On this auspicious occasion of the Lunar New Year, we extend warm wishes from the entire C3S team, esteemed members, and Young Minds of C3S. We wish everyone a joyful new year, filled with prosperity, happiness, and hope.
Lunar new year is symbolic of the arrival of the spring and birth of a new year as per the lunisolar calendar.
As communities worldwide celebrate the Lunar New Year, it's fascinating to explore the parallels between Indian and Lunar New Year celebrations. India and Southeast Asian nations share common ideals, values, and traditions, which are reflected in their festivals.
Like many cultures, India also follows both lunar and solar calendars, with several major festivals being lunar-based, such as Diwali and Holi. Just as Lunar New Year's festival days are determined by the phases of the moon, Indian festivals like Mauni Amavasya align with the lunar calendar. This observance, celebrated on the new moon day (Amavasya) of the Magha month, holds significant spiritual importance and involves various rituals and acts of self-discipline. Another festival in the lunar calendar, Basant Panchami, signifies renewal, growth, and rejuvenation in nature. It heralds the arrival of spring, marking the end of winter and the beginning of vibrant new life.
Despite their cultural differences, Lunar New Year and Indian festivals share common themes of family, community, renewal, and the celebration of life's blessings. They serve as reminders of the richness and diversity of human traditions and the universal values that unite us all.
On another note, on this jubilant occasion, let's take cognisance of the fact that lunar New year is an "Asian festival" that is celebrated not only in China but all across Asia including Vietnam, South Korea, North Korea, Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Japan, Mongolia, Brunei, Cambodia & Tibet.
Interestingly Lunar New year is celebrated by Mexico's Purepecha Indigenous group as well.
States across the world celebrate the festival by multifarious means. On this auspicious day, for instance, Koreans would celebrate the new year by playing yutnori, Filipinos, Vietnamese and Mongolians would celebrate by eating Tikoy, Banh Chung and tsagaalga respectively. In Thailand, the Lunar New year is celebrated by having an intimate feast called Wei Lu while in Cambodia, people offer sacrifices to sky deities or devodas and celebrate the joyous occasion.
In the Year of the Dragon, symbolising energy, wisdom, protection, and good luck, it's crucial for these ideals to resonate in the global arena. With the geopolitical landscape evolving and attention turning towards Asian nations, collaboration among these countries becomes imperative to achieve global peace and harmony. Just as the tradition of "sweeping the grounds" during New Year celebrations signifies clearing away old debris, we must adopt similar principles to address the effects of challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic and global security threats. Embracing the qualities symbolised by the Year of the Dragon will empower us to confront today's global challenges with resilience and determination.
As we celebrate this time of optimism and renewal, let us embrace the spirit of unity and cooperation, fostering a brighter future for all.
On this note, C3S once again wishes people across the globe a happy and blissful Lunar New Year. Let the Lunar New year that is celebrated by different states in different dates by diverse ways, bring in endless opportunities, harmony and good fortune.
Director General & team
