
The Hean Boo Thean Temple, nearby the clan jetties at Weld Quay, George Town.

The Hean Boo Thean Temple, nearby the clan jetties at Weld Quay, George Town.

Kek Lok Si at night during the last few days of its lighting period.

Today marks the 9th day of the Chinese Lunar New Year, which is also a big celebration of the Chinese Hokkien to express their gratitude to the Jade Emperor. It is also known as the Hokkien people’s new year, and in Penang where the majority of Chinese are Hokkiens, it is usually celebrated more widely (and ‘loudly’) than the first day of Chinese Lunar New Year.
It was said that during the Song Dynasty, Chinese Hokkien refugees were saved from being caught and killed by the Mongols on the same day of the Jade Emperor’s birthday after hiding in a sugarcane farm for nine consecutive days.
Hence, as a gratitude and believing that the Jade Emperor had blessed and saved them, the Hokkiens celebrated this occasion by offering prayers (usually including sugarcane too) to the Jade Emperor.

Kek Lok Si Temple, for the first time, will be broadcasting its lighting ceremony virtually today via Facebook for the coming Chinese New Year. This is due to the current Movement Control Order which is put in place across the country till 18 February, in view of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The virtual ceremony will start at 7pm today (GMT+8, 7 February) and those interested, can watch the virtual ceremony here: LINK

Happy Deepavali to those who celebrate it.
This is a shot of the Sri Mahamariamman Temple in George Town, which is one of the oldest Hindu temple here.



Arulmigu Sri Mahamariamman Temple is one of the oldest Hindu temples in George Town and is located in Penang’s Little India along Queen Street. The historical temple was built in 1833 and is also known as Sri Mahamariamman Temple.
On a side note, Thaipusam festival was also held on 8 January this year in Penang.
Like every Chinese or Lunar New Year, the famous Kek Lok Si temple complex will be lighted up during the nights of the festive period in Penang. Throngs of visitors will be going up the hill temple to marvel at the display of the lights.




