BALIK PULAU: More than RM20,000 worth of offerings disappeared in a free-for-all spree lasting about four minutes as hundreds took part in the annual “Qiang Gu” (taking of offerings) ceremony on the last day of the Chinese Hungry Ghost Festival.
The crowd began gathering outside Thean Hor Temple in Kuala Sungai Pinang, a small Chinese fishing village, before the temple committee spread a 10m-long white canvas on the ground and laid out fruits, snacks, drinks and dry food.
When the “Qiang Gu” began, the crowd, armed with plastic and recycle bags and cardboard boxes, surged forward and cleared the offerings within minutes.
Among those taking part was social media influencer Janice Lim, who managed to bring home a whole box of offerings.
Lim, better known as “He Ma Mei” (Hippo Girl), 37, said an elderly man had taught her to simply sit down and let family members collect the offerings for her instead of rushing with the crowd.
She said the tradition was worth preserving as it helped pass on Chinese culture and strengthen ties among residents.
First-time participants Norman Yeoh Liew Choon, 63, Choo Thian Soo, 58, and Lim Khoon, 55, said such traditional events were becoming less common, making the ceremony in Kuala Sungai Pinang particularly meaningful.
“It is exciting to take part, but we also feel the harmony among residents who join in regardless of their background,” they said.
Temple committee member Khoo Tean Leng, 68, said the ceremony, held on the 29th day of the seventh lunar month to mark the end of the Hungry Ghost Festival, had been held for about 50 years.
He said committee members and residents contributed more than RM20,000 towards this year’s offerings.
“Some offerings, including the roast pig, are shared among the public while the rest are prepared for the public to ‘grab’,” he said.
Khoo said the ceremony typically drew larger crowds when held on weekends, adding that it was open to people of all races and religions.
“Everyone can take part and bring the blessings and good fortune home,” he said.
Khoo said Kuala Sungai Pinang was believed to be the only place on Penang Island that still held the “Shi Gu” (charity to lonely souls) and “Qiang Gu” ceremonies.
The “Qiang Gu” tradition is linked to an ancient practice of distributing food and clothing to wandering souls and is associated with the Teochew community.
Many Kuala Sungai Pinang residents trace their roots to Chaozhou areas such as Chaoyang in Guangdong province, China, helping the tradition take root in the area.
