Lion dance, student awards and delicious food mark Indo-Chinese cultural event

On Sunday, while clouds were shrouding the horizon at dusk in Kolkata, the residents of the city were in for a visual treat. The Dragon Boat Festival 2022 was held by the Consulate General of People’s Republic of China in Kolkata and various local Chinese community organisations including, India China Cultural Development Association. It took place at a city resort.
More than a thousand people participated in the festival. Also in attendance were Consul General of People’s Republic of China in Kolkata, Zha Liyou, dignitaries, ministers, diplomats from Thailand, Bangladesh and Bhutan, president of All India Overseas Chinese Association, Chen Yaohua, representatives of Chinese communities and companies, consulate staff and local people.

CG Zha welcomed people from all walks of life present to celebrate the traditional festival. Zha gave a brief introduction of the origin and custom of this festival and wished for everyone’s good health and happiness. "I am happy that with the joint effort from all, after six editions of Dragon Boat Festival in Kolkata, the 2022 festival has become another landmark cultural event that’s integrated with the community in east India and demonstrates a friendship in town. It ensures good cultural exchanges between China and India," he said.
The Dragon Boats Race was cancelled for safety and security concerns. CG Zha and the honoured guests granted awards to five elite Indian Chinese students and encouraged them to achieve bigger success in their studies.
Following the award distribution, the people present at the event watched the splendid lion dance and special theatrical performances with great interest. Zheng Huiqun, the better half of Consul General Zha Liyou, invited local friends, women leaders, Vishwa Bharati University Cheena Bhavan students, together with diplomats and family members of the Consulate-General to sing Tagore’s song, Alo Amar Alo, and the Chinese song, Descendants of the Dragon.
A huge crowd cheered at the brilliant performance of the Chinese and Indian artistes. Guests were treated to delicious Chinese food from Tirreti Breakfast Market and Tangra at the event.