Residents of Chengdu in southwest China’s Sichuan Province are celebrating the traditional Laba Festival on Tuesday by partaking in a special kind of congee, marking the commencement of the Spring Festival festivities on the lunar calendar.
The Laba Festival, observed on the eighth day of the twelfth lunar month, is a significant cultural event that ushers in the Chinese New Year celebrations. In Chengdu, people uphold the tradition by cooking and sharing Laba congee, a porridge made with a variety of grains and beans.
The congee is more than just a meal; it symbolizes gratitude and the hope for a prosperous year ahead. Families gather to prepare the congee, using ingredients like rice, millet, red beans, and peanuts, each carrying its own auspicious meaning.
“Eating Laba congee is a cherished tradition in our family,” says Wang Li, a local resident. “It’s a way to connect with our heritage and express our wishes for the coming year.”
Across Chengdu, temples and community centers also distribute free Laba congee to the public, fostering a sense of community and goodwill.
As the aroma of the special congee fills the air, Chengdu continues to honor its rich cultural traditions, bringing people together in the spirit of the Laba Festival.
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People in southwest China's Chengdu eat congee for Laba Festival
cgtn.com
