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KUCHING, Aug 23: Huge crowds lined the streets in the city to receive blessings, especially for children, during a grand procession celebrating the birthday of the Ah Ma Hu Temple deity last night.
Deputy Premier Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian officiated the colourful and vibrant celebration dedicated to the Heng Hua community.
Kuching South City Council (MBKS) mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng, Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) chairman Tan Kai, Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii as well as community leaders and various Chinese associations representatives were also present.
The celebration was a spectacle of culture, with more than 120 troupes participating, that kicked off from its starting point at Jalan Central Timur here.
Dr Sim emphasised the significance of the Ah Ma Hu Temple within the Chinese Taoist community, specifically its renowned role in bestowing blessings upon children.
Notably, this street parade had been absent for the past six years due to the triennial cycle of the event and its unfortunate suspension amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
“This street parade (was last held) six years ago. The celebration is held once every three years but it was halted due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“The joyful celebration resumed this year. Many thanks to the temple committee for inviting me as their guest of honour this year,” he shared in a post on his social media page yesterday (Aug 22).
The procession that showcased the Chinese community’s culture and traditions commenced with a prayer ceremony to invoke blessings and set the tone for the ensuing revelry.
The city resonated with the symphony of drums, gongs, and various folk instruments, as wooden palanquins carried an array of deities, each bestowed with a special chair paraded through the streets.
Among the enchanting sights were the captivating lion and dragon dances, the spirited Hakka green lions, and even iconic figures like the legendary Monkey King (Sun Wukong) accompanied by his companions Tang Sanzang, Zhu Bajie, and Sha Wujing.
The procession featured a procession of decorated trucks, each a vibrant canvas displaying unique facets of the rich culture. Students showcased their talent and enthusiasm by performing a roaring 24 festive drum routine while parading through the streets on one such truck.
The entire spectacle was a testament to the unity of the community, the preservation of time-honoured traditions, and the resilience of culture even in the face of challenging times.
The Ah Ma Hu Temple deity’s birthday street procession illuminated the city with a fusion of spirituality, tradition, and vibrant celebration. It encapsulated the essence of the Heng Hua community’s devotion, while also serving as a symbolic resurgence of festivities following a prolonged hiatus. — DayakDaily
