Its been almost a week now since the start of Chinese New Year. I happen to live in one of the most vibrant state of Malaysia called Penang. Though it is a small town (Parit Buntar) but one of the most iconic attractions is the Taoist Temple that was originally built in 1884 and later completely reconstructed back in 2017. This magnificent temple is surely a landmark sight in the neighborhood and is famous for its Chinese New Year fireworks (which normally lasts for at least an hour).
Equipped with my Pixel 3, this year I managed to capture some very amazing and detailed shots that highlights the spirit and energy of the crowd at CNY night.
There is always a drum performance from this group and its mesmerizing, the sound, the notes and the formation really puts up a show. I must mention here that these members practice the entire year to perform during CNY celebrations.
Though I do not know much about Chinese culture and traditions but one thing is certain, the faith binds us all together. During the CNY night, you can find devotees offering their prayers and the whole atmosphere is lit with spirituality and celebrations.
Here are few more pictures that are shared on Google Album (all un-edited and straight out of Google Pixel 3 phone.)
I would also like to tag @MariaNgo to shed some light on some of the traditions and norms of CNY celebrations. Also, don’t forget to check #CNYInMyCity worldwide challenge post by her.
Wow @OmerAli , thanks for sharing wonderful post, I love all of the pictures and collage and it is rewinding many things in my mind about my last year’s Penang trip. Did you visit Kek Lok Si Temple in this CNY again?
@OmerAli Thanks for sharing these festivities with us. Such a delightful display of photos. You’re a whiz with the camera/phone. I’ve never experienced an hour long fireworks. That would be so intense!! Did you need ear plugs?
Incidentally your post is also now linked/included in the original #CNYInMyCity challenge.
my ears survived but I found it hard to breathe though. But its worth it, I am putting up the fireworks video together and will update the post once its up on YouTube
unfortunately I couldn’t go to Kek Lok Si, but I will in next few days. I have heard that they put up 10,000 LED lights and the Temple shines bright, even you can see it from Penang bridge, from miles away.
I enjoy these celebrations, though I couldn’t get a chance to eat much but yes, I had some mandarin oranges and a dessert ( more like a red bean pastry ) .
CNY extended over the weekend here, so for almost 4 days businesses were close, a New Year bonus for all .
are there any norms or rules as in how many candles/sticks you light up at CNY?
Also, I saw many of them putting huge wooden blocks on fire, what’s the value and reason behind this practice?
The good thing about living in Malaysia is that you get to see different religion, cultures and races united under one flag. For us foreigners, that means an opportunities for various events and celebrations round the year.
I personally try to attend all of them, by keeping my distance and respecting the privacy during rituals and sermons but also at the same time to be in the crowd to experience the energy.
Unfortunately, due to my dietary restrictions I cannot take all that glorious food, but the energy and vibes from the cultural festivities really push me further
@OmerAli , all the photos that you captured are stunningly beautiful. The colors are so vivid that you can actually feel the festive atmosphere! This is quite a good phone that you have!
Are you living in Parit Buntar or is it somewhere you specifically went to observe the celebrations? You mentioned that the during the Chinese New Year the fireworks would last for a whole hour. The scenery must be breathtaking…
P.S.: I was couldn’t stop looking at your photos and especially the collage that you made. The top right photo looks so interesting. You simply caught the moment!
I actually live in Parit Buntar and this temple is just about 5 minutes drive from home. Yes, they really put up the fireworks show for an hour and this year I managed to see the entire show.
Thank you for liking the photos, some of them turned out really well. Very happy that I have a pixel phone, thanks to Google
The celebrations over here lasted for 3 nights, where the new year had fireworks and performances, whereas the following nights focused more on prayers.
There is another temple called Kek Lok Si, which is Infact the largest buddhist temple in Penang, that lights up for almost a month. I am going to write soon about the CNY experience there , as they light up the temple with 10,000 LED lights and being on top of hill, it is visible from miles away.
@OmerAli , the Kek Lok Si temple looks very beautiful. The night view of the temple with so many lights for sure is something that shouldn’t be missed! I am looking forward to seeing your post.
and it is rewinding many things in my mind about my last year’s Penang trip. Did you visit Kek Lok Si Temple in this CNY again?
