As one of the streets that pass along the Little India zone in George Town, Market Street (or Lebuh Pasar) is named after a market that once stood in this area which is populated by the South Indian community. There are many Indian shops and restaurants located along this street and it is especially crowded during festive and holiday seasons.
The 8.3 meters tall effigy of the King of Hades (or Tai Su Yeah) where devotees offered prayers to, during the 7th lunar month of the Chinese calendar in conjunction with The Hungry Ghost month.
This giant effigy was placed under a shelter beside a temple at Market Street of Bukit Mertajam old town, for 15 days until the annual Bukit Mertajam Phor Thor (Hungry Ghost Festival) celebration. The effigy will then be moved out to the street and burned on the festival day.
According to the Taoist belief, when the gates of hell open in the 7th lunar month, spirits would be freed to the living world while being watched by Tai Su Yeah. The Hungry Ghost Festival this year started from August 14 until September 12.
Street View of Market Street (Jalan Pasar) in Bukit Mertajam Town.
Street View of Danby Street (Jalan Danby) in Bukit Mertajam Town.
The Bukit Mertajam market is just located nearby these two streets.