Gates of Hell are thrown open

Fearsome effigy: Seck Chuan Lane Phor Thor volunteer Lim Kok Cheong putting the final touches to the Tai Su Yeah altar for the Hungry Ghost Festival starting today.

GEORGE TOWN: It’s that time of the year again when the public can watch free Chinese opera, puppet shows and kotai or stage singing performances in various parts of Penang.

The shows are a common feature during the seventh lunar month when Chinese Taoists believe spirits of the underworld are freed to roam the earth for a month.