Chinese in city celebrate new year with traditional splendour
Times of India | 30 January 2025
123 Kolkata: The Chinese community of Kolkata rang in the New Year with tradition and joy on Wednesday, with the city's two Chinatowns—Tiretta Bazaar and Tangra—becoming the hub of the celebrations. Tiretta Bazaar, once bustling with a thriving Chinese population, shimmered with red lanterns, while Tangra's famous eateries overflowed with diners.
This is the year of the snake.
As fireworks burst over the two neighbourhoods, the new tear brought more than just hope for prosperity—it was a reminder of resilience, tradition, and the deep bond of the community with Kolkata. The day kicked off with prayers at the Chinese temples in Tangra and Tiretta Bazaar, with elders leading the ceremonies to honour ancestors, a custom deeply woven into the festival's fabric.
It was the lion and dragon dances that stole the show as young dancers in red and gold costumes twirled through the streets, drawing cheers from the crowd. Liao Hseing, who owns a footwear shop on Bentinck Street, watched with a nostalgic smile. "When I was younger, the celebrations felt even bigger. But seeing the kids perform today, I know our traditions are safe in their hands."
No Chinese New Year celebration is complete without the iconic red envelopes (hongbao). Children's faces lit up as they received the packets, which are a symbol of good luck and prosperity. Several Chinese travelled from across the world to be with their families to usher in the new year.
Janice Lee, an entrepreneur in the Tiretta Bazaar area, said: "New year isn't just about fun and food. It's about coming home, remembering where we belong."
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 Bazaar and Tangra, leaving an indelible mark on Kolkata's cultural and economic landscape.
Today, while the community's numbers have dwindled—estimated at just over 2,000—their contributions continue to thrive in the city's culinary and cultural fabric.