Temple holds seven-day event for Hungry Ghost Festival

DEVOTEES of Ming Yue temple in Seri Kembangan, Selangor, marked the start of the Hungry Ghost Month with a ceremony invocating the gods and deities for seven days.

Led by several mediums, devotees burned talismans and dotted the eyes of the figurines during the ceremony.

The temple’s Hungry Ghost Festival organising committee chairman Yong Chang Theng said this practice has been carried out annually for the past six years.

“It showcases the cultural significance of the festival.

“Aside from praying to their ancestors, visitors also seek protection, blessings and good luck during this period.

“We hope to keep the tradition alive so that younger generations will continue to appreciate and understand the significance and meaning behind such practices.”

The Hungry Ghost Festival, also known as “Zhong Yuan Jie” in Mandarin, is a traditional Buddhist and Taoist event that takes place in the seventh month of the lunar calendar.

A medium praying to the gods of the afterlife.

It is based on the belief that the gates of the afterlife are opened, allowing restless spirits, including those of deceased ancestors and “hungry ghosts” to visit the living realm.

To appease and honour these spirits, various rituals including setting up altars with food, incense and other offerings for the spirits are conducted by families and communities.

It is also a time where people pay their respects for their ancestors and deceased loved ones while also seeking protection from potential negative influences associated with wandering spirits.

“This year, we are organising a seven-day event for the Hungry Ghost Festival which will feature puppetry performances.

“Another highlight is the chance to sleep briefly in a coffin, which is believed to help ward off bad luck.”

The event is also in conjunction with the anniversary celebration of the temple gods.

“This year’s theme is Purple Nine Dragons, in anticipation of next year, which will be the year of the dragon.

“There are three dragons on display. One is made of pineapples while the others are made of hay.

“Devotees can put joss sticks on the hay dragon from its head to its tail for good fortune all year long.

“After the event, they can bring back pineapples from the ‘dragon’ for an abundance of wealth.”

Pineapples, which have the auspicious-sounding name ong lai in the Hokkien dialect, are often used to convey well wishes. Yong placing a joss stick on the hay ball

in front of

the dragon

made of

pineapples at Ming Yue Temple, Seri Kembangan.

— Photos:

LOW LAY PHON/The Star