Chinese New Year celebration staged in Delhi

New Year starts on January 1 for everyone across the world except the Chinese people. Because for them, the spring festival falling on the first day of the first lunar month is the most important time and therefore the start of another year.

The custom originated in the Shang Dynasty where people used to offer sacrifice to gods and ancestors at the end of an old year and the beginning of a new one.

To celebrate this important day, which comes with its own set of traditions, The People's Republic of China, in coordination with the CD Foundation, organised a grand event at Siri Fort Auditorium, New Delhi. The purpose of the annual 'Happy Chinese New Year' program supported by Ministry of Culture and Tourism Of China is to convey joy, friendship and auspicious wishes of Chinese people to their friends all over the world.

The program started with lamp lighting by Chief Guest Suresh Prabhu, Minister of Commerce and Industry, Government of India and Luo Zhaohui, Chinese Ambassador to India. On this occasion, hundreds of people along with members of the foreign diplomatic corps, the foreign correspondents in India and the Indian Foreign Service officers were present in the program.

On the occasion, cultural programs presented by artist showcased the best of Chinese music and dance. The splendid art and culture of Inner Mongolia of China to Indian People was the main point of attraction.

An acrobatic troupe of Inner Mongolia Bureau of National Art Troupe attracted viewers by their amazing acrobatics performances.

Every performance by Chinese artists caught the attention of the audience. The cultural program was also presented by the Indian artist at the function.