
    A man looks on as members of the Chinese community take part in a traditional Dragon Dance in Kolkata on the first day of the Lunar New Year of the Dragon. AFP
  • Offerings are placed on a Wishing Tree on the first day of the Lunar New Year of the Dragon, in Hong Kong, China. Reuters
    Offerings are placed on a Wishing Tree on the first day of the Lunar New Year of the Dragon, in Hong Kong, China. Reuters
  • A human puppet of Tsai Shen Yeh, the God of Wealth, parades in front of the St Paul's Ruins during celebrations in Macau on the first day of the Lunar New Year of the Dragon. AFP
    A human puppet of Tsai Shen Yeh, the God of Wealth, parades in front of the St Paul's Ruins during celebrations in Macau on the first day of the Lunar New Year of the Dragon. AFP
  • Pedestrians touch a head of a dragon during celebrations in Macau on the first day of the Lunar New Year of the Dragon. AFP
    Pedestrians touch a head of a dragon during celebrations in Macau on the first day of the Lunar New Year of the Dragon. AFP
  • Divers perform an underwater Lion Dance at the KLCC Aquaria ahead of Chinese Lunar New Year celebrations in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. AP Photo
    Divers perform an underwater Lion Dance at the KLCC Aquaria ahead of Chinese Lunar New Year celebrations in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. AP Photo

What is Lunar New Year, which countries celebrate it and why is it the Year of the Dragon?


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The Lunar New Year begins on Saturday and countries around the world are set to celebrate.

It is also commonly referred to as Chinese New Year, although the holiday is celebrated in many East Asian countries as well as Asian communities throughout the world.

This is the Year of the Dragon and celebrations will go on until February 20, before preparations begin for the Lantern Festival on February 21.

What is Lunar New Year?

Lunar New Year marks the beginning of a calendar year that bases its months on moon cycles. The tradition dates to the 14th century BC, when the Shang Dynasty was in power, and the festival typically lands some time between the end of January and mid-February. Last year, Lunar New Year started on February 9.

Parades, dance and firecrackers are a huge part of Lunar New Year celebrations. Reuters
Parades, dance and firecrackers are a huge part of Lunar New Year celebrations. Reuters

However, it is worth noting that Lunar New Year is not just a one-day affair, it is an action-packed holiday celebrated over 15 days. During this time, houses are cleaned, decorations put up, feasts and family dinners organised, debts cleared and firecrackers let off. There are also parades and other festivities to watch or be a part of.

In China, specific dishes are eaten with the intention of bringing luck and prosperity to the coming year – from longevity noodles to Peking duck. The celebrations usually culminate on the date of the full moon with a lantern festival, also known as the Shangyuan Festival.

Celebrated in many countries – not only China

Peking duck is a popular dish during Lunar New Year festivities. Photo: Hutong
Peking duck is a popular dish during Lunar New Year festivities. Photo: Hutong

Within China, the Lunar New Year is synonymous with Chinese New Year or Spring Festival. However, many neighbouring countries in Asia have developed their own New Year celebrations, influenced by the Chinese calendar.

Vietnam celebrates Tet Nguyen Dan, also known as Tet, while Korea celebrates Seollal, which lasts for three days instead of 15.

In Mongolia, the Lunar New Year is also called Tsagaan Sar. In Indonesia, Chinese New Year is known as Imlek and has become a popular holiday.

Tibet’s New Year celebrations, known as the Losar Festival, are usually not held on the same date as China’s Lunar New Year (although it is not usually far off). This year, Losar begins on March 3.

Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia and the Philippines also mark the occasion at the same time as Chinese New Year, as do many other countries that have a high number of Chinese residents.

Which animal is associated with this year?

Each Chinese New Year is associated with an animal according to the Chinese Zodiac calendar, which features 12 animals including the rabbit (which was 2023's animal), rat, horse, monkey and rooster.

