Story and Pix by Amanda Khong
IT was a beautiful night filled with lanterns in Taman Sunway Tunas, Bayan Lepas during the Lantern Festival on Sept 26.
People of all ages and races joined the parade with their lanterns, starting from the basketball court in Taman Sunway Tunas all the way to the Olive Tree Hotel in Bayan Lepas, Penang.
Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Mohd Rashid Hasnon, who was very excited to be there, said: “In this beautiful night, I am honoured to be here to celebrate with all of you this meaningful festival. I would like to thank all the authorities, JKKK members, and volunteers for making this event possible.”
Rashid also presented the champion’s trophy to the Sunway Tunas basketball team for their recent win at the Penang Open Basketball Championship.
He then joined the others in the parade with his own little lantern.
The lion and dragon dances led the parade with the loud sounds of the drums and cymbals as the people moved along.
Children were ecstatic to follow right behind the lion and dragon dancers and Rashid was also very happy to walk alongside the children throughout the parade.
People were very excited and delighted to meet Rashid in person and many took the opportunity of a photography session with him.
Other events for the night included a tai chi performance, riddle solving and best lantern.
A simple layout of food was also prepared for everyone that night.
This simple celebration saw the harmony between the different races and also young children continuing to keep these meaningful old traditions alive.
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