chinese new year

23.02.2026

S: I celebrated Chinese New year again this year.

A: You always celebrate the festivities of others.

S: It is the Indian way. We are connected to the whole of humanity. We are what is inclusivity and diversity.

A: What did you do?

S: The orchid festival at Kew Gardens which I did with a lady was about the role of orchids and The Four Gentlemen in Confucian philosophy. I leant about Chinese symbolism and fashion, Chinese painting, Chinese ways. There were exquisite sights.

A: Then?

S: At the Old Royal Naval College, in the Painted Hall, I had a Chinese tea tasting session. I sat with strangers discussing the merits of the concoctions learning how to make them and the polite way to drink them. The beautiful Chinese lady that served me told me that my Chinese was excellent when I thanked her.

A: Anything more?

S: The next day, I went to the National Maritime museum with two friends. I watched Chinese dancing, listened to traditional Chinese music and watched the lion dance. The children of the Chinese in Britain had come en masse, all dressed in red. It was a glorious sight.

A: You have become Chinese over the past few days.

S: I almost was Chinese by love.

A: Almost Chinese. But you have remained Indian.

S: India can match with any culture in this world and become more beautiful. She will make any culture her own. That is the splendor of India and her Punjabi son, The Tiger.