Kek Lok Si Temple lights up for Chinese New Year

GEORGE TOWN: Kek Lok Si Temple, the largest Buddhist temple in the country, has once again brightened up with colourful lights and lanterns ahead of Chinese New Year.

The temple in Ayer Itam will be lit up at night starting Feb 9, the eve of the festival, until March 7.

Thousands of lights have been installed throughout its complex structure from roofs, stringing across buildings.

This year, the decorations include several lanterns in the form of dragons to celebrate the Year of the Dragon on the Chinese zodiac.

The lighting up ceremony was officiated by Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow at 7.30pm on Sunday (Feb 4).

Also present were the temple's former committee chairman Datuk Seri Seck Jit Heng as well as various state leaders.

After a series of prayers, the ceremony then culminated with a 10-minute fireworks display.