As the Chinese New Year approaches, The Guide visits the Kwan Kung Chinese Temple in Mazgaon ahead of its preparations
Offerings before the deity of General Kwan.Pics/Rumani Gabhare
As the last days of the lunar year slip away, the incense inside Kwan Kung Temple lingers in the air a little longer. Red paper charms flutter at the entrance, brass urns gleam after a careful polish, and anticipation builds for a dragon dance that will wind through the narrow lane about half an hour before the clock strikes 12 to welcome the Year of the Crimson Horse.
Gold-coloured statues of animals from the Chinese zodiac calendar
Long before India’s Independence, Chinese workers arrived at the dockyards of old Calcutta and Bombay in India, laying down roots that would hold firm for generations. In Mazgaon, amid a neighbourhood that has steadily transformed, this Chinese temple now rests in the hands of one family. With the original caretakers gone, stewardship has passed to Wing Tung Tan, his wife Marina Tan, and their daughter Marilyn Tan.
Together, they serve as the temple’s official custodians — a second-generation family preserving both ritual and memory. Marilyn elaborates about the celebrations, “This year is about the horse, it ranks seventh of the 12 animals in the traditional Chinese zodiac, symbolising vitality, speed, independence and an unrestrained spirit for the new year.”
The altar of the temple
Inside the temple, she gestures towards the main altar. Offerings sit neatly beside the statue of Guan Yu — known in many temples as General Kwan — revered as a symbol of loyalty and righteousness. Fruits are arranged with care; animal motifs are placed with intention; soft music plays in the background. Every detail carries meaning.
The community around the temple has thinned over time. “There were roughly 200 to 250 Chinese residents in the area almost a decade ago. Today, two or three nuclear families remain,” Marilyn shares with us.
(From left to right) Marina Tan, Wing Tung Tan, Marilyn Tan
Yet, the spirit of the festival endures. “Devotees pray for courage, financial stability and health, aligning personal hopes with the horse’s energetic symbolism.” At home, celebration takes on a more intimate rhythm.
Taste fest
>> Indulge in dishes including Steamed Leek and Corn Rolls in Sweet Black Pepper Sauce, Steamed Shrimp Carrot Dumplings (left) and Crispy Golden Chicken Rolls.
At Yauatcha, Raheja Tower, Bandra Kurla Complex.
Call 9222222800
>> Savour a menu where you can pick from Seafood Fortune golden money bags (below), Chilean Sea Bass in Calamansi Soy, and Wok-Fried Prawns.
At Hakkasan, Waterfield Road, Bandra West.
Call 8355877777
>> Binge on Exotic Mushroom and Truffle Fried Rice, Sushi and Sashimi finished with Edible Gold, and delicately folded dim sums.
At Baglami, Ins Tower, Bandra Kurla Complex.
Call 9833250644
>> Rooted in Cantonese and Szechuan cuisine, choose from classics like Honey Glazed Spare Ribs, Salt & Pepper Prawns, and Whole Crispy Sesame Spinach Seafood with Lobster and Crab Claws.
At Ling’s Pavilion, near Regal Cinema, Colaba.
Call 22850023
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