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.
Thaipusam Festival: Sri Mahamariamman Temple
Thaipusam Festival
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.
Penang Weld Quay: Scenes from Jade Emperor’s Birthday Celebration
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.
Penang Street View: A Temple of Lanterns
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.
Penang Chinese New Year Celebration (Miao Hui)
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.
Penang Buddhist Association
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.
Armenian Street Park: 2023 Chinese New Year Decorations
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.
Ayer Itam Street View on a CNY Noon
Penang Street Art (“Slide” by Kenji Chai and Ernest Zacharevic)
A recent mural titled Slide, which is a collaborative effort by Kenji Chai and Ernest Zacharevic. This mural can be found right at the junction of Buckingham Street, Campbell Street and Carnarvon Street (not far from the old Campbell Street market).
