Because of my hectic work schedule I hardly get any time to participate in the more intricate ceremonies associated with the New Year, but I made it a point to visit at least one temple this year. I went to the Chinese temple in Tangra yesterday afternoon and prayed for the well being of my family. My mother, however, made it a point to visit all the Chinese temples of the city.

I had volunteered for a New Year’s culture show, where I was assigned the responsibility of being the emcee. Many Chinese youngsters of the city organise such events, where we try to connect with our heritage. We sang songs in Mandarin and Cantonese, but quite obviously, it’s the Bollywood numbers, which drew the maximum applause.

After the event, I headed back home to spend a traditional evening with my family. We burst a lot of crackers to ward off evil spirits. Close to midnight, the youths of the area performed a grand lion dance, to ward off evil spirits. Quite a few of my friends participated in the event. We also hung out a string of money topped with a lettuce leaf outside our house. It is believed that dragon comes to each house and eats the lettuce leaf and takes the money. This is considered auspicious.

Generally we are not supposed to cut or cook anything for the first few days of the new year in case one cuts one’s link with good luck, but this year we made it a point to make some savouries and cookies. But that doesn’t mean that we don’t indulge in feasting, a series of invitations is lined up for the weekend, and we will visit our relatives in the city. I don’t know how many of them I will be able to attend, but I do know that the feeling of celebration will pervade through the week.