This year is the Year of the Dragon. The calendar is based on a 12-year cycle, with previous dragon years falling in 2000, 2012, 1988, 1976 and so on. According to superstition, those born during the Year of the Dragon show natural courage, tenacity, and intelligence, often displaying enthusiasm and confidence.

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Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council

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Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi

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Producer: Zee Studios, Kamal Jain

Cast: Kangana Ranaut, Ankita Lokhande, Danny Denzongpa, Atul Kulkarni

Rating: 2.5/5

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Sand storm

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  • Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
  • Travel distance: Limited 
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Dust storm

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  • Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
  • Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
  • Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
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What are the regulations?
  • Fly it within visual line of sight
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6.30pm: Maiden (TB) Dh 82,500 (Dirt) 1.600m
Winner: Miller’s House, Richard Mullen (jockey), Satish Seemar (trainer).

7.05pm: Maiden (TB) Dh 82,500 (D) 2,000m
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7.50pm: Handicap (TB) Dh 82,500 (D) 1,600m
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8.15pm: The Garhoud Sprint Listed (TB) Dh 132,500 (D) 1,200m
Winner: Important Mission, Royston Ffrench, Salem bin Ghadayer.

8.50pm: The Entisar Listed (TB) Dh 132,500 (D) 2,000m
Winner: Firnas, Xavier Ziani, Salem bin Ghadayer.

9.25pm: Conditions (TB) Dh 120,000 (D) 1,400m
Winner: Zhou Storm, Connor Beasley, Ali Rashid Al Raihe.

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Indoor Cricket World Cup Dubai 2017

Venue Insportz, Dubai; Admission Free

Day 1 fixtures (Saturday)

Men 1.45pm, Malaysia v Australia (Court 1); Singapore v India (Court 2); UAE v New Zealand (Court 3); South Africa v Sri Lanka (Court 4)

Women Noon, New Zealand v South Africa (Court 3); England v UAE (Court 4); 5.15pm, Australia v UAE (Court 3); England v New Zealand (Court 4)

Under 19 Cricket World Cup, Asia Qualifier

Fixtures
Friday, April 12, Malaysia v UAE
Saturday, April 13, UAE v Nepal
Monday, April 15, UAE v Kuwait
Tuesday, April 16, UAE v Singapore
Thursday, April 18, UAE v Oman

UAE squad
Aryan Lakra (captain), Aaron Benjamin, Akasha Mohammed, Alishan Sharafu, Anand Kumar, Ansh Tandon, Ashwanth Valthapa, Karthik Meiyappan, Mohammed Faraazuddin, Rishab Mukherjee, Niel Lobo, Osama Hassan, Vritya Aravind, Wasi Shah

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The more you save, the sooner you can retire. Tuan Phan, a board member of SimplyFI.com, says if you save just 5 per cent of your salary, you can expect to work for another 66 years before you are able to retire without too large a drop in income.

In other words, you will not save enough to retire comfortably. If you save 15 per cent, you can forward to another 43 working years. Up that to 40 per cent of your income, and your remaining working life drops to just 22 years. (see table)

Obviously, this is only a rough guide. How much you save will depend on variables, not least your salary and how much you already have in your pension pot. But it shows what you need to do to achieve financial independence.

 

Sarfira

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Starring: Akshay Kumar, Radhika Madan, Paresh Rawal 

Rating: 2/5

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Born in Spain, Tribulietx took sole charge of Auckland in 2010 and has gone on to lead the club to 14 trophies, including seven successive Oceania Champions League crowns. Has been tipped for the vacant New Zealand national team job following Anthony Hudson's resignation last month. Had previously been considered for the role. 

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Neymar's bio

Total club appearances 411

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Appearances for Barca 186

Goals scored for Barca 105

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Starring: Anthony Mackie, Aiysha Hart, Ben Kingsley

Director: Rupert Wyatt

Rating: 3/5

Updated: February 10, 2024, 10:40 AM