THE Nine Emperor Gods festival or Kew Ong Yeah came to an end with a grand procession to send the deities to heaven.
After nine days of festivities, thousands of devotees predominantly dressed in white congregated at various temples to pay their respects.
Devotees carrying a sedan chair meant to welcome the Nine Emperor Gods during the procession. — Photos: LIM BENG TATT/The Star
Then the adorned floats and the Emperor Boats belonging to each temple were sent off on their journey.
Tow Moo Keong Temple in Lebuh Noordin drew a bustling crowd of devotees as early as 6pm, eagerly awaiting the float parade.
Devotees admiring a brightly lit float.
Leading the procession were over 20 devotees who had pierced themselves with skewers as a means to ward off malevolent spirits and seek divine blessings.
The procession started around 9pm with the Emperor Boats venturing out to sea near Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah.
Among those partaking in this age-old tradition was businessman Lim Kean Huat, 52, who attended with his wife and four children aged 18 to 28.
“I used to follow my father to the celebration and have been bringing my family along for the past few years.
“We observe a nine-day vegetarian diet in the hope of purifying ourselves,” he said during the procession.
Tourist Jean Williams from Australia, 32, came upon the celebration during her night walk and was captivated.
An Emperor Boat venturing out to the sea near Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah.
“I have never witnessed a celebration like this before, seeing devotees in trances and people with pierced faces roaming among the crowd.
“This is an unforgettable experience,” she said, capturing each moment with her camera through the night.
Meanwhile at Tow Boe Keong Kew Ong Tai Tay Temple in Gat Lebuh Macallum, final prayers continued throughout the evening.
The highlight of the night was the ceremonial departure of its Emperor Boat adorned with flowers and filled with prayer paraphernalia and food.
It was set ablaze and gently pushed out to sea from the Ong Jetty in Weld Quay.
The temple has been holding this traditional ceremony for over 120 years.
A devotee with pierced face in a trance.
Similar celebrations were held at various other temples including Tow Boh Keong Temple in Jalan Hong Kong and Kuan Im See Temple in Jalan Burmah.
The Nine Emperor Gods Festival started on Oct 15, the first day of the ninth lunar month.
The nine-day festival, observed by Taoists, is dedicated to the nine sons of Tou Mu, the Goddess of the North Star who is believed to control the Books of Life and Death.
Her sons, deified as ren huang (human sovereigns), are said to have the ability to cure illnesses and bless devotees with luck, wealth and longevity.
Devotees believe the gods come through the waterway. Thus, processions are usually held going from the temples to the river or seashore as a symbolic gesture.
