As the last vestiges of winter cling to the Russian landscape, a 25-metre high wooden structure was set on fire at the Nikola Lanivets art park in Russia's Kaluga region as part of celebrations for Maslenitsa. Maslenitsa is one of the region’s most ancient festivals and is also a Lenten Christian holiday, though it aligns specifically with the Russian Orthodox Church.

Celebrants traditionally greet the holiday’s leading lady called Lady Maslenitsa and they dressed her in old clothes, placed the effigy on poles, and carried her on a sleigh. Villagers would often throw old clothes and objects onto the bonfire, burning away the past to make room for the future. 

mitv

In Viet Nam, Hanoi is celebrating the 237th anniversary of the Ngoc Hoi–Dong Da victory with the annual Dong Da Festival, held on the fifth day of the Lunar New Year.

The festival commemorates Emperor Quang Trung – Nguyen Hue and the Tay Son forces for defending national independence. This year’s event combines traditional rituals, including processions and ceremonial offerings, with cultural performances, sports activities and folk games.

mitv

State Security and Peace Commission Member and Union Minister for Border Affairs and for Ethnic Affairs Lt-Gen Yar Pyae, accompanied by Union ministers, the Chin State chief minister and relevant officials, attended the 78th Anniversary of the Chin National Day ceremony in Haka, Chin State, yesterday.
Union Minister Lt-Gen Yar Pyae, Union Ministers U Maung Maung Tint and Dr Charlie Than, State Chief Minister Dr Wong Hsun Thang and Deputy Minister U Ye Tint cut the ceremonial ribbon to inaugurate the event, and Union Minister Lt-Gen Yar Pyae presented awards to the music and dance troupes.
The attendees saluted the State flag, and Patron Members then took the position and Patron Leader Daw Phwa Daw, representing Matupi Township, made a greeting speech.
Union Minister Lt-Gen Thiri Pyan Chi Sithu Yar Pyae read out the message sent by Acting President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, State Security and Peace Commission Chairman Senior General Thadoe Maha Thray Sithu Thadoe Thiri Thudhamma Min Aung Hlaing to the occasion.
The Chin State chief minister also spoke on the occasion.
Union ministers and officials presented prizes to those who won good civil servant awards, and awards for excellence in management (first) and second class), and in social (first), (second) and (third) classes.
Deputy Minister U Ye Tint also presented 60 DTH receivers and 40 DVB-T2 set-top boxes donated by the Ministry of Information for the Chin State government to the state social affairs minister.
Union ministers and party observed the booths and MSME galleries marking the 78th Chin National Day at the district compound office, enjoyed Chin dances and presented cash prizes.
They proceeded to the Sasana Rakkhita TatU monastery in Haka, and donated offerings to Haka and Thantlang Township Sangha Nayaka Committee Chairman, Presiding Sayadaw of the Haka Kyawboke Monastery Bhaddanta Paññobhasa.
At noon, they headed to the Training School for Development of Nationalities Youth from Border Areas in Kalay and Women’s Vocational Training School, met the principals, teachers and students, and presented cash to them. — District IPRD/KTZH

gnlm

Worshippers queue at the Qalandia Israeli checkpoint as they wait to cross into Jerusalem to perform the first Friday prayers of Ramadan at the Al-Aqsa Mosque. Israel announced that it will cap the number of Palestinian worshippers from the occupied West Bank attending weekly Friday prayers at the Al-Aqsa Mosque in east Jerusalem at 10,000 during the holy month of Ramadan, which began Wednesday.

mitv

78th Anniversary Chin National Day Ceremony took place at the compound of District Assembly Office in Hakha Township on Friday.

Member of the State Security and Peace Commission Union Minister Lt-Gen Yar Pyae together with Union Minister for the Ministry (3) of the President’s Office U Maung Maung Tint, Union Minister for Industry Dr. Charlie Than, Chin State Chief Minister Dr. Vung Suan Thang, Deputy Ministers, concerned officials and invited guests.

First, the ceremony was commenced after ceremonial ribbon cutting followed by commemorative group photo session. Union Minister Lt-Gen Yar Pyae presented cash awards to the performance troupes. Subsequently, the 78th Chin National Day ceremony was held at the designated area, saluting the state flag by the attendees.

Lt-Gen Yar Pyae later read out the commemorative message sent by Acting President, Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission Senior General Thadoe Maha Thray Sithu Thadoe Thiri Thudhamma Min Aung Hlaing.

During the ceremony, honorary certificates and awards were presented to the winners of Management Excellence Award and Social Excellence Award and Deputy Minister for Information U Ye Tint presented 60 DTH dishes and 40 DVB T-2 Set top Boxes for Chin State Government.

Then, Union Minister Lt-Gen Yar Pyae and officials toured around the display booths opened by the departments and MSME products exhibition. The Union Minister and party also enjoyed the performance by Chin Traditional dance troupes and presented cash rewards.

mitv

A total of 22,773 local and foreign travellers visited beaches during the 2026 New Year holidays, while the figure surged to over 60,000 during the February long holiday, with the majority of international tourists arriving from China, Russia, India, Korea and Thailand.

