Kek Lok Si Temple lights up in a blaze of colour for CNY

Picture by CHAN BOON KAI/The Star

GEORGE TOWN: To usher in the Year of the Pig, Kek Lok Si Temple in Air Itam, Penang, has been transformed into a "fairyland of lights". 

The temple became an enchanting sight on Thursday (Jan 31) night as thousands of lights illuminated it. 

Tens of thousands of LED, neon lights and traditional Chinese lanterns were switched on simultaneously.

The traditional lanterns lining the temple alternate between yellow and red, making it a spectacular sight complemented by the modern multi-coloured lanterns and neon lights.

Former temple committee chairman  Datuk Seri Venerable Seck Jit Heng said the lighting ceremony had taken place for more than 30 years and they planned to organise a street party here next year. 

Kek Lok Si Temple trustee Datuk Steven Ooi said visitors should make it as a must visit place if they are in Penang for Chinese New Year to experience the beautiful lighting and atmosphere here. 

The 128-year-old monastery will be illuminated all the way up to the 33.6m-tall Kuan Yin statue and pavilion during Chinese New Year from Feb 4 to Feb 19 from 7.30pm to midnight daily, and until 10pm from Feb 20 to March 4. 

Also present at the event were Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng, Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, Bukit Bendera MP Wong Hon Wai, Senator Lim Hui Ying, state Tourism Development, Art, Culture and Heritage Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin, Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng and Ayer Itam assemblyman Joseph Ng.