By Honorary Reporter Ayushi Kharayat from India

Photos = Ayushi Kharayat

The Korean Cultural Center (KCC) and Korean Embassy in New Delhi, India, from Jan. 20-21 held activities to allow Indians to experience Seollal (Lunar New Year) with the attendance of Korean Ambassador Chang Jae-bok. 

Korean Ambassador to India Chang Jae-bok from Jan. 20-21 joined Lunar New Year events jointly hosted by the Korean Cultural Center and Korean Embassy in New Delhi, India. 

Seollal is one of the two biggest holidays in Korea and traditionally lasts for three days. Koreans start a new lunar year by reconnecting with family or loved ones and performing traditional rituals. Participants at the event in New Delhi got to wear Hanbok (traditional attire) picked by KCC staff as part of the celebration.

The first Korean tradition introduced was sebae (traditional ceremonial bowing to elders on Seollal). Younger people bow to elders to wish them a happy new year and receive sebaedon (gift money) in return. Participants performed sebae to the ambassador and his wife.

Participants at the event learn sebae (bowing to elders on Seollal) to wish them a happy new year. 

Other events were held to mark 2023 being the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and India. A promotional video showed the past and future of bilateral ties, a traditional Korean New Year's song performed by a haegeum (traditional two-string vertical fiddle) player and the memorial ritual charye featuring a food table for one's ancestors. The event ended with the embassy providing to the attendees tteokguk (rice cake soup), which is traditionally eaten on Seollal.

An array of events were held to celebrate Seollal (Lunar New Year) from Jan. 20-21 at the KCC in New Delhi, India. 

This memorable experience allowed me to celebrate, enjoy and learn more about one of the most important celebrations in Korea. Seollal is an occasion to respect one's ancestors and elderly relatives through a gathering featuring folk games, traditional food and family unity.

msjeon22@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.