During the six-day-long holiday marking Union Day and the Chinese New Year, more than 60,000 local and foreign visitors visited beach resorts in Ayeyawady Region, including Ngwehsaung, Chaungtha, Shwethaungyan and Goyangyi beaches and other famous sites in Pathein, according to the Ayeyawady Region Directorate of Hotels and Tourism. During the long holiday from 12 to 17 February, Ngwehsaung beach welcomed 28,173 local travellers and 907 foreigners, whereas Chaungtha welcomed 30,555 locals and 115 foreign visitors, Shwethaungyan welcomed 919 locals and 82 foreigners, Goyangyi welcomed 5,947 local travellers, and the famous sites in Pathein hosted 5,947 local travellers and 68 tourists, totalling 66,996 travellers.
In 2025, the statistics reported that some 1,521,619 travellers at home and abroad visited Ayeyawady Region. At the beginning of 2026, visitor arrivals were already strong, and tourism service providers and hotel operators estimate that even more visitors may travel to the beaches during the upcoming Myanmar New Year Thingyan festival compared to last year.
“Tourism development in Ayeyawady Region has improved thanks to a better transport system. As the regional government continues to supervise and upgrade transport connectivity, travellers can now reach their destinations quickly and enjoy their holidays in comfort and peace. The strong condition of beach tourism has also boosted related businesses, generated good income and benefited the socioeconomic lives of locals. Since travelling contributes to both physical and mental well-being, we warmly invite visitors to come and relax during the upcoming holidays,” said U Aung Thu Oo, director of the regional directorate.
There are 38 hotels and 66 municipal guest houses at Ngwehsaung beach, 32 hotels and lodges and 60 municipal guest houses at Chaungtha beach, six hotels and lodges at Shwethaungyan beach and 23 hotels and lodges and 68 municipal guest houses in Pathein.
There were 22,773 local and foreign travellers to beaches during the 2026 New Year holidays, while there were over 60,000 during the February long holiday. Among the tourists, the largest numbers came from China, Russia, India, Korea, and Thailand. — Nyein Thu (MNA)/KTZH

gnlm

Diverse cultural and tourism activities have added to the festive atmosphere in Beijing during the Chinese New Year holiday. The Changdian Temple Fair in Beijing’s Xicheng District offered a vibrant mix of traditional Beijing flavor and modern technology which captures the full atmosphere of the Spring Festival.

In eastern Beijing’s Miyun District, a vast sea of lanterns spanning over 10,000 square meters are captivating visitors with both traditional and innovative designs. Various folk performances are also staged at the event, enhancing the celebratory vibe in the city. Meanwhile, the cultural appeal of the Great Wall created immersive new scenarios for visitors.

mitv

Families in Tibetan-inhabited areas in southwest China’s Sichuan Province are celebrating the Tibetan New Year, or Losar, with traditional rituals and reunion dinners.

According to the Tibetan calendar, the Tibetan New Year in 2026 falls on Feb 18. Right before the new year, a traditional horse racing event, symbolizing progress and good fortune, took place in Sichuan’s Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture.

Against the majestic backdrop of snow-capped mountains, riders showcased their speed and skill, highlighting the unique charm of Tibetan culture. In the morning, the family dressed up in traditional Tibetan robes and adorned themselves with jewelry. Meanwhile, many were busy making preparations for the reunion lunch. The highlight of the meal is a dish that symbolizes reunion — steamed buns.

mitv

During the extended public holiday period from 12 to 17 February 2026, the Bagan cultural heritage zone experienced a continuous influx of domestic and international visitors, according to the pagoda boards of trustees. Travellers from across the country visited prominent pagodas and temples, contributing to a notable increase in tourism activity.
Among 18 famous sites, Shwezigon Pagoda welcomed more than 90,000 visitors, while Htilominlo Temple recorded over 60,000 visitors during the holiday period. Officials reported that pilgrims and tourists showed strong interest in observing and paying homage to the ancient monuments of Bagan.
Chairperson U Thein Aung of the Shwezigon Pagoda Board of Trustees expressed appreciation for the growing number of visitors. He noted that the long holiday encouraged both local pilgrims and foreign travellers to visit Myanmar’s cultural heritage sites and highlighted the importance of preserving and valuing the nation’s historical legacy.
Pagoda boards of trustees stated that foreign visitors mainly came from China, Japan, Russia, the Republic of Korea, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Switzerland, France, Spain, Germany, Poland, Italy, Slovenia and Brazil. The steady flow of visitors significantly boosted the local tourism sector.
Locals benefited from the increased arrivals, as higher tourist numbers generated more business opportunities for vendors, transport services and tour guides. Community members reported improved sales and stronger economic activity compared with the same period last year.
U Tin Hla Oo, Secretary of the Htilominlo Temple Board of Trustees, said the sustained visitor turnout had brought encouraging results for the region. He expressed optimism that tourism would continue to grow alongside national stability and extended an invitation to travellers to explore Bagan.
Although visitor numbers may decline slightly in March as the tourism season gradually approaches its conclusion ahead of the April Thingyan period, officials anticipate that Bagan will remain vibrant with domestic and international visitors during the Myanmar New Year festivities. — Thitsa (MNA)/KZL

gnlm

The Buddha Pujaniya festival of the Santawshin Myat Mawtinsun Pagoda, located in Hainggyikyun Town, Ngaputaw Township, Pathein District, Ayeyawady Region, started on 16 February (1st waxing of Taboung), and the pagoda was crowded with pilgrims, whereas the guesthouses were fully booked during the holidays.
The pilgrims take rest near the vicinity of the pagoda, and pay homage to the pagoda in early and evening sessions, doing good deeds such as meditating, reciting Paritta, Maha Pathana, donating oil lamps, flowers, water, and alms at dawn. They also donate cash for the all-around renovation of the pagoda and the expansion of the pagoda platform.
Visitors enjoy the natural beauty of the sea, take photos on the huge stones, and also visit Kyaukkalat, historic sites and pagodas around Hainggyikyun, and the Ngwetaung beach. — Hlaing Myo Aung (Hainggyikyun IPRD)/KTZH

gnlm