Myanmar-Chinese celebrate Spring Festival in Yangon

Myanmar-Chinese residing in Yangon on Thursday celebrated the first day of the Lunar New Year mainly by going to temples in the city to have a vegetarian diet in accordance with Buddhist practice.

Pilgrims, young and old, have been flocking to the temples since early morning, and the smell of burning incense and paper- money of gold and silver in paying homage to Buddha permeated the air.

Dressed in festive clothing, lion dance groups of youngsters roamed the city on foot or by truck.

Most of the shops owned by Myanmar-Chinese have closed for holidays since the day of the Lunar New Year's Eve to enable employees to go home for family reunion.

But some are choosing to open for a short time on Friday, the second day of the new year, and some others prefer to restart their businesses on Sunday, the fourth day of the new year according to traditional customs practiced in Myanmar.

Meanwhile, a grand function in celebration of the Chinese Lunar New Year, organized by dignitaries of the Myanmar-Chinese community, took place here on Thursday evening, with a two-hour singing and dancing performance which attracted an audience of about 1,000 people.

More music concerts will be launched by some Myanmar-Chinese bands in the following days, involving many young emerging singers.

On Wednesday afternoon, the eve of the Chinese Lunar New Year, a grand festive procession round the Yangon Chinatown was held by two dozen lion and dragon dancing groups, kicking off the Lunar New Year celebrations in the commercial city.

On Friday, a Chinese traditional lion and dragon dance competition, due to start in the Chinatown, will be held among the groups taking part in the procession.

The contest will last three consecutive nights until Sunday and a prize presentation ceremony will be conducted. Endi