On the occasion of the coming Lantern Festival, the Chinese Embassy in India held a reception on February 12, as one of a series of activities themed "Happy Chinese New Year", pushing the festivity to a climax. More than 200 people attended the function, including Indian friends from all walks of life, diplomatic envoys based in Delhi and Chinese journalists resident in India.

Chinese Ambassador Mr. Zhang Yan

Chinese Ambassador Zhang Yan extended warm greetings to all the guests. He said, according to the Chinese tradition, the Chinese New Year celebration lasts from the first day to the fifteenth day, also known as the Lantern Festival of the Lunar Calendar. The function is meant for all the guests to promote friendship and envisage a better future in the auspicious Year of Rabbit. Last year, the China-India relations developed steadily with both countries having celebrated the 60th anniversary of the diplomatic ties and all-round cooperation expanding in various fields. As 2011 marks "the Year of China-India Exchange", the two countries will hold a series of activities in culture and people-to-people exchanges to push the bilateral relations to a new height. All the friends here are expected to continuously support the development of China-India relations. As the first activity of "the Year of China-India Exchange", the function is also expected to enhance mutual understanding between the two peoples. According to Ambassador Zhang, the International Horticulture Expo 2011 will be held in Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, the homeland of the Terracotta Warriors and Horses. He extended invitation to all the guests to visit Xi'an and the Expo to know more about the splendid history and culture of the city.

Announce the Issuance of Supplement on Tibet

Besides, Mr. R.N. Anil, Secretary General of Unity International Foundation, a widely-known friendship association shared all his experience of visiting Tibet Autonomous Region in September last year and spoke highly of the great development in Tibet. Mr. Anil announced the issuance of Supplement on Tibet, the latest issue of Unity International Journal together with Ambassador Zhang Yan and Chairman of the Foundation Mr. Narain Singh.

Duo Dance Tianxianpei                                                     Vocal Solo the Sun Rises over the Grassland

Solo Dance Washing-Clothes Dance                                   Chinese Dulcimer Performance

Chinese diplomats and artists presented a wonderful cultural show during the function. Duo Dance Tianxianpei or A Homebound Couple, Vocal Solo the Sun Rises over the Grassland were presented by the Chinese diplomats. Solo Dance Washing-Clothes Dance showed the charm of Tibetan art. The Instrumental Ensemble by Chinese dulcimer and electronic piano immersed all present with wonderful fusion of the Chinese and western style of music.

People Enjoying Chinese Food                           Chinese Traditional Snacks

The Chinese food, especially some traditional snacks prepared by the Embassy aroused interest of all the guests. More excitingly, the Chinese chefs presented a spectacular cooking-skill show by making on the spot special Chinese food such as dumplings, stretched noodles and Yuanxiao dumplings especially for the Lantern Festival. The elegant tea ceremony presented by a woman diplomat of the Embassy, as well as the tea fragrance won praise and applause of all the guests. All the guests not only enjoyed the delicious food and marvelous cooking skills but also had a taste of very impressive Chinese New Year tradition.

Chinese  Tea Ceremony