SUNGAI SIPUT: About 100 people gathered at the Kg Baru Rimba Panjang basketball court this morning to celebrate Duan Wu Jie, also known as the Dragon Boat Festival.
The event, attended by village residents, was officiated by Perak Tourism Committee Chairman Loh Sze Yee.
Loh emphasized the importance of educating younger generations about the origins of traditional festivals like the Dumpling Festival to preserve cultural heritage.
"Young people need to be curious about their traditions. They should ask questions like why we eat dumplings or the story behind the dragon boat. There is a reason behind every element, a deeper meaning that often gets forgotten," he said to reporters today (May 24).
He added that understanding the historical and cultural significance behind such practices is key to keeping them alive.
"It’s not just about the food or the celebration; it's about the message and the story behind it. It’s important to have knowledge in preserving our traditions," he added.
In Malaysia, a key highlight of Duan Wu Jie, celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, is enjoying dumplings with family and friends.
The festival commemorates the poet Qu Yuan, who drowned himself about 1,000 years ago to protest corrupt practices in China. After his death, people threw zongzi in a gesture to stop fish from feeding on his remains.
