Magical world of lanterns

Magical world of lanterns

All set up: Rows of lanterns hanging at the Kek Lok Si Temple in Penang.

COME Feb 9, the 122-year-old Kek Lok Si temple in Air Itam will transform into a beautiful fairyland of lights to usher in the Year of the Snake.

Temple trustee Datuk Steven Ooi said the temple would be lit up for a month until March 9.

The lighting up ceremony however, will be held on Feb 6 when the lights at the temple pagoda and the lower station will be switched on.

Ooi said that on Feb 6, the lanterns and LED lamps will be lighted up at 7pm after a chanting ceremony.

“We expect more tourists to flock to the temple this year to witness the spectacular fusion of modern and traditional lighting,” he said.

Festive look: Workers adding the finishing touches to the temple decorations. Work to decorate the temple is expected to be finished by Feb 5.

For the first 15 days of Chinese New Year beginning Feb 10, the temple will be open to the public from 8.30am until midnight.

The sea of lights at the temple will be turned on from dusk until dawn for the first three days (Feb 10 to 12) of Chinese New Year and on the eighth day (Feb 17) to observe the annual Thnee Kong Seh (Jade Emperor’s birthday).

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng will officiate at the lighting up ceremony on Feb 6.

Like in previous years, devotees can donate between RM50 to RM2,000 for the lanterns. The sum will be used the temple’s upkeep.

The public can visit the temple to register for the lighting-up ceremony. For details, call 04-8283317.

~News courtesy of The Star~