Devotees light joss sticks to pray for a good year ahead at Penang’s Goddess of Mercy Temple.
Lunar New Year is finally here with the Chinese community welcoming the Year of the Dragon.
During this time, Chinese temples around the country come to life in a kaleidoscope of colours and sounds.
The smell of joss sticks and incense burning greets devotees as they enter the temples.
Themed decorations abound including red lanterns, and some temples hold lion dance and acrobatic dragon dance performances.
Whether they return to their hometowns or stay put in cities, many celebrants head to temples to offer their prayers and seek blessings for a prosperous year, before going on to visit families and friends.
Ancestor worship is also common during this time, an activity often observed without fail among families.
Temples or shrines to the Goddess of Mercy are often popular with devotees during this celebration, where they offer light or oil to the deity for better luck in the year ahead.
More photos
A visit to the temple is a must for many in the Chinese community, especially on the first day of the Lunar New Year. — Photos: RAJA FAISAL HISHAN and ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star
Two devotees praying at Guan Yin Temple in Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur on the morning of Chinese New Year.
A devotee seeks blessing at the Guan Yin Temple in Jalan Ampang.
A visit to the temple is a must for many in the Chinese community, especially on the first day of the Lunar New Year. — Photos: RAJA FAISAL HISHAN and ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star
Giant dragon joss sticks burning are a common sight at Chinese temples during Lunar New Year celebrations.
Devotees offer prayers to the Goddess of Mercy for good luck and prosperity at her shrine in Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling, George Town, Penang.
