Chinese New Year starts with the New Moon on the first day of the year and ends on the full moon lasting for a period of 15 days. The Chinese calendar is basically a combination of lunar and solar movements of the stars. Traditional Chinese New Year is known as the Lunar New Year or the ‘Spring Festival’. Chinese New Year celebrations is a grand affair with people wearing red clothes, decorating their houses red color, since red symbolizes fire, which according to the ancient Chinese legends drives away bad spirits from entering the house.

Chinese New Year Festival is also the time of family reunion and lavish feasting. Preparations for the Chinese New Year carnival, starts month ahead with people buying presents for their loved one and cleaning their households.

On the new year’s eve different Chinese New Year rituals are performed to mark the occasion. Various delicacies like traditional jai cuisine, Lotus seed, Ginkgo nut and Bamboo shoots are prepared since they symbolize good luck, prosperity and wealth. Chinese lunar new year celebrations are observed with different festivities lined up to entertain people from all walks of life.

It’s seen as a time of renewal and includes repayment of debts, buying new clothing, and feasting. Excellent fireworks displays are seen at different corners of the cities and towns. Chinese New Year celebrations around the world is marked by a difference owing to their diverse ethnic and cultural background.

Each day of the long event represents a great significance and has a special name assigned to it. Thus, the Chinese New Year celebrations are vibrant and colorful representing the beautiful zest of human life.

Newyear2013,in takes you across the lively Chinese New Year celebrations in and around the world.