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Chinese Community in Hyderabad Welcomes Year of the Snake with Festivities

Hyderabad: The Chinese-origin people living in Hyderabad have welcomed the Year of Snake as its new traditional lunar year began on January 29 with festivities and reunions. Families gathered together on Wednesday, offering prayers, food and flowers to their departed elders.

The Chinese, who invite friends from other communities to the new year celebrations, see it as an opportunity to teach them about Chinese culture and traditions.

In Chinese culture, snakes are valued for their instinct, elegance, and strategic intelligence. With adaptation and patience, they believe the snakes overcome challenges. People born in the Year of the Snake are considered insightful, graceful, and resourceful.

The Chinese-origin people participated in ice-breaking games and other cultural events during the day.

Sze Yuan Liu, a senior citizen and a founding member of the Hyderabad Overseas Chinese Friendship Association, which was formed in 1995 and has around a hundred families, said, “We want to preserve our traditions and culture for the next generation. Despite our busy schedules, this gathering allows us to relive the traditions we used to have, ensuring that our future generations continue them.”

Merlyn Irene Yu, a resident of Tarnaka, said, “We wait all year for this day. This one day, all our family, relatives, and friends gather under one roof. As we are three sisters, we reminisce about how the festival used to be when our parents were alive. My father was especially keen on traditions. Now, we make sure all those traditions are followed.”

Yuking Yu, a member of the association, explained, “The Chinese have been part of this city for several decades, and Hyderabad has been a cosmopolitan city for a long time. The association brings everyone from this community together. We are planning future events to keep these traditions alive.”

( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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