As the Chinese New Year begins, it ushers in a time of reflection and renewal marking the arrival of the Year of the Snake, according to the Chinese zodiac, which follows a 12-year cycle of animals. With deep cultural significance, the festival not only celebrates the end of winter and the beginning of spring but also offers a chance to start anew with hope, tradition, and joy.
Chinese New Year, also known as the Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, has roots that stretch back over 3,500 years. It is the most important holiday in China, marked by various customs that bring families together to honour the past and welcome the future. This year, the holiday falls between January 28 and February 4, marking the return of the Snake in the zodiac cycle. The last Year of the Snake was in 2013, and those born in 2025 will share this animal’s traits—known for being wise, perceptive, and resilient.
In Chinese culture, each zodiac animal influences the characteristics of those born in its year. The Snake is associated with intelligence and intuition, often seen as both mysterious and strategic. This year, the Snake symbolises both the yin and yang: it represents darkness, femininity, and mystery but also renewal, growth, and wisdom. Known as a "little dragon," the snake’s ability to shed its skin signifies new beginnings, transformation, and good luck.
The customs and traditions associated with the festival reflect a deep respect for family and heritage. Homes are meticulously cleaned to rid them of bad luck, while red decorations such as lanterns and spring couplets adorn doorways to invite prosperity. The giving of red envelopes (hongbao) filled with money is a symbol of good fortune and a way to strengthen familial bonds. This is a time for families to come together, share meals, and embrace optimism and hope for the year ahead.
The Snake’s symbolism is powerful, intertwining notions of love, wealth, wisdom, and longevity. In Chinese folklore, the snake is often paired with the turtle and crane to represent these virtues. In particular, the “Legend of the White Snake” speaks to the complex nature of the snake, showing its connection with both danger and beauty, love and wisdom.
As the Year of the Snake begins, it is a chance to embrace its qualities of renewal and insight, navigating the year with wisdom and perseverance while celebrating the rich traditions that make this time so special.
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire
Rahul Bhatt sparks controversy over 'insensitive' remarks about sisters Alia and Pooja Bhatt
Rahul Bhatt, fitness trainer and son of veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, has found himself at the centre of a social media storm following controversial remarks about his half-sister, Alia Bhatt. In a recent interview, Rahul drew comparisons between Alia and their older sister Pooja Bhatt, calling the latter more talented, attractive, and principled.
The comments, which many have labelled inappropriate and insensitive, have sparked widespread criticism online. During the interview, Rahul stated, “In my opinion, she (Alia) is not even half of what my real sister Pooja is. Not in talent, not in looks, not in terms of being sexy. In front of my sister, she is ‘paani kam chai’ (watery tea). Amongst the siblings, the most talented and the most moralistic is Pooja.”
Social media users reacted strongly, questioning why Rahul would compare his sisters in such personal terms. Several users were particularly disturbed by his reference to their appearance and sex appeal, pointing out that such comparisons within a family cross boundaries of propriety. One comment read, “This is disturbing. Why talk about your sisters like that? It’s not just weird, it’s wrong.” Another post said, “There’s nothing respectful about comparing your siblings’ attractiveness in public.”
The backlash also reignited conversation around a decades-old controversy involving Mahesh Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt. Rahul was asked about the infamous 1990s magazine cover where the father-daughter duo shared a kiss, which had stirred public outrage at the time. Dismissing the criticism, Rahul said, “It doesn’t make any difference. It’s like water off a duck’s back. We know the truth, and we’ve seen everything since childhood.”
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire, with critics saying it reflects a broader issue of the Bhatt family being insensitive to public perception and boundaries. Many users questioned the need for bringing up old incidents in a bid to defend new and equally questionable statements.
As of now, neither Alia Bhatt nor Pooja Bhatt has issued any public response to Rahul’s remarks. Both actors, known for their significant contributions to Indian cinema, have typically kept family matters private despite living in the public eye.
This episode has also sparked debate over the role of public figures in maintaining respect when discussing family matters in the media. Observers say such comments, especially when involving women’s appearance and personal qualities, reinforce problematic attitudes and fuel unnecessary controversies.
While Rahul Bhatt is not as prominent in the entertainment industry as his father or sisters, his comments have made headlines and placed the Bhatt family in the spotlight for reasons beyond their creative work. For many, this serves as a reminder that public platforms come with responsibility, and that family ties should not be trivialised or dissected for attention or comparison.
The backlash is unlikely to subside soon, especially as fans and followers of Alia and Pooja continue to express disappointment over the way the situation has unfolded. Whether or not Rahul chooses to clarify or apologise remains to be seen.