The Chinese New Year is a time of celebration, food, and tradition that is celebrated by millions of people around the world. This year, I had the pleasure of experiencing the Chinese New Year celebrations in Kolkata, India. The festivities started with pre-celebrations at the Nam Soon Church in Kolkata, followed by a Dragon and Lion dance. The atmosphere was electric, and the energy was contagious.

The Nam Soon Church was beautifully decorated with red and gold decorations, which are traditional Chinese New Year colors that symbolize good fortune and happiness. The Lion and Dragon dance was a sight to behold, with the performers showcasing their skills with the intricate movements of the dance.

After the dance, we were treated to a delicious Chinese breakfast at the Nam Soon Church. The food was a mix of traditional Chinese dishes like dumplings, noodles, and steamed buns, which were a treat to the taste buds. The breakfast was a great way to start the day, and it helped us prepare for the rest of the celebrations.

For lunch, we headed to D Ley’s in Tiretti, which is a popular Chinese restaurant in Kolkata. The restaurant was packed with people, and the atmosphere was lively. The menu consisted of an array of Chinese dishes like fried rice, chow mein, and dim sum. The food was delicious, and we were glad to be able to try out some authentic Chinese cuisine.

Later that week, we headed to Tangra at Pei May Chinese School Tangra Chinatown for another festival. This festival was more of a food festival, with dragon dances and music. The streets were lined with food stalls, which offered a variety of Chinese dishes, from sweet and sour pork to chicken chow mein. The atmosphere was buzzing, and the music added to the excitement.

The highlight of the festival was the dragon dance. The performers were dressed in traditional dragon costumes and danced to the beat of the drums. The dance was mesmerizing, and we couldn’t take our eyes off the performers.

Overall, my experience of the Chinese New Year celebrations in Kolkata was a great one. The pre-celebrations at Nam Soon Church, the lunch at D Ley’s, and the festival at Pei May Chinese School Tangra Chinatown were all amazing experiences. The food, the music, and the performances were all incredible, and I feel lucky to have been a part of it. If you ever get the chance to experience the Chinese New Year celebrations in Kolkata, I highly recommend it.

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