Light show: A file photo of a Chinese opera performance during Por Thor last year in Bukit Mertajam.
Festival kicks off Aug 4, with politicians taking chance to mingle with constituents
GEORGE TOWN: The gates of hell will open soon for “hungry ghosts” to roam the human world.
While these wandering spirits are not a nuisance, the “thunderous” sounds of Chinese opera, puppet shows, and stage shows known as “kotai” might stir the night and keep the city awake.
For one month from Aug 4, the annual Hungry Ghost Festival – also called Phor Tor in Hokkien – will bring the local community together for prayers and vibrant cultural performances.
As families honour the dead by burning joss sticks and paper money, Phor Tor organisers will go all out to seek real money for the living.
This is through donations to fund the month-long extravaganza of entertainment for both mortals and spirits, alongside charitable endeavours.
Phor Tor is also an important event for politicians and business leaders for different reasons.
While businessmen donate thousands of ringgit every year in the hope of seeing their businesses grow, politicians will take the opportunity to mingle with constituents away from the political arena.
Jelutong MP RSN Rayer said during this time of the year, his diary will usually be filled with invitations to attend the Hungry Ghost Festival as his constituency has the highest number of Phor Tor dinners.
“On average, I give out RM5,000 from my allocation at each dinner.
“We try to avoid political speeches at all times. Instead, we try to emphasise unity and diversity. For me, this is the best time to meet with my supporters and listen to any issues they are facing,” he said.
Tanjong MP Lim Hui Ying was another regular face at the Phor Tor dinners in the past.
“If I’m in Penang, especially on weekends and if I received such invitations, I will surely go.
“This is a good time to meet my constituents and listen to the voices from the ground about their issues, big or small.
“I will try to help resolve it locally, but if there’s an urgent need I will bring it up in Parliament,” the Deputy Finance Minister said.
Tanjung Bungah assemblyman Zairil Khir Johari said he would donate cash or food items to the community during the festival.
“It has been my yearly activity going to the Phor Tor as the organisers will invite me to their dinners without fail,” he said.
For MCA Youth secretary-general Saw Yee Fung, Por Thor is an important traditional festival for the Chinese community to pay respects to their dearly departed.
“Although I’m not a representative in the state assembly, I was invited to attend a few Phor Tor dinners in the past. Together, we prayed for the safety and well-being of all Malaysians,” she said.
Teong Guan Association chairman Datuk Jessen Ang said the money raised during Phor Tor would be channelled towards schools that need funding.
“We have been doing this fundraising since 1973. The money collected will go to schools, especially Chinese primary schools, in need of renovation, relocation, refurbishment or other needs.
“Throughout this year, we have been targeting to raise RM5mil to help a micro-school in Seberang Perai to shift to a new site,” he said.
Ang thanked the state government for supporting their cause in the last few years.
“The state government’s commitment towards our effort helps us a lot. Once the assemblymen get the ball rolling, others will follow,” he said.
Also known as Yu Lan in Mandarin, the Hungry Ghost Festival is held every year during the seventh month of the lunar calendar.
According to Chinese beliefs, the spirits will venture into the human realm to enjoy a month-long “vacation” when the gates of hell open.
During the festival, benches and chairs are arranged for the spirits to sit and enjoy the shows.
The first few rows are usually left unoccupied as these seats are specially reserved for the spectral guests.
