By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Feb 24: As the Lunar New Year festivities reached their crescendo, Chap Goh Mei, the 15th and final day of celebration, brought forth a breathtaking display of tradition and devotion.
At three significant locations—the 3rd Mile Bazaar, Siniawan heritage town, and Bau town—hundreds and thousands gathered to witness the temple processions that washed the streets with blessings, marking the culmination of the festive season.
At the Wu Fang Datuk Kong Temple in 3rd Mile Bazaar, an impressive 135 troupes converged to participate in this sacred event. The roads, usually bustling with traffic, were adorned with the colours of tradition and the scent of incense as decorated vehicles paraded through.
Among those present were Batu Kitang assemblyman Dato Lo Khere Chiang, Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) chairman Tan Kai, and special assistant to Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sarawak chairman Michael Kong.
Leading the spectacle were majestic chariots bearing effigies of deities adorned with intricate embellishments. These divine figures, symbols of prosperity and protection, were carried with the utmost reverence by devoted worshippers whose presence infused the atmosphere with an aura of sacredness and devotion.
As these divine figures glided through the streets, worshippers trailed behind, their prayers mingling with the rhythmic beats of drums and cymbals.
The procession was not merely a visual feast but a symphony of cultural heritage and spiritual significance. Lion and dragon dances synchronised with the rhythm, and resounding drumbeats captivated the crowds. The performers breathed life into these mythical creatures, weaving intricate patterns and embodying the spirit of strength, vitality, and good fortune.
Alongside, devotees dressed as deities and other characters, including dragon and frog mascots, added to the vibrancy and excitement.
Yet, amidst the splendour and spectacle, the true essence of Chap Goh Mei shone through in the earnest prayers and hopes of worshippers seeking blessings and prosperity for the Year of the Dragon.
Families, young and old, from various backgrounds, gathered along the streets to offer prayers and partake in the age-old traditions of Chap Goh Mei.
Earlier today, similar scenes unfolded in Siniawan heritage town and Bau Town as communities united in the spirit of celebration and devotion.
In Bau, the procession was graced by hundreds of attendees, among them Deputy Minister of Transport Dato Henry Harry Jinep, bedecked in the iconic ‘Dongbei da hua’ attire, a resplendent flaming red Northeast China flower pattern that has captivated audiences worldwide, infusing the procession with the vibrant hues of the Spring festival.
Meanwhile, in Siniawan, a bountiful mountain of offerings ascended towards the deities while the air crackled with the ignition of firecrackers that lined the thoroughfare, illuminating the path with their radiant glow.
Amidst the lively spectacle, several majestic dragons, resplendent in hues of pink and green, gracefully weaved through the streets, symbolising strength and prosperity, while the gentle sprinkle of blessed water bestowed divine blessings upon all who traversed the sacred route. Serembu assemblyman Miro Simuh was present.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden hue upon the streets, these moments of collective celebration and reflection are a testament to the enduring faith, tradition, community, and unity in Sarawak society. — DayakDaily
