The International Year of Astronomy 2009 will be a global celebration of astronomy and its contributions to society and culture, highlighted by the 400th anniversary of the first use of an astronomical telescope by Galileo Galilei.

St. Basil was one of the great writers and speakers of the Christian Church. In many Greek homes, a special cake is baked on the eve of St. Basil's Day with a gold or silver coin hidden inside.

On this day people of Sikh faith honor the birth of the founder of the Khalsa who lived from 1469 -1539 (Khalsa refers to the collective body of all baptised Sikhs).

Epiphany commemorates the manifestation of Jesus Christ.

The Armenian Church celebrates Christmas on this day.

The Coptic Church celebrates Christmas on this day.

Eastern Orthodox Churches that use the Julian Calendar celebrate Christmas on this day.

Ashura marks Noah's departure from the ark, the exodus of Moses from Egypt and the martyrdom of Muhammad's grandson.

Each year the Sydney Festival offers a rich and diverse program spanning cultures and art forms including dance, theatre, music, visual arts, film, forums and large scale free outdoor events.

Ceremonies are conducted at local and prefectural offices and parties are held amongst family and friends to celebrate the passage into adulthood. Many women celebrate this day by wearing a furisode (a style of kimono with long draping sleeves).

Observed in over 80 countries, the aim of World Religion Day is to foster the establishment of interfaith understanding and harmony by emphasising the common elements underlying all religions.

Epiphany commemorates the manifestation of Jesus Christ.

Martin Luther King Day is a United States holiday commemorating the birthdate of the Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr, the leader of the US nonviolent civil rights movement who was assassinated in 1968.

On this night, Scots everywhere take time out to honour Robert Burns, poet, balladeer and for many, Scotland's favourite son. Burns Night is a night for all Scots to celebrate their heritage.

On Australia Day we come together as a nation to celebrate what's great about Australia and being Australian. It is the day to reflect on what we have achieved and for us to re-commit to making Australia an even better place for the future. Order of Australia recipients are announced on Australia Day and the Queen’s Birthday each year.

The Chinese calendar has a 12-year animal zodiac cycle. The Chinese Year of the Ox begins for 2009. Those born under this zodiac are said to be stable, persevering, tolerant and with strong character.

Vietnamese people celebrate Tet with family reunions, special foods and gifts. This festival is also an opportunity for Vietnamese Australians to share their cultural heritage with the wider Australian community.

This Hindu celebration is dedicated to Saraswati, Goddess of Learning. Traditionally during this festival, children are taught to write their first words; brahmins are fed; ancestor worship (Pitr-tarpan) is performed and the color yellow is widely used.

Waitangi Day marks the anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840. This Treaty was an agreement between Maori chiefs and the British Crown, and covered issues of sovereignty, possession of land and rights of citizenship.

The National Multicultural Festival is held over two weeks and features the best in local, national and international music, dance, food and creative arts.

An observance of the death of the Buddha (Mahayana tradition).

According to Chinese tradition, at the beginning of a New Year, when there is a full moon in the sky, thousands of colourful lanterns are hung out for people to appreciate.

This festival is the oldest annual international multi-arts festival in the southern hemisphere and is Western Australia's premier cultural event. It includes drama, theatre, music, film, visual arts, street arts, literature, comedy and free community events. Other events on the program include the Contemporary Culture program and the Perth Visual Arts Festival.

This festival is an opportunity for South Australia’s Italian communities to share their culture and traditions with the rest of the community.

This Hindu festival is in honour of Lord Shiva and his marriage to Goddess Parvati. The festival is principally celebrated by offerings of Bael (Bilva) leaves to the Lord Shiva, all day fasting and a night-long vigil.

Shrove Tuesday is the day before Lent, a time of fasting and devotions. Pancakes are traditionally eaten on this day.

Lent is the period of forty days which comes before Easter in the Christian calendar, traditionally a time of fasting and reflection. It begins with Ash Wednesday.

Tibetan communities celebrate New Year, known as Losar, on this date. Losar is an occasion to dispel the obstacles and negativities of the old year and is marked with activities that symbolise purification.

Saint David is the patron saint of Wales and was a Celtic Christian saint known for his wisdom and missionary work.

This festival is a celebration of Melbourne and of the diverse communities that breathe life and character into its public spaces and give strength to its cultural fabric.

This date marks the birthday of Muhammad, regarded by Muslims as a messenger and prophet of God.

Purim celebrates Queen Esther's saving of the Jewish people from Haman, advisor to King Ahasuerus of Persia. The traditional observances of Purim include public readings of the Book of Esther, feasting, gifts of charity to the poor, and gifts of food among friends.

