Beijing, Feb 5 (IANS) Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday greeted China on its new year, hoping the Year of the Pig will bring happiness to China.

Tuesday marked the beginning of the Lunar New Year, also known as the Chinese New Year of the Spring Festival, a two-week festivity in the country.

"Dear friends, I wish you a happy New Year! I wish the Year of the Pig brings happiness, wealth and health to everyone," Modi said on Sina Weibo, China's Twitter-like platform.

According to the Chinese zodiac calendar, 2019 will be the Year of the Pig, an animal which people in China associate with wealth and fortune.

--IANS gsh/mr