By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, Sept 28: The Batu Kawa Old Bazaar’s transformation into a mesmerising wonderland of unity during the Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival or Mooncake Festival, is a truly captivating and heartwarming sight.
This annual celebration brings together people of diverse races and religions, making it a testament to the power of cultural unity and shared traditions.
At the festival last night, cars lined up like ants as they circled the vicinity of the Old Bazaar in search of available parking spaces.
DayakDaily was fortunate to find a parking spot and was astounded by the large number of people visiting the Old Bazaar for the Batu Kawa Mooncake Festival, which is currently taking place from Sept 23 to Oct 1. It seemed as though the entire city of Kuching had gathered there.
We arrived at the Guang Loong Temple in the Old Bazaar and were immediately captivated by the surroundings.
The area around the temple was beautifully decorated with impressive inflatable displays and stunning lights. This created a magical atmosphere that served as a perfect backdrop for capturing Instagram-worthy snapshots.
Amidst the eye-catching decorations that stole the spotlight, another delightful aspect of the night that equally pleased the senses: the enticing food stalls that adorned the streets.
Visitors to the Mooncake Festival were spoiled for choice with an array of street food stalls offering a diverse menu.
From sizzling skewers of grilled meats marinated in fragrant spices to steaming dumplings filled with a medley of meat and vegetables, there was something to tantalise every palate.
The sight of families coming together, sharing food and stories, was a heartwarming display of the festival’s sense of community.
There was also another source of unbridled joy and entertainment at the Mooncake Festival. People of all ages, from children to the young at heart, thronged the game stalls, creating an atmosphere of pure fun and camaraderie.
The Batu Kawa Old Bazaar’s celebration of the Mid-Autumn Festival is more than just a tradition; it’s a reminder of the strength in unity, the beauty of diversity, and the importance of cherishing our shared heritage. — DayakDaily
