THE streets of Raja Uda, Butterworth, are set to come alive with vibrant colours, rhythmic beats, and cultural splendour on Sept 21, as the highly anticipated ‘Asian Art and Traditional Culture Grand Procession’ takes centre stage.
This grand event, organised to mark the 50th anniversary of Tow Boo Kong Temple Butterworth, will serve as the culmination of the temple’s year-long celebrations, showcasing the unique charm of Penang and the diverse cultures of Asia.
The procession, which will commence at 6pm from Tow Boo Kong Temple, is a significant cultural extravaganza, hosted by Tow Boo Kong Temple Butterworth with the support of the Penang Tourism and Creative Economy Office.
Penang Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai emphasised the cultural significance of the event.
“The event promises to be a visual and auditory feast, featuring various traditional Asian performances.
“This grand procession is not only a celebration of Tow Boo Kong Temple’s 50th anniversary but also a reflection of Penang’s rich cultural tapestry and our commitment to preserving and promoting the diverse cultural heritage of Asia.
“The inclusion of international troupes from China, Thailand, Singapore, and Taiwan, along with our Malaysian performances, highlights the strong cultural ties that Penang shares with its neighbours, making this a truly unique and meaningful event,” he told a media conference today.
Among the highlights of the procession will be the impressive performances by the ‘Fu Mei Youth Yingge Troupe’ from Puning, Chaoshan, China. With a history spanning over 300 years, the Yingge dance is one of the most representative folk arts of the Guangdong Chaozhou-Shantou region. Recognised as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage of China, the participation of the Puning Yingge Troupe will allow spectators to experience the powerful and majestic charm of this traditional Chinese art form up close. This performance also coincides with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China, symbolising the deep cultural ties between the two nations.
The procession will also feature a renowned dragon dance performance by the Le Man Golden Dragon Lion Dance Sports Association from Khon Kaen, Thailand. Accompanied by spinning dragon balls and fireworks, the performance promises to be a breathtaking visual spectacle, highlighting the strong cultural collaboration between Malaysia and Thailand.
Adding to the international flavour of the event, the Zhong Lian Dian Wu Ying Jiang Association from Singapore will bring their traditional ‘Guan Jiang Shou troupe’ to the procession. Known for their frequent international performances, this troupe vividly demonstrates the deep cultural roots of traditional beliefs, representing an exchange of folk culture between Singapore and Malaysia.
Taiwan will also be well represented with the participation of the Hutian Temple Deity Troupe, Beiguan Troupe, and Bugle Troupe from Luzhou, who will bring their distinctive Beiguan music and whistle performances to the streets of Butterworth. The lively and rhythmic music, coupled with the resonant sound of the whistles, will add a solemn and dignified atmosphere to the entire procession.
Local Malaysian folk arts will also shine in the procession, with performances by the Hong Yang Stilt Performance Team from Johor Bahru, the Chaozhou Big Gong Drum Troupe from Zhen’an Ancient Temple in Johor, the Yo-Yo Performance Troupe from Johor, and the Klang Hokkien Drum Troupe. As the host, Tow Boo Kong Temple Butterworth will also contribute its own vibrant Techno Deity Troupe, traditional dance troupe, and Dragon and Lion Dance Association. Additionally, about 30 sacred temple floats from the Nine Emperor Gods Association under Tow Boo Kong Temple Malaysia will make a grand appearance, becoming one of the highlights of the procession.
In a special mention, the lion dance troupes from various parts of Penang will unite in full force, parading through the streets as part of the procession. This comes on the heels of the recent announcement that Malaysia and China will jointly nominate the ‘Lion Dance’ for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, making the event a timely platform for showcasing the artistic charm and cultural significance of lion dancing. The Northern Malaysia Chingay Association will also be part of the procession, further enhancing the celebration of intangible cultural heritage.
Also present was Sungai Puyu assemblyman Phee Syn Tze, who stressed the significance of the grand procession as an extraordinary cultural celebration.
“This event offers visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in a vibrant cultural feast that will leave a lasting impression on the community,” she remarked.
Phee also highlighted the Tow Boo Kong Temple Butterworth’s newly completed ‘Tow Boo Kong Cultural Building,’ which will officially open at 10am on Sept 20.
“The new facility includes a dining hall for vegetarians, lecture halls, seminar rooms, meeting rooms, dormitories, a ‘Tow Boo’ cultural exhibition hall, and a Taoist culture and data centre.
“It is designed to preserve and promote the ‘Tow Boo’ faith, offering devotees a space to deepen their understanding of Taoist culture,” Phee explained.
Expressing her confidence in the temple’s future, Phee added: “Tow Boo Kong Temple Butterworth will continue to be a cornerstone of our community, serving not only as a spiritual hub but also as a vital centre for cultural preservation and education.”
Organising chairman Datuk Seri Hong Yeam Wah expressed his deep gratitude to the Penang government for its support and voiced his eagerness to collaborate closely to ensure the celebration’s success.
“This celebration will be a catalyst for local economic growth and a significant boost to tourism development.
“The unforgettable experiences and lasting impressions will not only draw international guests and performers back to Penang but will also help maintain a steady flow of tourism in the future,” Hong added.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Law Suun Ting and contributors