Chinese New Year, in late January or February, is the one time the community is fully visible. Lion and dragon dances move through Tangra and Territti Bazar, the clan temples open, firecrackers go off through the night, and families who have emigrated come back for it.
On the first Sunday after the new year many travel south to Achipur, to the grave of Tong Achew and the small temple there, which is the community’s founding site in India.
The names
Places, institutions and dishes| Name | Where | What it is |
|---|---|---|
| Tangra celebrations | Tangra | Lion and dragon dance through the streets; the restaurants set special menus. |
| Territti Bazar celebrations | Territti Bazar | The old quarter’s day; temples open and the lanes fill. |
| Achipur pilgrimage1770s | near Budge Budge | The first Sunday after new year; families visit Tong Achew’s grave and the temple. |
| The clan temples1900s | Territti Bazar | Sea Ip, Toong On, Gee Hing and others open for the festival. |
| Chinese Kali temple1990s | Tangra | Observed by the community alongside the Chinese festivals. |
| The lion dance troupes | Tangra and Territti Bazar | Young members of the community train for weeks beforehand. |
| Returning families | Tangra | Members who emigrated to Toronto, Vancouver and Melbourne come back for it. |
Worth knowing
- Late January or February, by the lunar calendar.
- Tangra and Territti Bazar both hold celebrations; they are different in character.
- Achipur on the first Sunday after is the quieter and more moving of the two.
- The restaurants take bookings; the week is their busiest.
- It is a community festival that welcomes visitors, not a show put on for them.
More on Chinatown
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