IT was a spectacular sight to behold as the 130-year-old Kek Lok Si Temple was illuminated with colourful neon and LED lights along with thousands of Chinese lanterns, during its annual lighting-up ceremony in conjunction with the upcoming Chinese New Year (CNY) celebration.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow who attended the ceremony, said that the Kek Lok Si Temple lighting up ceremony is one of the most iconic events for the CNY celebrations in Penang.
“It is not easy to hold this event yearly as apart from funding, it also requires manpower and energy.
“I would like to thank Kek Lok Si Temple for the hard work shown every year with the display of different decorations each year.
“This ceremony is also an event that both domestic and foreign tourists eagerly look forward to,” Chow said during his speech before the lighting up ceremony.
The temple will be lit up from Feb 9 until March 7.
Following a prayer session, the temple illuminated its surroundings, extending all the way to the Kuan Yin Goddess of Mercy pavilion.
Chow highlighted that the Kek Lok Si Temple, situated in the Air Itam area, thrives in a vibrant neighbourhood characterised by a rich cultural tapestry.
Apart from that, Chow also acknowledged Kek Lok Si Temple’s charity work including the establishment of Kek Lok Si Charitable Hospital.
“I hope everyone will continue to work with the state government to create a more progressive and beautiful Penang,” he added.
Also present were state Social Development, Welfare, and Non-Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Lim Siew Khim, Air Putih assemblyman Lim Guan Eng, Air Itam assemblyman Joseph Ng, Bukit Tambun assemblyman Goh Choon Aik, Paya Terubong assemblyman Wong Hon Wai, Yayasan Kek Lok Si trustee and chairman Datuk Seri Venerable Seck Jit Heng and other dignitaries.
The ceremony concluded with a 10-minute-long fireworks display.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud
Video by Law Suun Ting