Kek Lok Si Temple lights up ahead of CNY

Photos by LIM BENG TATT

GEORGE TOWN: The Kek Lok Si Temple in Ayer Itam is once again brightly lit up with colourful lights to keep up with the Chinese New Year tradition.

The tens of thousands of LED lights and traditional Chinese lanterns now illuminate the 130-year-old monastery all the way up to the 33.6m-tall Kuan Yin statue and pavilion.

However, unlike previous years, the temple is not open to the public amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

The lights were turned on during a ceremony, which was streamed live on online platforms earlier Sunday (Feb 7), ahead of the Chinese New Year on Feb 12.

The hour-long ceremony included a prayer session and culminated with a 10-minute fireworks display.

The LED lights and lanterns will remain lit up until March 11.