Devotees and visitors thronging the Chau Yuan Gong Temple in Chew Jetty which has a grand altar of offerings during the Pai Thee Kong or Jade Emperor’s Birthday. — LIM BENG TATT, ZHAFARAN NASIB and BERNARD SEE/The Star
PENANG has been buzzing with energy over the last two weeks, thanks to a vibrant mix of Chinese New Year celebrations and the Thaipusam festival.
Foreign visitors who observed these cultural events were amazed by how deeply traditions and heritage were woven into the fabric of the celebrations.
The carefully preserved customs have given tourists an appreciation of the state’s rich cultural history.
Sharon Xing Ping from Jiangsu Province, China, spent hours exploring the vibrant streets of George Town during the Miaohui (Penang Chinese New Year) event.
She admired how the state had seamlessly integrated cultural traditions into urban life.
Xing (left) with Rao Ying Zi from China, holding Chinese opera masks that they painted at the Penang Miaohui event.
“In my previous job in Shanghai, we did not have celebrations that were so culturally immersive within the city.
“Various religious and cultural celebrations take place throughout the year here, which is truly remarkable,” she said.
Xing was impressed by the extent to which Chinese traditions were upheld and celebrated despite Penang’s diverse cultural landscape.
“As a Mandarin teacher, I have a deep passion for history, art and culture and I want to pass down the knowledge to my students and children.
“The dedication shown by Penang in preserving its heritage is truly commendable.
“It is something that must be appreciated and continued for future generations,” she added.
Ai trying her hand at Chinese calligraphy during a writing session.
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) student Ella Ai from Zhejiang, China, took part in a calligraphy writing session.
She was struck by how familiar yet unique the experience was in Penang.
“Back in China, such cultural events are usually held in rural areas, where traditions are deeply rooted.
“I am pleasantly surprised that the Chinese community in Penang has managed to pre- serve so much of their ancestral heritage while also making it accessible to people of different backgrounds.
“The participation of the multicultural community adds vibrancy and a sense of inclusiveness to the Chinese New Year celebrations here,” she said.
Themed “Penang Lang, Let’s Celebrate!”, this year’s Miaohui, which drew some 200,000 people, featured over 20 cultural exhibitions presented by local clan associations, 120 interactive cultural stalls and 80 traditional food stalls in George Town.
Chingay performers entertaining the crowd with their skills during the Penang Chinese Town Hall Lunar New Year Open House.
Engineering director Michael Nienhaus, who attended the Penang Chinese Town Hall Open House with his wife and daughter, said he was impressed with the traditional Chingay performance.
“This was an extraordinary first for me as the Chingay’s intricate pole balancing left me mesmerised.
“The performers’ precision, balancing towering poles adorned with vibrant decorations, was unlike anything I have seen.
“To stumble upon this during our visit on the second day of Chinese New Year was lucky,” he said.
Nienhaus added that the event was like a window into the soul of a community.
“It’s a privilege to witness centuries-old customs preserved with such passion,” he said.
His wife Anke, on her first journey to Asia, described the performance as “a sensory masterpiece.”
“The rhythm of the drums, kaleidoscope of costumes and energy of the crowd – it was awesome and breathtaking.”
Lion dancers performing on stilts at Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow’s Chinese New Year open house at Setia SPICE Convention Centre.
The couple were here on a 15-day cruise, together with their daughter Jordi, who said this voyage was about discovering diverse cultures and Penang had set the bar very high.
“It’s a promising start to encounter such richness on just our second day.
“We’re eager to see how the rest of our journey to Thailand and Vietnam unfolds,” she added.
The Nienhaus family’s reflections underscore the significance of cultural events like the open house, which offer a glimpse into Penang’s multicultural tapestry.
Retired seaman Karl-Heinz Peter and his wife Marion Peter said they were in Penang to immerse themselves in the local culture during Chinese New Year.
The couple from Germany said they planned their trip around the festive period to experience the celebrations up close.
Having visited Penang before, they were keen to explore the unique cultural offerings during this special time.
“The lion dance performances, especially those on stilts, are captivating.
“The way they balance themselves and the intricacies of the performance is truly wonderful,” said Karl-Heinz.
He said Penang’s cultural offerings during Chinese New Year were particularly impressive.
“There are so many happening across the state and we’ve been soaking up as much of it as we can,” he added.
The couple were also introduced to local traditions, such as receiving oranges and trying yee sang, a traditional Chinese New Year dish.
