Celebrating Chinese New Year 2020

Today, January 25, 2020 (Saturday) is Chinese New Year, the very first day of a new lunar year. This new year ushers in the Year of the Rat, the first of the 12 zodiac signs in the Chinese calender. This year it is a Metal Rat.

I would like to wish everyone celebrating this auspicious occasion a Happy & Prosperous Chinese New Year, as it is normally referred to here in this part of the world. Elsewhere it is also referred to as the Lunar New Year Festival or more commonly known as the Spring Festival in China.

Source: 123greetings
The Chinese community around the world celebrates this traditional festival which runs for 15 days ending on 15th day known as the Lantern Festival in China and over here it's referred to as Chap Goh Meh in the Minan or Teochew dialects.

Let's take a look at how some people are celebrating around the world this year, 2020.

Indonesian children carry lanterns during a parade as part of Chinese Lunar New Year celebrations in Bali, Indonesia on Jan. 24.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson points at performers dressed as lions as he welcomes members of the British Chinese community for Chinese New Year celebrations outside 10 Downing Street in London, England on Jan. 24.

Cambodians perform the traditional Chinese dragon dance near the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh on Jan. 24.

Entertainers perform at Rod Laver Arena during day five of the Australian Open at Melbourne Park in Melbourne, Australia, on Jan. 24.

Fireworks light up the sky over the skyline of midtown Manhattan and the Empire State Building in New York City celebrating the upcoming Chinese New Year, as seen from Weehawken, New Jersey, U.S., on Jan. 23.

A bicyclist stands in front of a display for the upcoming Lunar New Year in Beijing, China, on Jan. 22.

Dancers perform a drama piece titled "Shi Feng" in celebrations of the upcoming Chinese New Year in Tel Aviv, Israel, on Jan. 20.

Citizens shop for the upcoming Lunar New Year in Macao, China, on Jan. 20.

Members of a Chinese Wudang Kung Fu group perform a traditional Kung Fu show to celebrate the Spring Festival in Amman, Jordan, on Jan. 20.

People select decorative items at Chinatown in San Francisco, California, U.S., on Jan. 19.

More on celebrating Chinese New Year on MSN.

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Happy Mid-Autumn Festival!

Today, September 13, is Mid-Autumn Festival or what is popularly known in Malaysia as the Mooncake Festival or the Lantern Festival though not to be confused with the Lantern Festival on the 15th day of the 1st Lunar month, i.e. the last day of the Chinese New Year celebration.

Courtesy of Wikipedia

This festival is one of the important festivals celebrated by ethnic Chinese all over the world. It falls on the 15th day of the 8th month of the Lunar Calendar. According to Wikipedia, it is also celebrated by the Korean and Vietnamese people.

Courtesy of Wikipedia

Here in Malaysia, Buddhist/Taoist families would make offerings to the Moon Goddess. Families would sit down to a hearty meal reflective of a wholesome family coming together. For more information on this Mid-Autumn Festival, you may want to check out Wikipedia.

So if you are celebrating, wherever you are, I wish you a Happy Mooncake Festival!

Courtesy of Travelchinaguide

A Celebration - Selamat Hari Raya 2019

Malaysia has a multi-racial population of which more than 60% are Malays who are also Muslims.

Today, June 5, Muslims around the world celebrate Eid al-Fitr which we here in Malaysia refer to as Hari Raya.

Eid al-Fitr is one of the most important festivals or celebrations for Muslims, following the holy month of Ramadan when Muslims fast from dawn to dusk.

I wish all Muslim Malaysians and Muslims around the world "Selamat Hari Raya".

Courtesy of freepik.com
Here's a good local story to tell on this happy occasion..

Meet The Chinese Uncle Who Would Do Anything For His Four Adopted Malay Children

Happy Vesak Day - May 19 2019

Today is Vesak Day, May 19, 2019.

Happy Vesak Day!

Thaipusam in Kuala Lumpur

Source: Tourism Malaysia

Were you caught up in a traffic crawl yesterday or even this morning/today? The reason could be road closure and/or traffic diversion to facilitate the procession of the Silver Chariot from the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple in Jalan Tun H.S Lee to Batu Caves. This is in conjunction with Thaipusam, which is tomorrow, February 9.

