Xin Nian Kuai Le
Although we are well into 2014 and the Nepali New Year is not for another two months or so, millions around the world will be ushering in a new year this Friday. The traditional
Lunar New Year, which is celebrated in places like China, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand, falls on 29 January this year.
In accordance with the ‘Shengxiao’, traditional
Chinese Zodiac, 2014 is the year of the horse, replacing the snake in 2013. There are a total of 12 animals in the Zodiac and the animals take turns to be assigned years. The order of the animals was believed to be determined in a mythical race organised by a Jade emperor, who decreed that the years on the calendar would be named for each animal in the order that they arrived.Losar
It is believed that one’s personality and fortunes are determined by the animal that corresponds to their year. For example, those born in 1966, 1978, 1990, and 2002 belong to the year of the horse and are thought to be slightly untamed, but popular, independent and skillful with their money.
Traditionally, the Lunar New Year is a time of much feasting and merriment. Families visit each other and catch up, gifting each other a pair of oranges that is considered to be traditional symbols of good fortune and abundance. Children are especially upbeat during this time of the year too, because they receive red packets full of money from the older generations, with the belief that it will bring them good luck as well.
The Lunar New Year might not be celebrated in the same way here, but it is similar to another important festival for many people in Nepal. People from the Tibetan, Yolmo, Sherpa, and Tamang communities celebrate
Losar, which also marks the beginning of a new year. Losar usually occurs on the same day, or near to the Lunar New year.
Special
delicacies like guthuk noodles and beer called changkol are served during the festival. Beautiful decorations are put up and elaborate offerings are made to the Buddhist deities. People also wear traditional clothes like the Chupa and partake in dances and prayers and visit loved ones. Popular religious places like Boudha and Swayambhu get crowded with people making offerings and in prayer.
There are a number of Chinese establishments in the city that will be celebrating the= Lunar New Year here. If you find yourself in a Chinese restaurant this weekend, be sure to wish them ‘Xin Nian Kuai Le’ and maybe bring along a pair of oranges to join in the festivities. Who knows, you might even get a festive discount.
Hariz Baharudin
Màn màn chi
Sing-Ma Food Court
Jhamsikhel (opposite New Orleans)
(01)5009092
www.singmafoodcourt.com
Golden Dragon
Jhamsikhel (opposite Roadhouse Café)
(01)5549461
Hunan Chinese Kitchen
Jawalakhel
(01)5544831
Chopstix Chinese and Continental
Kumaripati, Lalitpur
(01)555118
Chufang Restaurant
Kupondole
9808600723
Tian Rui
Thapathali (next to
(01)4243078
Rice and Bowl
Saket Complex, Tripureswor
(01)4251678
Panda Chinese Restaurant
Kamaladi, Kathmandu Plaza
(01)4226169
Amiko Room, Hotel Annapurna
Darbar Marg
(01)221711
Shenz Mei Hwa Chinese Restaurant & Bar
Kantipath
(01)424 4303
Dahua Restaurant
Amrit Marg, Thamel
(01)4410247
Oriental Kitchen
Bhatbhateni, Tangal (opposite CIAA building)
(01)4443110/9841972418
Hong Xiang Chinese Restaurant
Baneshwor
(01)4781199
Shangri-La Kitchen,
Hotel Tibet International
Boudha
(01)4488188
The Old Lan Hua Chinese Restaurant
Gaurighat, Lakeside, Pokhra
061463797
Frame by frame, a two-week workshop for photographers who want to take their digital photography to the next level; participants will work on aesthetics, ethics, editing, and digital workflow and produce stories on the issues of climate change, sustainable living, migration and themes related to the ongoing Climate+Change exhibition. Rs 4,000 ex. VAT, 4 to 18 February, 2 to 6pm, Nepal Art Council, Babarmahal, learning@photocircle.com.np, apply by 5pm, 28 January
Mushi mushi, Learn more about the culture of the land of the rising sun at the Japanese Film Festival.
1 February, 11am to 5pm, Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Pokhara, (01)4426680, np.emb-japan.go.jp
Climate+Change, an awe-inspiring educational science exhibition about climate change and Nepal's Himalaya.
Runs till April, Nepal Art Council, Babarmahal
Of the young, listen to Anil Chitrakar expand on entrepreneurship opportunities for engaging the youth. 9 February, 4pm, free entry, Nepal Bharat Library, New Road
Parallel journeys, an exhibition of the works of artists Binod Pradhan, Sunila Bajracharya, and Asha Dangol. Runs till 8 February, Siddhartha Art Gallery, Babarmahal
Trading paint, an exhibition of the work by artist Julian Parker-Burns. Runs to 21 February, 10am to 5pm, Image Ark Gallery, Kulimha Tol, Patan Darbar Area
Swasthani fast, a month of reading the pilgrims' tale of the Kathmandu Valley of yore; plenty of photo opportunities at Pasupati and Sali Nadi. Runs to 14 February
Made in Nepal, join over
150 makers and sellers of quality Nepali products and services. 13 to 16 February, 10am onwards, Bhrikuti Mandap, 9841578957, nyef@fncci.org
Heritage and pride, an exhibition of the paintings of Lal Kaji Lama. Runs till 3 February, Sarwanam Art Gallery, Kalikasthan
Birdwatch, spot a bird that has migrated from Siberia to Kathmandu for the winter. 1 February, 7am, Shivapuri-Nagarjun National Park, 9841330576
Art attack, revisit the highlights of the 2nd Kathmandu International Art Festival. Runs till 31 January, 10am to 4pm, Patan Museum, (01)4218048
The desert eats us, watch this documentary about migrant Nepalis in Qatar. 31 January, 5.30pm, UN Park, Thapathali, (01)5523586, 9813458716
Noodling, stake your claim as Nepal's top graphic designer and win up to Rs 25,000 and a spot at an exhibition in prizes. Send entries to events@thecitymuseum.org by 20 February