Also known as Sangha Day, this day commemorates an important event in the life of the Buddha (Theravada tradition).

Holi is a boisterous festival with people smearing each other with coloured water and bright powders. Originally a festival to celebrate good harvests and fertility of the land, Holi also commemorates some key figures in Hindu mythology.

Saint Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland and brought Christianity to Ireland in early days of the faith.

The Mandaeans are an ancient religious sect from southern Iraq and Iran. Their main prophet is John the Baptist. Baptism in running water is of great importance to Mandaeans.

Harmony Day is a celebration of Australia’s diversity. It is a day to recognise the many benefits our diversity brings to our daily lives, socially and economically. It is a day to feel proud of the vibrant, cohesive and inclusive country we have built together. For more information visit: www.harmony.gov.au

Norouz means ‘new day’ in Persian and is a traditional festival of spring that has been celebrated for more than 3000 years by people from Iran and surrounding countries. Celebrations involve 'spring cleaning', special foods, visits to family and the exchange of gifts.

Proclaiming the Day in 1966, the General Assembly called on the international community to redouble its efforts to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination.

Tasmania's celebration of arts and culture. Events and activities cover all types of music, dance, visual arts, theatre, literature, food and film. Individual artists come from all corners of the globe.

The Greek Festival of Sydney is one of Australia's largest and longest running annual cultural events.

Assyrians all over the world celebrate this day as their national festival.

This Hindu festival celebrates the birth of Lord Rama, hero of the religious epic poem, ‘The Ramayana’. The day involves telling of stories and attending temples.

This traditional Chinese festival is a time when people visit the graves of their ancestors. It is also a happy family occasion with outdoor activities such as picnicking and kite-flying.

The Coptic Church has a major feast on this day.

This festival draws together people from all around Australia and the world. They come to share in the songs, dances, tunes and verse that have flowed through the ages from many communities into Australian folk culture.

This day is a Hindu celebration of Hanuman who was an embodiment of Lord Rama. Devotion and selfless work are encouraged.

Passover is one of the most important festivals of the Jewish community. It celebrates the deliverance from slavery of the Jewish people in Egypt and the ongoing struggle of all peoples for freedom from tyranny.

The Buddhist New Year depends on the country of origin or ethnic background of the people. In Theravadin countries (Thailand, Burma, Sri Lanka, Cambodia and Laos) the New Year is celebrated for three days from the first full moon day in April.

This is a solemn Christian remembrance of the suffering and crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Hot cross buns are traditionally eaten on Good Friday, the cross on top of the buns symbolising Christ.

Easter commemorates the resurrection (return to life) of Jesus Christ following his death by crucifixion. It is the most significant event of the Christian calendar.

In addition to its religious significance, Easter in Australia is enjoyed as a four-day holiday weekend starting on Good Friday and ending on Easter Monday. This extra-long weekend is an opportunity for Australians to take a holiday or get together with family and friends.

Songkran is a time of homecoming, when Thai families gather to celebrate the New Year, honour the elderly and participate in Buddhist rituals. Songkran is also a popular water splashing festival.

The two main Sri Lankan ethnic groups, the Sinhalese and the Tamils, celebrate a common traditional New Year on this day. Traditional customs are observed with fun and games and lavish hospitality.

Vaisakhi marks the beginning of a new solar year and harvest season. Khalsa Day commemorates the baptism in 1699 of five brave Sikhs who offered to give their lives for their faith.

On Holy Friday Orthodox Christian churches perform services in remembrance of Christ's betrayal and passion (suffering).

On this day in 2005, German Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, was elected the 265th Pope and took the name Benedict XVI.

In the Orthodox Church the Easter Feast is called Pascha. In the Christian context Pascha signifies a passing over from death to life, from earth to heaven.

This Baha'i commemoration is of the twelve day period in 1863 when Baha'u'llah declared that he was God's messenger for this age. Work is suspended on days 1, 9, and 12 of the festival.

This day has been established to remember the six million Jews killed by the Nazis between 1933 and 1945. It is observed by many people of Jewish and other faiths.

Saint George is the patron saint of England, who was martyred in the 4th century and became an ideal of martial valor and selflessness.

ANZAC Day commemorates the anniversary of the first major military action involving Australian and New Zealand forces during World War 1. The landing at Gallipoli had a profound impact and 25 April became the day on which Australians and New Zealanders remember the sacrifice of those who died in war. ANZAC Day services and parades take place around Australia.

