by Naim-Ul-Karim

DHAKA, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- Preparations for the Lunar New Year were going on in full swing in Bangladesh with about a week left for one of the world's most celebrated festivals.

The Lunar New Year, or the Spring Festival, falls on Feb. 12 this year.

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, organizers said health guidelines and other directives of the Bangladeshi government will be strictly followed during the celebration events this time.

They said Bangladeshis and Chinese living in Bangladesh will celebrate the festival with a series of events starting this week and running to Feb. 11, the eve of the most significant festival for Chinese people.

According to Chinaculture.org, the 2021 "Happy Spring Festival" event in Bangladesh will combine offline and online activities.

With the assistance of TV, radio and newspapers, it will open up new prospects for people-to-people and cultural exchanges between China and Bangladesh.

Bangladesh people have been invited to follow the celebratory events for the 2021 Year of the Ox, the second in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac sign, which denotes hard work, positivity and honesty.

Various kinds of celebratory activities, sponsored by the organizations or communities, include dragon dances, acrobats, opera performances and drum performances and virtual exhibition of the Chinese zodiac design.

New Year events also feature the Chinese animation show, exhibition on Chinese porcelain, Tai Chi and Kungfu workshops among others.

Red decorations and ornate red banners adorned with golden Chinese calligraphy, known as chunlian, were hanging around the houses and businesses on the street.

In collaboration with the Chinese embassy in Bangladesh, officials said the Bangladesh-China Friendship Center, Bangladesh Kite, Dragon and Lion Dance Association, Bangladesh National Wushu Society and other organizations were actively preparing for the activities, exploring new ways to share the Spring Festival culture.

During the special period of the global pandemic in 2020, Bangladesh and China have supported each other, said Kamal Uddin, chairman of the Bangladesh-China Friendship Center, extending greetings to the Chinese government and people.

"This year, we'll spare no efforts to enhance people-to-people exchanges while fighting against COVID-19," he said.

Although the Spring Festival will be celebrated in a different manner compared to previous years due to the COVID-19 pandemic and family reunions will be difficult for many, organizers said the holiday spirit will transcend all borders and warmth and love will be still spread.

"On the auspicious occasion of Chinese New Year and happy spring festival 2021, we would like to congratulate and wish a very happy New year to all our Chinese friends from Bangladesh kite Federation and Bangladesh Dragon and Lion Dance Sports Association," said Al Mamun Mridha, joint secretary general of the organizations.

He said they had been celebrating Chinese New Year in Bangladesh for more than two decades with all the enthusiasm and try to hold the spirit of China in their heart.

"2020 was a tough year for the whole world. Wish the Year of the Ox will bring prosperity and happiness to all our lives, and the world will see the hope and happiness with the light of Chinese New Year," he added.

Mohammad Sady, principal of Chinese Academy Bangladesh, a private Chinese language training institute, expressed the hope that the new year will usher in happiness, wealth and prosperity by warding off evil spirits and bad luck. Enditem

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