The Chu family is now settled in Mumbai. They own the restaurant, Mini China, and a beauty salon Fuong Kim in suburban Mumbai.

The Chus are incredibly busy as the New Year drew close. Y S Chu, wife Leena, and children Catherine and Kenny scurry around their Andheri home, helping their parents put up red lanterns.

Catherine is the most wanted hairstylist at her mother's salon. Kenny helps with the frantic rush at his father's restaurant. These days, their daily chores are forgotten.

They are busy preparing for the series of New Year dinners they will be hosting.

Fifteen Days of Peace and Love

Leena Chu says the Chinese years are named after animals - horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, pig, rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon and snake. Every twelve years, the animals repeat. Also, the coming year has another name - the year of Wu-Zi, which means stem-branch. It's a sign of peace and prosparity.

Catherine pipes in: "According to the Chinese zodiac sign, I am born in the year of the Tiger. My horoscope says chasing dreams is the only work I will do this year. This year, all those born in the year of the Rat, will have a gala time collecting their fortune goodies."

Away from their native land, the Chinese community in Mumbai is passionate about their home country and celebrate the New Year just as they would do back in China. The 15-day celebration begins on the first day of the New Year, on February 7, and ends with the lantern festival.

You will most likely see little girls in red dresses running around Chinese temple courtyards on New Year's Eve. Red is the color of the festival. It brings happiness and scares away the man-eating monster Nian, according to Chinese lore.

The Chinese believe in cleansing their souls along with their houses before the New Year arrives. It is as if the Gods have given you another chance to be good and lead a better life.

Lanterns and Secret Red Envelopes

The day before the New Year is one of the busiest days in a Chinese household, with all the sweeping and cooking that needs to be completed.

Throughout the 15 days, people visit their extended families, light firecrackers, adorn the house and carry out ancient rituals that bring in good luck.

Every tiny little detailed decoration has a meaning. For example, the blooming plants signify rebirth and new growth, and the flowers signify wealth and prosperity.

And all their doors carved with popular Chinese proverbs and good luck messages. They will  not do anything that makes them remotely depressed during these 15 days.

Every guest and child receives little red envelopes called the 'Lai see' with coins and cash. The money is given to ward off evil spirits. Most rituals performed are to block evil spirits and bring in the positive forces of Nature into their lives and homes.