A dragon dance troupe taking part in the procession during the Pesta Tanglung Carnival 2024 in Bukit Mertajam. — Photos: Buletin Mutiara
THE town of Bukit Mertajam, Penang, was transformed into a spirited celebration hub, with locals of all ages taking part in the Tanglung Pesta Carnival 2024.
They paraded through the main streets with colourful lanterns, turning the town into a lively, illuminated spectacle.
The procession, spanning about 4km, began and ended at the Jit Sin Independent High School.
Thanks to the efforts of the police and security volunteers, traffic was smoothly controlled, ensuring the success of the event.
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Leading the procession was a group of Scouts from the school, who proudly carried Jalur Gemilang and the state flags as part of the country’s recent National Day celebration on Aug 31 and in anticipation of the upcoming Malaysia Day on Sept 16.
State publisher Buletin Mutiara reported that Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow also joined in the festivities, carrying a lantern alongside the participants.
Other notable attendees included Padang Lalang assemblyman and youth, sports and health committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen, Machang Bubuk assemblyman Lee Khai Loon, Berapit assemblyman Heng Lee Lee and Hock Teik Cheng Sim Temple chairman Datuk Heng Teik Keong.
Also present were Seberang Perai City councillors Rachel Teh, Bernard Cheen, Ong Jing Cheng and Ng Wei Liang; and the event’s organising chairman Law Bi Yuan.
(From fourth left) Chow, Law and Teik Keong taking part in the lantern procession with guests and organising committee members.
Chow commended Law and her organising team for their dedication to preserving and promoting the tradition, which has been held for 19 years, with a two-year break during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“This carnival has become one of Bukit Mertajam’s signature events, bringing together residents and attracting visitors from other areas to experience the Mid-Autumn atmosphere and the unique charm of Bukit Mertajam.
“I hope the organisers will continue this tradition, as I believe this is something everyone looks forward to.
“Whether it’s the Mid-Autumn Festival, National Day, Malaysia Day or other festivals, they all promote the spirit of unity and harmony.
“It is heartening to see that in recent years, Malaysian festivals have transcended racial lines, with people of all communities coming together to celebrate and demonstrate the true Malaysian spirit,” said Chow.
Attendees were also treated to a variety of performances, including modern dances, traditional Chinese drum performances and a sand art demonstration.
The Tanglung Pesta Carnival 204 was organised by the Five Dialects Association Seberang Perai, with the support of the Hock Teik Cheng Sim Temple.
Law, who is also the Youth leader of the Seberang Perai Hainan Association, said the Hainanese community took the lead in organising the event this year as part of the association’s rotational tradition, with Teochew, Hokkien, Cantonese and Hakka communities to follow in subsequent years.
She thanked the state government for supporting the event and keeping the Chinese culture alive, ensuring that more children and young people continue with the tradition.
