A worker is busy setting up a towering paper Ghost King and arranging fruits for offerings during the Hungry Ghost Festival along Jalan Alor, Kuala Lumpur. The annual festival, rooted in Chinese tradition, reflects cultural heritage and community devotion as prayers and rituals honor wandering spirits. (Sept 5 2025) — ART CHEN/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: Visitors to the Hungry Ghost Festival rituals have been advised to practice proper etiquette to avoid offending the spirits.
Jalan Alor Hawker Association secretary Simon Ang warned that they must not pick up food or hell money placed on the streets.
“These are not rubbish, they are offerings for the spirits.
“The same goes for the statues and effigies. Out of respect for those who made the offerings and the spirits receiving them, do not touch,” he said.
Ang, 49, also said the offerings, be it food items, joss papers or bowls and cups used in the rituals, are sacred and could not be reused in other ceremonies.
A worker is busy setting up a towering paper Ghost King and arranging fruits for offerings during the Hungry Ghost Festival along Jalan Alor, Kuala Lumpur. The annual festival, rooted in Chinese tradition, reflects cultural heritage and community devotion as prayers and rituals honor wandering spirits. (Sept 5 2025) — ART CHEN/The Star
The Hungry Ghost Festival, observed on the seventh month of the Lunar Calendar, is one of the major events for Taoist and Buddhist communities.
According to Taoist belief, the gates of hell open during this period, allowing spirits to roam freely on Earth and thus, offerings are made to appease these wandering spirits.
Ang’s association is leading this year’s festival preparations along the iconic food street in Bukit Bintang here.
He said the main celebration would be held tomorrow at 7pm, with effigies and offerings to be burned for the spirits.
“We welcome people to bring their own joss sticks or offerings, but please be mindful when carrying burning joss sticks.
“Do not cross the barrier tapes to prevent any untoward incidents. We don’t want the effigies to catch fire before the final ritual,” he said, adding that a Taoist priest would guide participants through the rituals.
He also advised those wishing to take photographs, particularly during the burning of effigies, to stay at least 3m away.
Ang said that while the ceremonies may appear spooky to some, there was nothing to be afraid of.
“To outsiders, the festival may seem like just a cultural ritual, but its main purpose is to pay respects to departed loved ones.
“There is nothing to fear. Harmony starts with understanding. We welcome everyone to come and learn about this important ceremony, but respect is the key.
“Respect each other and respect the spirits, that’s the heart of the festival,” he added.
The Hungry Ghost Festival is widely celebrated in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea and across South-East Asia, including Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam.
In Malaysia, celebrations often take on a party-like atmosphere, with opera performances, singing and dancing on makeshift stages in neighbourhoods.
