Page 19 - YunnanTourismCultureTimes (108)

SOUTHERN MESSENGERS 18

“Chinese New Year is a memorable journey for me”

“我的难忘春节之旅”

By Makhdoom Babar □ 马克东·巴伯 / 文

During the chilly winter of 2004, I visited China for changes. China’s economy had grown significantly, and
exchange as a Pakistani media professional. At that time, there was a visible rise in modernity and affluence. Young
my understanding of the Chinese New Year was confined to couples and families were now traveling to exotic destina-
the fragmentary descriptions in books: red lanterns, family tions, both within China, like Hainan’s Sanya and Yunnan,
reunion dinner, and the sound of firecrackers. When friends and abroad to places like the Philippines and Malaysia, to
advised me to stay in Beijing to experience the Chinese celebrate the holiday.
New Year, I even feared that the deserted atmosphere, akin Back in Pakistan, the growing cultural exchange be-
to an “empty city,” might disappoint me. However, this fes- tween our two nations, especially after initiatives like the
tive journey spanning two decades ultimately taught me that China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), has led to a
the Chinese New Year is not only a cultural gene embedded deeper understanding of Chinese traditions. Today, we even
in the blood of Chinese people, but also a golden bond con- publish small notices in newspapers and social media plat-
necting China and Pakistan. forms before the Chinese New Year, reminding locals about
Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is the celebrations. For instance, in Islamabad, we inform
the most important traditional celebration in China. Root- residents not to be alarmed if they hear firecrackers or see
ed in centuries old customs, it marks the beginning of the festivities at night—it’s just our Chinese brothers and sisters
Lunar New Year and symbolizes new beginnings, family At that evening when I was back to Kunming, my friend celebrating their culture.
reunions, and prosperity. Celebrated with grand festivities, from the embassy decided to take me out for a drive. What Over the years, Pakistanis have increasingly joined in
including feasts, fireworks, and dragon dances, it is a time I saw that night completely changed my perception of the these celebrations, whether in Islamabad, Lahore, or Kara-
for people to honor their ancestors, wish for good fortune, Chinese New Year. The city came alive with dazzling fire- chi. This year holds even more significance for my family.
and welcome the arrival of spring. The festival typically works and the sound of crackers. Families and friends who My son, currently studying at the Beijing Language and
lasts 15 days, culminating in the Lantern Festival. had stayed in Beijing filled the streets, celebrating with Culture University (BLCU), has been selected as the first
I had always heard fascinating stories about the Chinese unmatched enthusiasm. It was a mesmerizing sight, and Pakistani student to perform at the famous CCTV New
New Year before. Back in 2004, during my visit to China, I realized that the idea of everyone leaving big cities like Year Gala. It’s a proud moment for us, and our entire fam-
I had the chance to witness this grand occasion firsthand. Beijing or Shanghai for their hometowns wasn’t entirely ac- ily, spread across Canada, Pakistan, and other parts of the
At the time, I was staying with my best friend, a senior curate. For many, these mega cities were their hometowns, world, will be tuning in to watch him live.
diplomat at the Pakistan Embassy in Beijing. Initially, I had and people from surrounding areas often traveled to them The Chinese New Year has become more than just a
planned to leave China before the festival began. for the festivities. cultural event—it’s a bridge bringing the people of Pakistan
However, my friend insisted that I stay and experience My friend and I were in awe of the scale of the celebrations, and China closer together. This festival, along with initia-
the festivities. He assured me it was something I shouldn’t and we both predicted that one day this festival would become tives like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and CPEC, has
miss. Reluctantly, I agreed. A few days before the festival, a global attraction. Vibrant laser shows, colorful street decora- played a vital role in fostering mutual understanding and
I traveled to Shanghai for a media meeting. My Chinese tions, and other creative activities became the new norm. strengthening the bond between our nations.
assistant, Miss Yu Chun Lei, or Jessie as she preferred to be Fast forward to 2015, I had the privilege of experienc- Long live the friendship between Pakistan and China!
called, invited me to her hometown in Wenzhou, Zhejiang ing the Chinese New Year again, this time in Guangzhou, Wishing the Chinese nation a joyous and prosperous Year of
Province, just a few hours’ drive from Shanghai. I accepted Guangdong Province, where my friend was serving as Con- the Snake in 2025.
her invitation and joined her and her cousin on this trip. The sul General. A decade had passed, and I noticed remarkable (The author Makhdoom Babar is the President and
small village was alive with energy and preparations for the Editor-in-Chief of The Daily Mail Pakistan & founder of
New Year. I could feel the excitement in the air as families Pak-China Media Friendship Asso-
worked together to clean their homes, cook traditional dish- ciation.)
es, and set up decorations.