Glowing predictions in fiery ritual

Sparks of hope: Poh Hock Seah Temple committee members observing the intensity of the flames during the ceremony. — LIM BENG TATT/The Star

GEORGE TOWN: The night sky here was lit up during a traditional ritual, with devotees gathering for a “flame-watching ceremony” to find out their fortunes for the year ahead and to pray for prosperity.

Fireworks were let off as the annual Chneah Hoay event, which dates back over 200 years, began at 12.01am yesterday when all the lights were switched off and oil lamps and candles were snuffed out at the Hai Choo Soo Temple in Tanjung Tokong here.That was when the economic outlook was “revealed” for the Year of the Dragon.