Praying for exam success: Lim (right) and daughter Isabel presenting offerings in the form of mooncakes, fruits and dates to deities at Tian Gong Tan Temple in Butterworth. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star
BUTTERWORTH: The rare 62-year alignment of the Mid-Autumn Festival, the Heavenly Pardon Day and the birthday of the deity of love, Yue Lao, saw massive crowds flock to the Tian Gong Temple here yesterday.
The rare convergence happens only once in the Year of the Snake.
Devotees sought forgiveness, offered thanks and prayed for peace, prosperity and love.
Among them was 17-year-old Isabel Chia, an IGCSE student from Han Chiang High School, who came with her mother to pray for success in her exams.
“I prayed for clarity and peace of mind. It’s a stressful time, but I believe Tian Gong will bless those who work hard,” she said.
Her mother, Jesslyn Lim, 38, said she did not want to miss the rare occasion.
“The day is auspicious. Bringing my daughter to pray for her exams feels meaningful and reminds her that faith and effort go together,” said Lim, who runs a small business in Butterworth.
Human resource executive Tjing Yie, 32, said it was her first visit to the temple after hearing about the special alignment.
“I came to ask forgiveness for my sins and to wish for good health and a good year ahead,” she said.
Business executive Aiden Lim, 53, said he had not visited the temple in years but felt compelled to return for the once-in-a-lifetime gathering.
“I prayed for forgiveness, good health, and a safe, harmonious world,” he said.
Insurance agent Stafirny Teoh, 42, came with several colleagues after work.
“It’s a rare occasion, so we decided to experience it together,” she said, adding that she prayed for forgiveness and peace of mind.
Temple secretary Loh Sin Ten said the triple celebration made this year’s Mid-Autumn Festival all the more extraordinary.
“In celebrating Yue Lao’s birthday, we even saw K-pop fans praying with photos and concert details of their idols – hoping for tickets.
“Praying for a promotion is referred to as an ‘official tie’, praying for family harmony is called a ‘harmony tie’, seeking assistance from benefactors is known as a ‘kindness tie’, and even praying for concert tickets can be considered a form of ‘goodwill tie’,” he said.
“The essence is always the same: people seeking fulfilment through destiny.”
Tian Gong Temple vice-chairman Datuk Wei Khien Hua said traditional practices were finding new vitality in modern times.
“With social media, more young people are taking part in prayers of repentance. They’re not just seeking romance but also peace of mind. Faith is not superstition; it’s a source of spiritual strength,” he said.