This Baha'i commemoration is of the twelve day period in 1863 when Baha'u'llah declared that he was God's messenger for this age. Work is suspended on days 1, 9, and 12 of the festival.

Walpurgis Night is a traditional holiday in a number of northern European countries. It is derived from Pagan customs, where the arrival of spring was celebrated with bonfires at night.

This Baha'i commemoration is of the twelve day period in 1863 when Baha'u'llah declared that he was God's messenger for this age. Work is suspended on days 1, 9, and 12 of the festival.

Vesak is the major Buddhist festival of the year and celebrates the birth, enlightenment and death of the Buddha.

“As a source of exchange, innovation and creativity, cultural diversity is as necessary for humankind as biodiversity is for nature. In this sense, it is the common heritage of humanity…" Article 1 UNESCO Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity.

The Mandaeans are an ancient religious sect from southern Iraq and Iran. Their main prophet is John the Baptist. Baptism in running water is of great importance to Mandaeans.

Paniyiri is Brisbane’s famous Festival of everything Greek.

This is one of the most important events in the history of the Baha'i faith and marks the anniversary of the Báb's announcement of His mission in 1844. The Báb is a prophet and forerunner of the Baha'i faith. Work is suspended on this day.

Africa Day commemorates the 1963 founding of the Organisation of African Unity, which was succeeded by the present African Union.

Reconciliation week is about promoting unity and respect between Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous Australians.

This day recognises the departure of Jesus from earth after the resurrection. It is perhaps the earliest observed celebration in Christianity.

This day marks the death of the founder of the Baha'i faith, Baha'u'llah, in 1892. Work is suspended on this day.

Shavuot is a Jewish celebration of Moses' descent from Mount Sinai with the Ten Commandments.

Pentecost celebrates the gift of the Holy Spirit and is regarded as the birthday of the Christian church.

Lord Buddha's birth, enlightenment and passing away (Tibetan tradition).

The Coptic Church has a major feast on this day. Pentecost is regarded as the birthday of the Christian church.

Marking the King or Queen of Australia's birthday with a public holiday in Australia dates back to 1788, when Governor Phillip declared a public holiday for convicts and settlers. Order of Australia recipients are announced on Australia Day and The Queen’s Birthday of each year.

Since 1945, 6.8 million people have come to Australia as new settlers from around 200 countries, including more than 700 000 refugee and humanitarian arrivals. The Department of Immigration and Citizenship manages the arrival and settlement of refugees under the Humanitarian Program.

On this day Sikhs remember those who have suffered for the faith. The day is observed by reading the holy books, Guru Granth Sahib.

Refugees face many challenges. UNHCR lets you experience what it is like to be a refugee at www.playagainstallodds.com

Tartan Day celebrates the repeal in 1782 of the Act that banned the wearing of Scottish national dress. On Tartan Day people of Scottish background celebrate their heritage and the contribution of Scots to the countries in which they now live.

NAIDOC celebrates Indigenous culture and the Indigenous contribution to modern Australia. All Australians are encouraged to participate in NAIDOC Week activities.

This Theravadin Buddhist date commemorates the first sermon delivered by the Buddha after his enlightenment.

The Báb was executed in 1850. He was a prophet and forerunner of the Baha'i faith. Work is suspended on this day.

Festival of the Hungry Ghosts (Mahayana tradition). On this day Buddhists visit cemeteries to make offerings to departed ancestors. Obon celebrates the reunion of family ancestors with the living.

On New Year's Eve preparations are made for vigil which begins at sundown and continues through New Year's Day. The Mandaeans are an ancient religious sect from southern Iraq and Iran. Their main prophet is John the Baptist. Baptism in running water is of great importance to Mandaeans.

The day and night are spent in vigil, which commences at sundown on New Year's Eve. The Mandaeans are an ancient religious sect from southern Iraq and Iran. Their main prophet is John the Baptist. Baptism in running water is of great importance to Mandaeans.

This day commemorates an important event in the life of the Buddha (Tibetan and Mahayana tradition).

On this day Jewish people commemorate a list of catastrophes which have befallen the Jewish people since ancient times. It is a day of fasting.

This Hindu festival honours the love between brothers and sisters and is marked by the tying of a rakhi thread by the sister on the wrist of her brother. Raksha Bandhan means bond of protection.

Cultural Fest's theme of 'Unity in Diversity' brings together people from all walks of life in the spirit of fun and friendship.

The Festival reflects Darwin’s position at the Top End of Australia and its Indigenous and multicultural population, and showcases arts performers.

