By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, Jan 30: Eight new lions were brought to life with the traditional eye-dotting ritual in preparation for the upcoming Chinese New Year festival, which will usher in the auspicious Year of the Dragon.
The eye-dotting ceremony also officially kicked off the ‘2024 Batu Kitang Chinese New Year Carnival’ last night (Jan 29) at Neon Trend Market at Lee Ling Heights on Jalan Penrissen here.
“In Sarawak, we are extremely fortunate. We are fortunate in that we always come together for celebrations such as Chinese New Year, Gawai Dayak, and Hari Raya Aidilfitri. We actually look forward to celebrating. This is truly the best of Sarawak.
“And this Batu Kitang Chinese New Year Carnival not only provides business opportunities for our small SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises), but it also brings everyone together to enjoy the various entertainments,” said Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, who was the guest-of-honour, during his speech before the eye-dotting.
He said that the lion dance and the eye-dotting ceremony are two of the most distinctive parts of the Chinese New Year celebration.
The eyes are believed to mirror the essence of the lion in Chinese culture. As a result, the eye-dotting ceremony holds great significance as it marks the final stage in bringing the lion to life. This ritual empowers the lion, enabling it to carry out its important role of bestowing good fortune, well-being, wealth, and safeguarding.
Fireworks illuminated the sky after the eye-dotting ceremony, ringing in the prosperous Year of the Dragon to the sound of drums and cymbals.
Neon Trend Market was packed with people of all races and backgrounds attending the opening ceremony of the 2024 Batu Kitang Chinese New Year Carnival, adding to the event’s vibrancy and demonstrating unity.
Also present at the event was Batu Kitang assemblyman Dato Lo Khere Chiang. — DayakDaily
