A COLOURFUL lantern parade, engaging arts and crafts workshops, mesmerising lion dance, spirited boria performance and various stage acts illuminated the night at the ‘Pesta Tanglung Bersama Komuniti Sungai Pinang’ tonight.
Hundreds of visitors attended the festival as early as 7pm to participate in the joyous occasion at the Automall in Karpal Singh Drive.
The festival was jointly organised by the Sungai Pinang service centre and Jelutong parliamentary constituency service centre.
Besides that, DIY booths were also set up to educate the public on crafting traditional items such as tanglung lanterns, mooncakes, among others.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who was also present, said the Mid-Autumn Festival is a culturally significant event for the Chinese community in Malaysia and worldwide, second only to the Chinese New Year.
“The Mid-Autumn Festival, which is also known as the Mooncake or Lantern Festival (Tanglung Festival), is celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth month of the Chinese lunar calendar.
“It is usually marked by family reunions, a full moon viewing and the consumption of mooncakes. It is also regarded as an auspicious day for wedding ceremonies.
“In essence, the Mid-Autumn Festival is a traditional celebration that places great importance on culture, family bonds and the opportunity to celebrate as a community.
“I am so proud to see so many people from all walks of life coming together for the event at Automall in Karpal Singh Drive tonight.
“This shows that cultural diversity is the quality that defines the uniqueness of Penang,” he said.
Also present were state Social Development, Welfare and Non-Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Lim Siew Khim, who is also the Sungai Pinang assemblyman, and Jelutong MP RSN Rayer.
Meanwhile, Lim said the Tanglung Festival is important to encourage families to appreciate cultural heritage as traditional cultural practices play a pivotal role in strengthening family ties.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Alissala Thian