This festival is one of the most important events in the Hindu calendar and celebrates the birth of Krishna more than 5000 years ago. Krishna was one of the incarnations of Vishnu and is one of the most popular deities in Hinduism. Celebrations take place over two days. The first is a day of fasting, which is broken at midnight with sweets made from dairy products.

This day commemorates the death and burial of the Virgin Mary.

Ramadan is one of the most important times in the Islamic calendar. The commencement of the holy month of Ramadan begins with the first light of dawn commemorating the revelation of the Qur'an to the Prophet Muhammed. During the month of Ramadan, Muslims engage in fasting and prayer and show charity to those in need.

Ganesh Chaturthi is a popular religious festival. In India, clay statues of the Hindu elephant god Ganesh are paraded through the streets.

Wattle is our national floral emblem and Wattle Day is a day to celebrate Australia and being Australian. Wattle has great diversity and resilience.

The Aadh Granth (Original Scripture) was installed at Harmandar Sahib (Golden Temple) Amritsar in Punjab and the first reading ceremony was on 1st September 1604.

Battle for Australia Day commemorates the service and sacrifice of all those who served in defence of Australia in 1942 and 1943 and their contribution to our enduring freedom and democracy.

The Feast of Nayrouz (Feast of the Martyrs) marks the New Year on the Coptic calendar, which is based on the ancient Egyptian calendar. The Copts are the indigenous people of Egypt and have been celebrating this date as a New Year for over 1700 years. The Coptic Orthodox Church is one of the oldest Christian churches in the world.

International and Australian artists and productions, free events, fringe theatre, fireworks, conversation and debate.

Citizenship ceremonies take place around Australia on this day. Australian Citizenship Pledge: From this time forward, (under God*), I pledge my loyalty to Australia and its people, whose democratic beliefs I share, whose rights and liberties I respect, and whose laws I will uphold and obey. * A person may choose whether or not to use the words "under God". See: www.citizenship.gov.au

Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year festival, commemorates the creation of the world. A synagogue ritual is the blowing of the Shofar, a ram's horn trumpet. Apples are dipped in honey as a symbol of the sweet New Year that lies ahead.

Oktoberfest is a German festival celebrated by communities worldwide. It is celebrated with folk dancing, singing, food and drink.

A community multicultural event which explores and celebrates Far North Queensland’s diverse cultural and contemporary background.

The Islamic month of fasting, Ramadan, ends with the festival of Eid-ul-Fitr. A celebratory meal breaks the fast and at this time charity and good deeds have special significance. Eid is also a time of forgiveness and making amends.

This holiest day of the Jewish year is observed with strict fasting and repentance. Many Jews will refrain from work and attend synagogue services. It is a day set aside to atone for the sins of the past year.

The Queen of England's Birthday holiday in Western Australia is based on the dates of Term Three of the school holidays and the Royal Show. Other Australian states observe The Queen's Birthday holiday in June. Each year Australia Post issues a stamp commemorating The Queen's Birthday.

This Hindu festival marks the triumph of good over evil. The festival of Dasera concludes the festival of Navaratri, which extends over a number of days.

Chinese festivals are colourful and exciting with fireworks, feasting, lion and dragon dancers, carnivals and parades. This popular East Asian celebration of abundance and togetherness dates back over 3,000 years. Mooncakes are traditionally eaten during the festival.

This Festival celebrates and strengthens the cultural and artistic links that exist between Australia and Asia.

Sukkot commemorates the forty-year period during which the Jewish people were wandering in the desert. Sukkot were the huts in which they lived during this time.

A weekend-long festival that celebrates Greek culture in Australia.

This day marks the end of the Rains Retreat and each monk must come before the community of monks and atone for an offense he may have committed during this time. The Rains Retreat, also known as Vassa, is a traditional retreat for the monastic order during the rainy season. (Theravada tradition)

Labour Day recognises the contribution to society of all working people. The origins of Labour Day stem from the early 1860s when the general campaign for an eight-hour working day began.

Melbourne's flagship cultural event is a celebration of international performing and visual arts.

Held annually after Ramadan, Muslims and non-Muslims from all backgrounds gather to enjoy a variety of food and cultural programs.

Diwali celebrates the victory of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance. Because of the lights, fireworks and sweets involved, it is a great favourite with children. It is celebrated by people of Jain, Sikh and Hindu faiths.

Baha'i followers around the world celebrate the birth of the Báb on this day, a prophet and forerunner of their faith. Work is suspended on this day.

