The Chinese New Year celebrations in Mumbai were marked by a humble yet vibrant gathering at the Kuan Kung Temple, also known as the Chinese Temple of Mumbai, located in Mazgaon. The Chinese community, although small in number, celebrated the start of the Year of the Snake on Wednesday, a festival that typically lasts for a week or two across East Asia. Despite its simplicity, the celebration attracted visitors from other communities, especially youth who learned about the event through social media or connections with the Chinese community.
Participants, including people from outside the Chinese community, joined in the festivities, which included offerings to the gods, prayers, and the exchange of red envelopes—a symbol of good luck. The offerings, traditionally including non-vegetarian foods, have evolved in recent years to include fruits, flowers, and dry fruits, as the community adapts to modern living conditions.
Albert Tham, the caretaker of the temple, noted that while the community has shrunk, the tradition remains strong, with attendees bringing offerings and sharing them with others, keeping the sense of togetherness alive despite the smaller numbers. Peter Pau Liu, a member of the community now residing in Pune, emphasized the importance of maintaining the tradition by attending the celebrations in Mumbai, where his sister and friends from the community still reside.
The Chinese community in Mumbai has seen a decline in numbers since its peak, especially after the 1962 Indo-China war, with many members migrating back to China. Today, approximately 1,000 Chinese individuals live across Mumbai’s suburbs, with smaller communities remaining in places like Kamathipura.
This celebration underscores the enduring spirit of the community, who continue to gather and preserve their rich cultural heritage despite the challenges of migration and a shrinking population.