Just in case you missed out on ushering in the New Years in style just a few weeks ago, don’t be too upset. The good news for you is that the Lunar New Year is just around the corner. The even better news is that the celebrations this time are not just for a day but a full week long.

We are talking about the Chinese New Year which is now celebrated almost all over the world with the same gusto as any other festival. Traditionally the Chinese mark the event with exchanging gifts, celebrating with the family with fireworks etc. Often children are gifted money by their elders in red envelops to bestow good luck and health upon them. People decorate their houses with red paper cut-outs, banners and New Year themed paintings during the festive period.

The New Year this time is the beginning of the Year of the Rooster according to the Chinese Zodiac cycle. Since it is based on lunar calendar the dates change every year and this time the Chinese New Year Eve will be celebrated on January 27 and the festivities end on February 2.

Also Read: This unique Kali temple serves noodles and chopsuey as prasad

Although not many know about it, the holiday is celebrated across India in much style. The biggest celebrations take place in Kolkata where there are quite a few families of Chinese decent who have been in the city for generations. Chinatown in South Tangra area is famous for its Food and has several places of interest for those who want to experience the country’s culture first hand in Kolkata itself.

The celebration in Chinatown starts about a week before the New Year’s Day. Several big stages are set up in the locality and lion and dragon dance performances are held. These processions start at the Chinese temples in the area and meander through the lanes and by-lanes of Chinatown. The music, street food, decor, firecrackers and dance add to the experience which will transport you to the country itself.

While experiencing the Chinese New Year in Kolkata is a heavy concoction of colours and people from China itself, the other cities aren’t far behind. In Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore, Chinese and other Asian Food joints have planned special menus for the week. You can try different types of Chinese dimsums, Ban Tao, noodles, lamb – chicken, fish and other sea food specialities to enjoy the traditional flavours during the festival. Hotel chains specialising in Asian food across the country are also holding food festivals for visitors.

New Delhi and Bangalore don’t have old Chinese communities but a lot of food hubs want to make the best of the festive time to serve their customers some traditional fares. After all Chinese food has become a part of the Indian cuisine in the last few decades. Especially as so many fusion dishes have emerged and they are family favourites.

The Roost Bistro- Hauz Khas Village in Delhi, Yautcha in Delhi and Mumbai, Fatty Bao in Bangalore, delhi and Mumbai are just a few restaurants that you must visit in the week to usher in the rooster and have a real Chinese treat.

Mumbai too has a small Chinese community which celebrates this holiday in a traditional style. Although the community is miniscule compared to Kolkata, you can see a temple dedicated to an army Nobel Kwan Tai Kwon. It decorated during the lunar new year and you may find some Chinese decendent residents visiting the temple during the festive time and celebrating it with traditional spirit.

Even if you are not in Kolkata to watch the dance performances and martial arts by our eastern neighbours, you can definitely enjoy the cuisine because so many restaurateurs will welcome you with the decor and traditional dishes. And nothing better than food to actually enjoy the week-long celebrations.

This article first appeared in Inuth.com. Click to read more.