This day commemorates the eternal installation of the holy books, Granth Sahib.

The United Nations was established on this day in 1945. The observance of UN Day is a reminder that the world is our common home and through dialogue and cooperation among all, our problems could be solved.

This day has its origins in ancient pagan, Celtic harvest and Christian festivals. On All Hallow's Eve, or Halloween, people dress themselves and their homes in the symbols of these festivals such as pumpkins and apples, angels, saints, devils, ghosts and skeletons.

This Christian day honours saints, known and unknown. Saints are persons with a reputation for unusual lives of holiness and devotion to God or who were martyred for their faith.

Guru Nanak was the founder of the Sikh faith and way of life. Sikhism stresses the importance of doing good actions rather than merely carrying out rituals.

Australia's premier horse racing event that stops the nation.

The Mandaeans are an ancient religious sect from southern Iraq and Iran. Their main prophet is John the Baptist. Baptism in running water is of great importance to Mandaeans.

As a mark of respect to those who have died or suffered in war, Australians are encouraged to stop what they are doing at 11 am on this day, to observe one minute’s silence and reflect on the loss and suffering caused by war.

On this day people of Baha'i faith refrain from work and celebrate the birth of their faith’s founder.

During the Nativity Fast (until Christmas) Orthodox Christians abstain from all meat and dairy products, fish, eggs, alcohol and oil.

The UNESCO Declaration of Principles on Tolerance affirms that tolerance is neither indulgence nor indifference. It is respect and appreciation of the rich variety of our world's cultures, our forms of expression and ways of being human.

Depicting cultural and artistic expression through dance, music, theatre, film, sport, visual arts and cuisine.

Guru Tegh Bahadur was a Sikh religious leader who sacrificed his life to defend the religious freedom of another faith.

This day is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. Everyone can show their commitment to ending violence against women by wearing a white ribbon.

Undertaking a pilgrimage to Mecca is one of the tenets of Islam. During the pilgrimage Muslims from all around the world, of different colours, languages, races and ethnicities, come together in worship.

The Feast of Sacrifice commemorates the ordeal of Abraham who was asked to sacrifice his only son to prove his faith to Allah (god). As he was on the point of slaying his son, Allah stopped him and told him that it was a test of his faith and to sacrifice a ram instead.

Advent is observed with the lighting of advent candles, display of wreaths and special ceremonies. Advent also anticipates the coming again to earth of Jesus Christ.

Saint Andrew is the patron saint of Scotland.

First held in 1893, the Parliament of the World’s Religions brings together the world’s religious and spiritual communities, their leaders and their followers, to a gathering where peace, diversity and sustainability are explored in the context of interreligious understanding and cooperation. For more information visit: www.parliamentofreligions2009.org

This Catholic feast day commemorates the belief that Mary, mother of Jesus, was preserved from original sin all of her life.

Chanukah commemorates the recapture and rededication of the Jerusalem Temple. It lasts for eight days and nights, with the eight candles of a Menorah being progressively lit. Each night an additional light is kindled – one on the first night, two on the second night, and so on – until on the eighth night all eight candles are lit.

The Mandaeans are an ancient religious sect from southern Iraq and Iran. Their main prophet is John the Baptist. Baptism in running water is of great importance to Mandaeans.

Muharram is the first month of the year on the Islamic Calendar and marks the New Year for Muslims.

Since 1945, 6.8 million people have come to Australia as new settlers from around 200 countries, including more than 700 000 refugee and humanitarian arrivals. Nearly one in four of Australia's 21 million people were born overseas. Migrants contribute enormously to all aspects of our society. See: www.immi.gov.au/media/fact-sheets

Christmas celebrates the birth (nativity) of Jesus. Christmas lights and trees are displayed, carols sung and children eagerly await the arrival of Santa Claus and gifts. The Christmas themes of peace on earth and good will to others are ideals that remind us of the common bonds that unite us all.

Boxing Day is a public holiday based on the tradition of giving gifts to the less fortunate. Many Australians spend the day with family and friends.

Ashura marks Noah's departure from the ark, the exodus of Moses from Egypt and the martyrdom of Muhammad's grandson. In 2009 Ashura occurs twice (also on 7 January).

Concerts, dances, street theatre, comedy sessions, children's festival, art and craft workshops, cabarets and a spectacular fire event.

Tasmanian food, beverages and local produce with a multi-arts, culture, community and sports program.

A night when people of all backgrounds and cultures come together with family and friends to reflect on the year past and look forward to the year to come. Fireworks light up many cities and harbours around Australia.