01:00 AM EST on Saturday, February 14, 2004

By tradition, today is the feast of ST. VALENTINE, a priest and physician who was martyred in Rome in the year 269 and has become the patron saint of lovers. For Orthodox Christians, the celebration of MEATFARE or CARNIVAL SUNDAY begins at sundown tonight. It marks the last day of meat-taking before Easter, and is followed by a two-week-long pre-lenten and semi-vegetarian period of preparation.

For Buddhists of the northern tradition, tomorrow is NIRVANA day, the anniversary of the Buddha's passing away. Buddhists of the southern tradition celebrate the anniversary during another time of the year.

For Hindus, Wednesday is MAHA SHIVARATRI, a night devoted to the worship of Shiva with vigil and fasting.

On Thursday, Chinese and Vietnamese Buddhists will celebrate the BIRTHDAY OF KWAN YIN BODHISATTVA, who had vowed to attain final supreme enlightenment and thereby save suffering human beings.