Sri Sathya Sai International Organization

Based on the Chinese lunar calendar, 2021 Chinese New Year will begin on February 12, and ends on the Full moon fifteen days later. It is traditionally a time to bring family together, sharing blessings with all loved ones. It has become the most widely celebrated occasion in the world for over 1000 years.

According to the Chinese calendar, this Year is the year of The Ox which represents incredible physical, mental and emotional strength and stamina! 

Chinese New Year is associated with many interesting legends and customs, honoring deities and ancestors, prayers, offerings, and other acts of worship. 

Because the date marks the end of the coldest days in the winter solstice, it is referred to as the Spring Festival, or Chunjie, in China. People embrace Spring and its many delights, like planting - the symbol of new beginnings.

In Chinese culture, the color red signifies joy, celebrations, bestowing blessing of longevity, good health, peace and luck. Decorations will include red lanterns, red couplets, red banners, and other items that signify auspiciousness.

The New Year’s Eve feast known as the reunion dinner is an important event for all family members. Big families including several generations sit at round tables and enjoy the food together.

In Chinese culture, people have a strong belief that what they do and say on the first day of the lunar year will affect their luck and performance during that year. So think good, see good, speak good and do good on the first day of the New Year is an important practice associated with New Year celebration.

The fifteenth day of the New Year is the Lantern Festival. It is the traditional end of the Spring Festival celebrations. The symbol of the circle is used frequently in Chinese culture and tradition. A circle is a sign of completeness and perfection, which is why the final day of the Chinese New Year is on the night of a full moon.

Since SSSIO started celebrating the Chinese New Year in Prasanthi Nilayam in 1997, the emphasis has been on promoting the core value of filial piety which is the cornerstone of Chinese culture and tradition.  Sri Sathya Sai Baba had often stressed on the importance of Love and respect for parents.  He had urged office bearers in the Sai organization to actively promote this value.