Chinese New Year is one of the most important festivals celebrated across Asia and the world. It marks the beginning of the lunar calendar and is a time for reunion, reflection, and celebration. This festival is a wonderful opportunity for families, friends, and communities to come together, share meals, and participate in various cultural activities.
Recently, I had the pleasure of celebrating Chinese New Year in Hong Kong with my family. This experience was particularly special, as it allowed us to reconnect with our Bangladeshi cultural roots while embracing the local customs of our host territory, Hong Kong.
Our celebration of the New Year began with an event at the kindergarten of our eldest son, Tijil Barua. The school organized several activities to help the children learn about the significance of Chinese New Year. Through these activities, the kids were able to engage with the traditions and values associated with the holiday. We dressed our sons in traditional Chinese outfits. The activities and books provided by the school introduced the children to how Chinese New Year is celebrated, including the customs of giving gifts like chocolates wrapped in golden foil.
My children were eager to celebrate the arrival of the Fire Horse in the Chinese calendar. They participated enthusiastically in the organized events, while my wife and I accompanied them. Immersing ourselves in Chinese culture not only brought us joy but also allowed us to recall our own memories of celebrating the New Year in Bangladesh. The happiness and familial feelings in the air were palpable, and it reminded us of the importance of family traditions and cultural heritage.
In Hong Kong, several Bangladeshi Buddhist families reside near The University of Hong Kong (HKU). Almost all of them are disciples of Prof. Ven. K. L. Dhammajoti, the founder and director of the Buddha-Dharma Centre of Hong Kong (BDCHK). This connection to the Buddhist community made it natural for us to come together and celebrate the New Year as a group.
On 17 February, we organized a Chinese New Year celebration at BDCHK. We brought homecooked food, fruits, and flowers to share with everyone. The act of sharing traditional dishes created a sense of unity and camaraderie among the families present. In addition to our Bangladeshi community, there were also some Sri Lankans who joined us for the celebration. Together, we gathered to pay homage to the Buddha and offer the Buddha puja, a ritual that holds great significance in our Buddhist practice. Ven. Sharanarakkhit Bhikkhu, who is currently pursuing an MA in Buddhist Studies at HKU, conducted our offering ceremony together with other monastics. His knowledge and understanding of both Bangladeshi and Sri Lankan cultures enriched the experience for everyone involved.
The celebration included a ceremony where the congregation first took the Five Precepts, which are essential ethical guidelines in Buddhism accepted by all lay Buddhists. After that, the monks recited teachings for our spiritual and material welfare and delivered a Dharma talk. Venerable Sharanarakkhit, despite being Bangladeshi, has spent many years studying in Sri Lanka, which has given him a deep understanding of both cultures.
During his Dharma talk, he emphasized the importance of unity and cultural exchange. He mentioned that even though we are Buddhists from different countries, gathering together to welcome the New Year is a cultural amalgamation. This sentiment resonated with everyone present, creating a sense of mutual compassion and understanding (the essence of any New Year celebration). Later, we dedicated our accumulated merit to our departed relatives and all living beings, a practice that reflects the values of compassion and generosity in Buddhism.
One of the most delightful aspects of Chinese New Year is the tradition of giving money in red packets (hong bao), which symbolizes good luck and blessings for the coming year. This practice is not only a way to wish others well but also fosters a sense of generosity and interconnectedness within the community. My wife, children, and I felt honored to receive such blessings from Ven. Dhammajoti, who embodies the spirit of kindness and compassion. Many people also offered red packets to my children at BDCHK and elsewhere. We also gave red packets to the security members in our building.
As in previous years, we also shared a meal with the monastic community. Sitting together to enjoy a meal helped foster camaraderie and renew the bonds among us. The food we shared was not just about sustenance; it represented our cultures and traditions coming together in a shared experience.
On 22 February, BDCHK organized a series of religious events for the local Hong Kong community in celebration of the New Year. We brought cooked food to BDCHK to share with everyone. The atmosphere was vibrant and filled with joy. That day, we sat with many local Hong Kong people to perform the Buddha puja and undertook the Five Precepts. Ven. Dhammajoti, together with many local and his pupil monks, delivered a Dharma talk in Cantonese. Although we did not understand the language, the essence of the teachings transcended linguistic barriers.
After the event, I was pleasantly surprised to see one of my students from a Western country at the University of Hong Kong. She expressed her appreciation for the solemnity of the event and felt inspired by the experience. She said, “Although I could not understand the Dhamma talk in Cantonese, I feel grateful to have learned and gained so much by being present at such an event.” Her words highlighted the universal appeal of cultural celebrations and the shared human experience.
As Bangladeshis living abroad, we find ourselves unable to celebrate the New Year in our homeland. Instead, we embrace the customs of Chinese New Year as a way to connect with our roots while adapting to our surroundings. In Bangladesh, the Bangla New Year falls in mid-April, and we typically decorate our homes with various flowers and vibrant colours.
In Hong Kong, we carried on this tradition by decorating our living space with festive ornaments. This year, my eldest son took the initiative to purchase some decorations and hung them next to his bed and doors, inspiring us all. His eagerness to celebrate the Chinese New Year reminded us of the joy that comes from engaging with cultural traditions. He even chose to wear his favourite Chinese outfit to school and BDCHK, which motivated us to participate more actively in the celebrations.
In addition to officially celebrating the New Year in our country, Buddhists also engage in local celebrations in our respective areas. In Bangladesh, early morning processions are a cherished tradition. These processions touch everyone in the village, creating a sense of community and belonging. Participants sing Buddhist hymns in front of a statue of the Buddha.
During these celebrations, everyone goes to the monastery to take the Five Precepts, and many also observe the Eight Precepts. Children bow at the feet of the elders to receive blessings. Elders bless the children and often give them some money as gifts to please them. In the evening, various cultural programs are organized, showcasing local talent and fostering a sense of unity.
Celebrating Chinese New Year in Hong Kong was a profoundly special experience for us. It provided an opportunity to re-evaluate our culture and heritage while embracing the local customs. For our children, it was an educational experience where they became familiar with a new culture and had the chance to understand the value of their own cultural identity. This celebration not only reinforced our mutual relationships but also enriched our traditions.
We hope that such celebrations in the future will continue to strengthen the bonds of our culture and help maintain traditional, Buddhist values among our children.
Related features from BDG
Skybound Lights: The Buddhist Festival of Prabāraṇā Pūrnīmā in Bangladesh
Related news reports from BDG
London Buddhist Vihara Launches Centenary Celebration with Week-long Vesak Festival
Indigenous Buddhists in Bangladesh’s Chittagong Hill Tracts Cancel Kathina Robe-Offering Festival in the Wake of Communal Violence
