THE Mid-Autumn Festival arrived early in Bukit Mertajam, with the town buzzing last night as the Tanglung Pesta Carnival 2024 brought vibrant celebrations.
Despite the wet weather, the festive spirit remained undampened, with participants of all ages carrying lanterns and umbrellas as they took part in the lively lantern procession through the town’s main streets.
This year’s Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as Mooncake Festival, falls on Sept 17, marking the fifteenth day of the eighth month in the Chinese lunar calendar.
The procession, spanning about 4km, began and ended at the Jit Sin Independent High School. Thanks to the efforts of the police and security volunteers, traffic was smoothly controlled, ensuring the success of the event.
Leading the procession was a group of Scouts from the school proudly carrying Jalur Gemilang and the state flags, evoking a spirit of patriotism following Malaysia’s recent Independence Day celebration on Aug 31 and in anticipation of the upcoming Malaysia Day on Sept 16.
Despite his busy schedule, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow joined in the festivities, carrying a lantern alongside the participants. Other notable attendees included Padang Lalang assemblyman and state executive councillor for Youth, Sports and Health, Daniel Gooi Zi Sen; Machang Bubuk assemblyman Lee Khai Loon; Berapit assemblyman Heng Lee Lee and Hock Teik Cheng Sim Temple chairman Datuk Heng Teik Keong.
Also present were Seberang Perai City Council councillors Rachael Teh, Bernard Cheen, Ong Jing Cheng and Ng Wei Liang; and the event’s organising chairperson Law Bi Yuan.
Chow commended Law and her organising team for their dedication to preserving and promoting the tradition, which has been held for 19 years, with a two-year break during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“This carnival has become one of Bukit Mertajam’s signature events, bringing together residents and attracting visitors from other areas to experience the Mid-Autumn atmosphere and the unique charm of Bukit Mertajam.
“I hope the organisers will continue this tradition, as I believe this is something everyone looks forward to.
“Whether it’s the Mid-Autumn Festival, National Day, Malaysia Day, or other festivals, they all promote the spirit of unity and harmony. It is heartening to see that in recent years, Malaysian festivals have transcended racial lines, with people of all communities coming together to celebrate and demonstrate the true Malaysian spirit,” Chow said during his speech.
Attendees were also treated to a variety of performances, including modern dances, traditional Chinese drum performances and a sand art demonstration.
The Tanglung Pesta Carnival 204 was organised by the Five Dialects Association Seberang Perai, with the support of the Hock Teik Cheng Sim Temple.
Law, who is also the Youth leader of the Seberang Perai Hainan Association, shared that this year, the Hainanese community took the lead in organising the event as part of the association’s rotational tradition, with Teo Chew, Hokkien, Cantonese and Hakka communities to follow in subsequent years.
She thanked the state government for supporting the event and keeping the Chinese culture alive, ensuring that more children and young people continue with the tradition.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Law Suun Ting