Chinese Culture Day celebrated in Kolkata

A "Chinese Culture Day" event in the Indian city of Kolkata on Friday saw more than 200 teachers, students and parents from local primary and secondary schools participating, experiencing traditional Chinese culture.

The event, organized by the School of World Languages, Kolkata, featured vibrant performances by local students, including traditional Chinese song and dance performances, children's rhymes, poetry recitations, and stage plays. Eighty paintings under the theme of "India-China Friendship" conveyed heartfelt wishes for bilateral relations.

Participants engaged in cultural programs such as calligraphy practice of the Chinese character "fu", and other activities, including using chopsticks, making lanterns, and making dumplings. A lion dance performance by the local Chinese community received enthusiastic applause.

The Chinese Consul-General in Kolkata, Xu Wei, joined locals in some activities, interacting warmly with students, teachers and parents.

Charisma Saraff, director and principal of the School of World Languages in Kolkata, said that language serves as a vital bridge to understand different cultural traditions and thinking patterns.

She emphasized that Chinese language demonstrations and cultural experiences can enhance mutual understanding, narrow the distance between peoples, and help preserve the cultural bonds and friendship between the two nations.

In his address, Xu commended the diverse activities of the "Chinese Culture Day" for showcasing the Chinese culture's unique appeal and wisdom of Chinese people, and demonstrating the vibrancy of China-India cultural exchanges.

Highlighting that this year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of China-India diplomatic relations, Xu expressed the wish that children would become young cultural ambassadors to carry forward China-India friendship in the new era.