Various text arts scattered around George Town, where words transform into a fusion of typography and visual expression that transcends the boundaries of language.
These art works are created by local artist Trina Teoh; https://www.instagram.com/trinateoh. Her other works in Penang can be found HERE.
Hari Raya Aidilfitri, also known as Eid al-Fitr, is one of the most celebrated Muslim festivals in Malaysia, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan. It is a time for family, feasting, and forgiveness. In Penang, shopping malls play a significant role in bringing people together during the festive season. These malls go above and beyond to transform their premises into a spectacle of light and color to welcome visitors from all walks of life.
One of the most famous shopping malls in Penang is Queensbay Mall, which never fails to impress visitors with its stunning decor. This year’s Hari Raya theme appears to infuse grand and elaborate decorations, which feature a stunning golden color scheme.
Other malls'(Gurney Plaza and Sunway Carnival) decorations can be seen below too:
Decor from previous year: https://travel2penang.org/2022/04/27/hari-raya-decorations-in-penang-shopping-malls/
A large art mural painted on the side wall of a building along Chulia Street in George Town. The mural depicts a scene of Hindu tradition, which is a celebration of Thaipusam. It is also located not far from Penang’s Little India area.
The Sri Mahamariamman Temple on the Thaipusam evening. The Sri Mahamariamman Temple is one of the oldest Hindu temples in George Town and is located in Penang’s Little India along Queen Street.
During the Thaipusam festival, the breaking of the coconuts is a ritual practiced by Hindus as an act of cleansing and also to symbolize the renounce of one’s ego at the feet of the presiding deity Lord Muruga (usually carried on a chariot). The most notable or intriguing scene from this festival is the kavadi-bearers, devotees who usually had their bodies pierced while undergoing a pilgrimage during the festival.
The celebration for the birthday of the Jade Emperor falls on the 9th lunar day of Chinese New Year and is celebrated mainly by the Chinese Hokkien community in Penang, which is also commonly referred to as the “Hokkien New Year”.
Two popular areas in Penang where this day is celebrated are the Jade Emperor Pavilion temple at Ayer Itam and the Clan Jetties area (such as the pictures below) at Weld Quay, George Town.
The old Kuan Yin Temple lighted up at night with lanterns during Chinese New Year. Located at Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling, it is one of the oldest Chinese temples in Penang.
Preparations underway for Miao Hui, a Chinese New Year Celebration that will be held in George Town on 28th January 2023 from 4pm to 11pm at the heritage area from the Esplanade to the Khoo Kongsi. The celebration includes various cultural performances, food and most of the Penang Chinese clan houses will be open for public visit. It was found that the first Miao Hui event was also held in 1999, which was also the Year of Rabbit.
Completed in 1931, the Penang Buddhist Association is located along Anson Road in George Town. The old Straits Eclectic style building is a popular place for Buddhists in Penang to participate in various religious and communal activities.
Apart from Wesak Day, many people also usually visit it on the first day of Chinese New Year for new year prayers.
Decorations including lanterns and a statue of the Rabbit welcoming the Year of the Rabbit and Chinese New Year festivities at Armenian Street Park and its surrounding areas. This decorations are also to signify the beginning of Miao Hui (Penang Chinese New Year Celebration), which will last till 28 January 2023. Various streets within the heritage area of George Town will be decorated with lanterns too and there will be events along the one week period.