“We did not anticipate such a grand celebration, with various locations across Penang welcoming the public to participate in the festivities,” he said.
Indian couple, A. Arnav and A. Aishwarya, found themselves in the midst of the Jade Emperor’s Birthday celebration at the clan jetties in Weld Quay.
Arnav (right) and Aishwarya at an altar during the Jade Emperor’s Birthday celebration at Chew Jetty.
Arnav was particularly struck by the similarities between the celebration here and religious practices in his homeland.
“I’ve visited various parts of China multiple times, but I’ve never seen such a massive gathering of the Chinese community and other ethnic groups for a cultural festival.
“It reminds me of our religious traditions in India, where we use incense sticks, offer prayers to deities and enjoy traditional music performances.
“However, this festival is on an entirely different scale with so many elements happening at once,” said Arnav, who also took part in some of the rituals with his wife.
He admired the long altar filled with elaborate offerings, reflecting the history of the clan jetties, which were once home to fishermen.
Nienhaus (centre) with Anke (left) and Jordi at the Penang Chinese Town Hall Open House in Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling.
“I’m truly impressed by the people’s dedication to cherish and uphold traditions,” he added.
Engineer Jostinah Lam from Tawau, Sabah, was captivated by the town’s festive atmosphere.
“We have our own cultural and religious celebrations, but Penang’s festivities stand out because of the sheer variety of cultural elements happening simultaneously.”
She noted that while devotees present lavish offerings at the long altar and pray at the temple, the streets are alive with non-stop performances, like lion and dragon dances coupled with the setting off of firecrackers and fireworks, as well as cultural dance and music shows.
“All these elements blend harmoniously together.”
The annual Jade Emperor’s Birthday celebration, known as Pai Thnee Kong among the locals, is of great significance to the Hokkien community.
It is considered even more important than the first day of Chinese New Year.
In a heartwarming display of unity, a group of Muslims set up a stall in front of a temple at the iconic Chew Jetty, offering popiah for free.
The gesture was a testament to the spirit of togetherness that transcends cultural and religious boundaries.
Thaipusam festival
Today, both the golden and silver chariots will return to their respective temples, marking the culmination of a spiritual journey.
The golden chariot, which will depart from the Sri Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple at Jalan Kebun Bunga, is expected to reach the Maha Mariamman Temple in Lebuh Queen tomorrow.
The golden chariot carrying the “Vel” or divine spear used by Lord Muruga made its debut in 2017.
The golden chariot passing by Chulia Street Ghaut during the Thaipusam procession yesterday.
As for the silver chariot, it will leave the Nattukottai Chettiar Temple, also along Jalan Kebun Bunga, and arrive at the Nagarathar Kovil Veedu Temple in Lebuh Penang tomorrow.
The silver chariot was built in Karakudi, Tamil Nadu, India, and shipped to Penang in 1894 bearing the statue of Lord Muruga.
It was reported that more devotees came for the celebration this year.
Penang Hindu Endowment Board chairman RSN Rayer had said this was because Thaipusam coincided with the school holidays.
Devotees Oh Chin Eng (right) and his girlfriend Eunice Tan carrying ‘paal kodam’ (milk offerings) along Jalan Kebun Bunga during the Thaipusam festival.
For the second year, the golden chariot tracker website (https://pantau.digitalpenang.my) was used, and this time, the site had been enhanced to include notable landmarks, allowing devotees to pinpoint the chariot’s exact location.
This year, additional facilities were available within the Sri Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple, such as first-aid camps, an annathanam (giving food to the needy) shed, sanitary and fertility awareness booths, citizenship application services by the National Unity Ministry, services by Human Resources Ministry, blood donation drive by USM, resting areas for devotees as well as a lost and found counter.
Double celebration
Penang’s Chap Goh Meh celebration on Feb 14 will be a unique blend of traditions, as it coincides with Valentine’s Day this year.
Originally planned for today, the event was postponed to avoid overlapping with the Thaipusam festival.
This offers an exciting fusion of eastern and western celebrations, said Penang tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai.
He said the theme for this year’s event is “Reminiscing Love”.
“For single ladies, the traditional orange tossing ritual offers the chance to ‘find Mr. Right’, while the public can come together to celebrate both Chap Goh Meh and Valentine’s Day with loved ones,” Wong said.
The celebration, scheduled to be held at the Esplanade from 5pm to midnight, promises a vibrant line-up of activities, including lion dances and lively dondang sayang performances.
The festivities will culminate in a dazzling fireworks display, providing a spectacular end to the night’s celebrations.
