CELEBRATING THE YEAR OF FIRE ROOSTER

Chinese New Year starts from January 28 with a prayer to the gods to grant them health and happiness throughout the year

Walls, doors and the sitting lounge of the Kamani Auditorium were brighter than ever decked up in the royal red and golden decorations in order to celebrate the “Chinese New Year” all day long in the national Capital. Delhiites witnessed a brilliant performance on “Chinese New Year” as the festival show was organised by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China. The cynosure at the show was ‘Xinjiang Art Theater Song and Dance Troupe’ (XATSDT) from China.

Delhi’s winter turned quite warm at the event when hundreds of artists from China wearing the bright and flamboyant costumes, glittery accessories appeared on stage to present their performances. The artists enacted historical stories showcasing the celebration of “spring festival” and presented some folk songs.

Spectators were amused to come across such brilliant performances as they also tried to match the steps with the professional dancers on the stage.

Xinjiang troupe from China executed various spell-bound shows like – Group dance varying from “Celebration”, “Stomping Dance” to “Bowl Dance”. People also got a chance to witnesses some amazing acrobatics with themes such as, “Play Diabolo”, “Hand Techniques”, “Shaking Hula Hoops” and “Kicking Bowls”. The troupe did not dissappoint with their amazing solo musical performance with “Ode to Motherhood” and “Good Days”.

The age-old tradition of China was uncovered under one roof in the city and more than 200 people experienced the merriment of the occasion while learning about the tradition. A large gathering, including several Chinese national attended the festive moment with their family and friends at the auditorium.

“Chinese New Year is one of the most important traditional festivals in China and now is getting popular in many parts of the world. We are happy to share the joy of this traditional festival with Indian friends and for this purpose we bring Xinjiang Art Theater Song and Dance Troupe this year to India,” said Zhang Zhihong, Cultural Counsellor, Embassy of China in India. “I believe it will make Indian people know more about the diversified and rich culture of China, which is needed for the deepening of cultural cooperation and exchange between the two great countries,” he added.

“I congratulate all my Chinese friends on the occasion of Chinese New Year and wish to bring more cultural troupes and artistic treasures from China to India to celebrate such occasions,” said Mohammed Saqib, Secretary General, India-china Economic and Cultural Council. “I am very happy to bring Xinjiang Art Theater Song and Dance Troupe to India to perform among Indian audiences,” he further added.

Chinese New Year 2017, the year of the Fire Rooster, starts from January 28 and the rituals include prayers to the gods to grant them health and happiness all throughout the year.