Dragon dance bringing an exuberant vibe to Kuala Lumpur.
The oldest Taoist temple in Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown organised a grand prayer session after a 76-year hiatus, to commemorate its 160th anniversary.
Known as the Qi An Da Jiao Grand Prayer Session, this Taoist ritual is performed to invoke blessings, avert misfortune and honour both the living and deceased.
The session included a procession along the streets of Chinatown, which attracted a crowd of tourists too.
Sin Sze Si Ya Temple board of trustee scholarship communication chairman See Kam Fook said the event saw more than 1,000 people taking part, including temple management and associations, Chinese schools and devotees.
Devotees carrying deities sedan chairs through the streets of Chinatown in the procession.
“We would like to thank Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), the police, Kuala Lumpur Hawkers and Petty Traders Association in Petaling Street as well as participating schools for extending their cooperation to make this a success.
“We hope such an event can promote faith and preserve the culture of the temple,” he said at a press conference.
The procession used to be held every seven years to confer blessings on devotees, with shops in the area closed for the day.
However, in 1963, the temple was ordered to cease holding the processions, with celebrations held only on temple grounds instead.
Its return was a vibrant display of culture.
Dragon and lion dancers performed merrily, with the Merdeka 118 tower seen in the background.
The music from the marching band and Chinese drums of the lion dance created a medley of rhythmic beats that filled the air.
Hew (seated) with (standing centre behind Hew) Ang (left) and Leow holding up the Li Dou, a ceremonial item. With them are other temple and traders association representatives. — Photos: LOW BOON TAT/The Star
Wushu practitioners also showcased martial art moves, while devotees were seen with metal rods skewered through their mouths.
A medium was spotted being carried on a sedan chair in the procession along with two other enclosed chairs reserved for the deities.
This ritual signifies the deity’s inspection of the territory, determining the peacefulness in his area and bringing blessings upon devotees along the way.
The procession went along Jalan Petaling, Jalan Tun HS Lee, Jalan Hang Lekir, Jalan Hang Kasturi and Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock before heading back to the temple.
Present were temple board of trustees president Datuk Hew Wee Ting, secretary Chau Kuet Thai, treasurer Chew Sin Chong, assistant treasurers Tan Sri Datuk Teo Chiang Kok and Sung Siew Thong and other trustees.
Alongside them were traders association chairman Datuk Ang Say Tee and vice-chairman Datuk Tommy Leow.
