Buddhists believe undertaking new ventures next year will bring misfortune. Therefore, many of the superstitious Buddhists want to start their new ventures this year itself.

"2007 is considered to be the "Year of the Pig" where people refrain from undertaking any new ventures. We believe they will face difficulties," said Tashi, a Buddhist priest.

According to Buddhist calendar "Fakah-Loh" or the "Year of Pig" every twelfth year, is considered inauspicious.

"The year of the moon will end soon and the "Year of the Pig" is coming. We consider this year inauspicious. Therefore Buddhists are trying to get all the marriages done in this year," said T. T. Thakur, a local businessman. Youngsters getting married these days say their elders have asked them to marry this year if we have any plans for marrying in the next year et all.

"As next year is considered unlucky in Buddhism, my elders are stressing to get married now. I have no other option but to get married this year," said Ashok, bridegroom.The push and pull for early marriage is same in various other cities of Himachal Pradesh like Kinnaur, and other Buddhist centres like Lahaul and Spiti.

Buddhism is followed widely in Lahul-Spiti and Kinnaur regions of Himachal Pradesh and parts of northeastern States of the country.

Interestingly, in China, the Pig is associated with fertility and virility. To bear children in the year of the pig is considered very fortunate, for they will be happy and honest.

Last in the cycle, Pig Years follow the Dog Years (like 2006 is a Dog year) and recur every twelfth year. The Chinese New Year does not fall on a specific date, so it is essential to check the calendar to find the exact date on which each Pig Year actually begins.

1911*1923*1935*1947*1959*1971*1983*1995*2007.

The Chinese New Year will start on February 18, 2007.