Lunar New year 2025 Greetings - Wishes from Director General & Team

On this auspicious occasion of the Lunar New Year, the C3S team, along with our esteemed members and Young Minds of C3S, extends heartfelt wishes for a year filled with prosperity, joy, and hope. 

The Lunar New Year signifies the arrival of spring and a fresh start in the lunisolar calendar. As communities worldwide celebrate, it is a moment to reflect on the shared cultural values between India and other Asian nations. In 2025, the Year of the Yin Wood Snake, the zodiac designates this year as the Year of the Snake.

India, like many cultures observing the Lunar New Year, follows both lunar and solar calendars. Festivals such as Diwali and Holi, determined by lunar phases, hold deep cultural and spiritual significance. Mauni Amavasya, observed on the new moon of the Magha month, is a time for spiritual reflection and self-discipline. Basant Panchami, another lunar festival, heralds spring, symbolizing renewal and growth.

The Lunar New Year is an "Asian festival" celebrated beyond China, in countries such as Vietnam, South Korea, North Korea, the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Japan, Mongolia, Brunei, Cambodia, and Tibet. Interestingly, Mexico’s Purepecha Indigenous group also observes this occasion, underscoring its global cultural significance.

Celebrations vary across nations. Koreans play Yutnori, a traditional board game, while Filipinos, Vietnamese, and Mongolians enjoy delicacies like Tikoy, Banh Chung, and Tsagaalga. Thailand marks the occasion with an intimate feast called Wei Lu, while Cambodians offer sacrifices to sky deities in celebration.

As we welcome the Year of the Snake, we embrace its symbolism of wisdom, elegance, and intuition. In an evolving geopolitical landscape, strengthened collaboration among Asian nations is key to fostering peace and stability. Just as "sweeping the grounds" during New Year celebrations clears away past obstacles, the world must adopt similar principles to tackle challenges like the post-pandemic recovery and global security concerns. Embodying the resilience of the Dragon will empower us to navigate these challenges effectively. 

As we embrace renewal and optimism, let us strengthen unity and cooperation for a brighter, more harmonious future.

Once again, C3S extends warm wishes for a joyous and fulfilling Lunar New Year. May this celebration, observed in diverse ways across regions and dates, bring prosperity, harmony, and abundant opportunities for all.