The Chinese language ‘Dragon Boat Pageant’ or the ‘Duanwu’ pageant, was celebrated on the Port Metropolis Seaside Plaza in Colombo on June 13.
This 12 months’s occasion was titled because the 2026 Dragon Boat Tradition Pageant and China – Sri Lanka Friendship Cup Dragon Boat Race.
The occasion was hosted by Chinese language Embassy in Sri Lanka and the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports activities of Sri Lanka, and co-organized by Nationwide Affiliation for Canoeing and Kayaking in Sri Lanka (NACKSL), China Cultural Heart in Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka Abroad Chinese language Affiliation, Chinese language Chamber Of Commerce In Sri Lanka, China Heart of Worldwide Cultural Change and Tourism Promotion and Rugao Puppetry Artwork Troupe.
Race members included faculty groups, college crews, golf equipment, members of the tri-forces, in addition to Chinese language groups. It was notable that the occasion additionally featured groups from Jaffna.
Chinese language ambassador in Sri Lanka – Mr. Qi Zhenhong, Madam Jin Qian, Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports activities – Sunil Kumara Gamage, Minister of Labour – Anil Jayantha, Counselor of Cultural Affairs on the embassy – Ms. Ji Lili, Director of the China Cultural Heart in Sri Lanka – Mr. Ni Lisheng, embassy officers, Chinese language expats in addition to Sri Lankans joined the occasion, which additionally featured a number of cultural performances from each Sri Lanka and China.
Guests and members had been additionally served ‘Zongzi’, a particular triangular rice dumpling parceled in a leaf, which is historically eaten in the course of the ‘Duanwu’ pageant. Zongzi fillings fluctuate throughout China, with Northerners preferring candy fillings like bean paste or dates, whereas Southerners choose extra savoury fillings.
Duanwu normally falls on the fifth day of the fifth month of the Chinese language lunar calendar. “Duan” means starting whereas “Wu” means 5, referring to the fifth month.
Try the origins of the ‘Duanwu’ pageant and the way it’s celebrated in fashionable China.
(Pics : Shanika Jayasekara)
