Tiretta Bazar, Tangra gear up to usher in Year of the Snake
Times of India | 28 January 2025
12 Kolkata: As the members of the Chinese community in Kolkata gear up to celebrate Chinese New Year on Wednesday, streets of Tiretta Bazar, the oldest Chinatown in the country, and Tangra come alive with festive fervour. Amid the colourful lion and dragon dances, the aroma of freshly made dumplings, and the sparkling red lanterns, the community will celebrate not just the arrival of the Year of the Snake but also their enduring legacy with Kolkata.
This year, the celebrations will kick off on the evening of Jan 28 in Tangra, the hub of Chinese culture and cuisine, with dragon and lion dances to the rhythmic beats of drums and cymbals. The next morning, the community members will start celebrations at Tiretta Bazaar. "These dances are believed to chase away evil spirits and bring good fortune," said Dominic Hsu, a chef who stays in Tangra.
In the afternoon, Bow Barracks, the city's only Anglo-Indian enclave, will host a dragon show, adding to the festive cheer. "The whole community is expected to congregate in their festive fineries and exchange wishes," said Janice Lee, an entrepreneur in the Tiretta Bazar area. The celebrations will continue on Jan 31 and Feb 1 in Tangra, along with special culinary offerings, making these days a feast for the senses.
Despite the celebrations, the Chinese community is facing significant challenges. Outward migration, a lack of job opportunities, and a dwindling population — estimated at just over 2,000 — threaten their cultural continuity. Yet, the community continues to be hopeful. "Our numbers may be fewer, but we are stronger than ever in spirit," says Peter Chen, a retired tannery worker.
Kolkata's Chinese trace their roots back to the late 18th century when traders and immigrants arrived, bringing with them rich cultural traditions and culinary expertise. They established tanneries, eateries, and temples in Tiretta Bazar and Tangra.
"Non-Chinese people join in the festivities. This spirit of inclusivity and cultural exchange is a testament to Kolkata's unique character," said Alice Wong, a young Chinese in Tangra.