February 2012 - important holidays of the largest religious and ethnic groups

Traditional holidays

14 February: Valentine's Day

Flowers are given to loved ones as a sign of love and affection.

Christianity

22 February: Ash Wednesday

The 40 day season of Lent starts for Catholics when carnival has ended. Ashes are marked on worshippers as a sign of perishableness and penitence.

Hinduism

8 February: Vasanta Panchami/Saraswati Puja

Celebration dedicated to Saraswati, Goddess of Learning. It is particularly celebrated in Northern India.

20 February: Maha Shivarati

Festival in honour of Lord Shiva. The "Great Night of Shiva" is celebrated in honour of Lord Shiva, the destroyer, who ends each cycle to make way for a new creation.

Islam

3/4 February: Birthday of the Prophet Muhammad

During the night when the Prophet was born, mosques are lit with candles and lamps. Muslims meet to commemorate the birth of Muhammad and to remember the life, teaching and example of the Prophet.

13-15 February: Hizir(Alevi)/Xizir (Zazaki and Kurmanji-speaking Alevi)

Hizir is honoured with a three-day fast in mid-February called Hizir Orucu (Hizir Fast). Many Alevi fast during this time to honour Hizir, a holy figure who they believe saves those who are in distress. Alevi call on him for help and rescue.