Chinese New Year, also known as the Lunar New Year is celebrated on the first day of the first month of the Chinese calendar. Time to discard the old and usher in the new, Chinese New Year or the Spring festival starts on February 18th this year. The Chinese New Year 4705 will be the "Year of Pig" and will be good for people born in 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983 and 1995. Observed by the Chinese around the world, Chinese New Year is considered as a major holiday in places like Vietnam, Korea, Tibet, Nepal and ofcourse in China.

Though associated with several legends, the one that really sound interested is that, once Buddha asked all animals to come and meet him on the Chinese New Year and only twelve came. Buddha named a year after each one and announced that a person born in the particular animal's year will inherit some of the qualities of that animal. Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig were the animals that appeared and till date people believe in the years of all these animals.

Preparation for the Chinese New Year begins months before with people following a series of traditions. All the old things are thrown out of the house and are replaced with the new. People begin with thorough housecleaning, scrubbing each nook and corner to ensure that their homes get rid of bad luck. Menu for the Chinese New Year's Eve Dinner is being made.

When talking about the Chinese New Year, one can't forget mentioning about the fireworks. The tradition of fireworks is rooted in another ancient custom. The legend is like in ancient China, Nian, a man-eating beast could infiltrate houses, this made the Chinese scared and later they came to know that Nian was sensitive to color red and loud noises and since then the custom of burning fireworks has been followed to cast away the evil spirit.

So, come and be a part of the Chinese New Year Celebrations and welcome the Year of Pig on February 18th by holding family reunions and greeting your loved ones.