The Nine Emperor Gods’ Temple

This old The Nine Emperor Gods Temple (a townhouse painted in yellow) is located at Cheong Fatt Tze Street, George Town.

Primarily observed by the local Chinese, the Nine Emperor Gods Festival is a 9-days Taoist celebration beginning on the eve of 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar. This year’s celebration will be ending on the 17th October. During a 9-days period, devotees will be observing a strict vegetarian diet.

“The festival is dedicated to the nine sons of Dou Mu, the Goddess of the North Star, who is believed to control the Books of Life and Death. Devotees believe the deities arrive through the waterway and processions are usually held from temples to the river or seashore as a symbolic gesture.”

George Town Street View: Noon at Carnarvon Street

A Hop-On Hop-Off bus passing by Carnarvon Street‘s row of old heritage pre-war shophouses in George Town during an afternoon.

The Nine Emperor Gods Photo Exhibition

Sometime back in early July this year, there was a special photo exhibition along Cheong Fatt Tze Street which was featured as part of the events of Georgetown Festival 2013. This unique exhibition by freelance photographer Cheryl J Hoffmann touches on the Nine Emperor Gods festival which was widely celebrated by the locals. Below are some of her beautiful shots on display;

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Do visit the photographer’s page; http://cheryljhoffmann.com/ for more amazing photos.

George Town Street View: Cheong Fatt Tze Street

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Originally named Hong Kong Street due to its early settlers from Hong Kong, this street was later renamed after Cheong Fatt Tze, an influential Chinese figure in Penang.