IPOH: From coal-walking to carrying a deity’s heavy palanquin, Dutchman Hendrik Christiaan Puper-Lai has embraced the Nine Emperor Gods Festival as a surreal spiritual journey far from home.
The 48-year-old company executive from Almelo, Netherlands, said the experience of taking part in the nine-day festival since day one was an eye-opener for him.
But he said he did not feel out of place, having also taken part in a coal-walking ritual at the Tow Boh Keong Temple on Sunday.
“On a spiritual level, it was a surreal experience. The palanquin that we carried to the river (to invite the deity) was so heavy at first,” he said.
“When we returned to the temple, it did not feel heavy anymore.
“Everybody told me that it would happen, but I didn’t believe it at first,” he said.
“It wasn’t just the palanquin’s weight.
“I also felt lighter and at peace, with all my worries and stress gone.
“It was like a totally zen moment and cleansing experience. I feel great and energised,” he added.
The annual festival, which honours the Nine Emperor Gods and Dou Mu, the Dipper Mother, features nine days of prayers, rituals and processions.
Devotees must observe a strict vegetarian diet, absolute abstinence and be free of impure thoughts as an act of spiritual cleansing and devotion.
On the coal-walking ritual, Puper-Lai, who is married to Alicia Puper-Lai Geck Peng, said it was another unforgettable experience.
“I didn’t feel anything. I just kept going,” he said, adding that he would do it again next year.
Puper-Lai said his brother-in-law Lai Soon Siew had invited him to be part of the festival.
“I’ve always been interested in Chinese festivals, culture and customs, so it was a beautiful experience to feel welcomed and embraced by the devotees,” he said.
Soon Siew, 44, an actor, said Puper-Lai was keen to be fully involved in the celebrations.
“He was very determined to take part in all the activities.
“We guided him step by step on the things he needed to do before taking part,” he said.
