Appeasing the spirits of furry and scaly loved ones

Gone but never forgotten: A monk conducting the ‘Pets Soul Liberation Ceremony’ at the Kuan Im See Temple at Burmah Road last year. Koay says since he started the service in 2019, the number of pet owners taking part in the ritual has increased annually.

GEORGE TOWN: Even pets are not being forgotten this Hungry Ghost Festival, with many paying homage to their deceased snakes, hamsters, guinea pigs, tortoises, monkeys and parrots.

It is a growing trend now to see people praying and making offerings to the souls of their former pets.