Hungry Ghost Festival begins in Penang, offerings laid out for spirits

Madam Choi, in her 60's burning “hell notes” at the parking area of her flat in Noordin Street Ghaut, in George Town, Penang.

GEORGE TOWN: Food in the form of rice, noodles, biscuits and even local kuih were seen laid on the ground in open spaces as thousands of Chinese households held prayers at the start of the Hungry Ghost Festival, also known as Phor Tor.

The first day of the festival on Sunday (Aug 4) saw people come out as families or individuals to offer their prayers to the spirits.