Asia’s Week: Lunar New Year Celebrations and Notable Events
Lunar New Year Celebrated Across Asia
On January 29, communities across Asia welcomed the Year of the Snake with vibrant festivities. The Lunar New Year, known as the Spring Festival in the Chinese mainland, Tet in Vietnam, and Seollal in the Koreas, is a major celebration observed in several countries and regions. Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia also marked it as an official festival. Families gathered for traditional meals, streets were filled with parades and fireworks, and cities hosted carnivals showcasing cultural performances.
Tragedy Strikes at India’s Maha Kumbh Mela
At least 30 people lost their lives in a stampede during the early hours of the Maha Kumbh Mela in northern India on Wednesday. Tens of millions of Hindus had gathered to take a dip in sacred river waters on the most auspicious day of the six-week festival. Senior police officer Vaibhav Krishna reported that 90 people were hospitalized, with 30 confirmed fatalities. The Maha Kumbh Mela, held every 12 years, is expected to draw around 400 million devotees in 2025.
Bangladesh Rail Services Resume After Strike
Train services in Bangladesh resumed on Wednesday after railway workers ended their indefinite strike, which had paralyzed the country’s rail network. The strike caused significant disruptions for commuters and businesses nationwide. A Railway Ministry spokesperson announced, “Train services across the country have returned to normal as Bangladesh Railway staff have withdrawn their strike.” The workers protested a government decision affecting pension benefits for extra hours worked. Union leader Mujibur Rahman stated, “We have been assured by the government that the benefits we received earlier will remain in place.”
Osaka Implements Public Smoking Ban
The city of Osaka in Japan imposed a public smoking ban on Monday to enhance visitor experience ahead of the 2025 World Expo. Approximately 160 countries and regions are set to participate in Expo 2025, hosted every five years in different global locations. Osaka Mayor Hideyuki Yokoyama expressed, “We want to welcome many people from all over the world, so we want to make Osaka a city where people feel safe with smoke-free streets.” Those violating the ban will face a fine of 1,000 yen (approximately $6.50).
Decline in Thailand’s Car Production
Thailand’s car production in 2024 saw a 20% decrease from the previous year, marking its lowest output in four years due to weaker domestic sales and exports, according to the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI). Production dropped to 1.47 million units from 1.83 million in 2023. However, a modest 2% rise is expected this year. Surapong Paisitpattanapong, spokesperson for the FTI’s automotive industry division, noted that output will be bolstered by increased electric vehicle production under a state incentive scheme and anticipated sales growth driven by government stimulus measures.