Kuala Lumpur roads were closed from 10pm yesterday, February 7. The chariot began it's procession from the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple in Jalan Tun H.S Lee, Kuala Lumpur and is expected to arrive in Batu Caves at 2pm on Wednesday, i.e. this afternoon.

The 13 affected roads are Jalan Tun H.S Lee, Jalan Sultan, Jalan Pudu, Jalan Tun Perak, Lebuh Ampang, Jalan Munshi Abdullah, Jalan Dang Wangi, Jalan Raja Laut, Jalan Ipoh, Jalan Sultan Ismail, Jalan Ipoh Batu 15 and Jalan Batu Caves.

If you happen to be around the route, stop to take in the sights. The chariot does stop along the route for devotees to worship as well as for breaking of coconuts. It's quite a site to watch and the Silver Chariot is really a beautiful thing to see, certainly an extraordinary subject for photo-snaps.

The breaking of the coconut, in Hinduism, symbolises the breaking of the ego, and that anyone who wants to be spiritual or divine needs to first get rid of the ego. Devotees break coconuts from one to as many as thousands. In Penang, devotees have been advised to break just one. one will suffice. They have been encouraged to donate the money to charitable causes instead.

The roads will be closed again from 4pm on Feb 10 to 2am on February 11 as the procession returns from Batu Caves to the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple.

This time, 14 roads will be closed and they are Jalan Batu Caves, Jalan Ipoh Batu 15, Jalan Pekeliling, Jalan Ipoh, Jalan Raja Laut, Jalan Dang Wangi, Jalan Munshi Abdullah, Jalan Ampang, Lebuh Ampang, Jalan Tun Perak, Jalan Pudu, Lorong Pudu (roundabout), Jalan Cheng Lock and Jalan Tun H.S. Lee.

Here's the map of the route courtesy of The Star..

If you have read about a fourth staircase being constructed, it was built to ease congestion in Batu Caves.

Devotees carrying paal kudam will use the first staircase and kavadi bearers will use the second staircase.

The third and the fourth staircases are for devotees coming down from the temple,” he said.

Devotees have been advised to make way for kavadi bearers during the festival, and only traditional kavadi would be permitted.

272-step Batu Caves - Wikipedia
Old picture, no 4th staircase yet.

Happy Thaipusam!


More about Thaipusam:
- Thaipusam – A divine Hindu celebration - Tourism Malaysia
- Thaipusam - Wikipedia

Selamat Hari Raya Haji

Malaysia being a Muslim-majority nation celebrates this festive occasion with a gazetted public holiday today - making this a three-day weekend for some of us.

The city of Kuala Lumpur is somewhat quiet and deserted as Muslims in the city have left for their hometown to celebrate this festive occasion with their family and loved ones, most travelling interstate for the celebration.

I was at Berjaya Times Square for a lunch gathering yesterday and was pleasantly surprised by the easy traffic along Jalan Imbi, and on a Sunday too. Here, take a look..

See what I mean? Berjaya Times Square is the red building in the centre. Berjaya Times Square or sometimes referred to as BTS is one mall to check out when you are in Kuala Lumpur.

There are lots to see and do for the entire family just in this one mall. But let's talk about Berjaya Times Square in another post, shall we?. In the meantime..

Selamat Hari Raya Haji and Happy Holiday!

Selamat Hari Raya 2014

Selamat Hari Raya to all my Muslim friends and readers..

And a few happy tunes for the occasion. These are classic and popular numbers in Malaysia that enjoy a lot of airwave time during this time of the year. Enjoy..

Upcoming major Malaysian festivals

Hari Raya being a month-long celebration (until Sep 7), Malay homes are still projecting an air of festivity all brightly-lit at night.  Family and friends are still visiting one another spreading goodwill and cheer.

The next major festival that we will see is the Mid-Autumn Festival (on Sep 19) or also known as Lantern Festival though not to be confused with the Lantern Festival on the 15th day of Chinese New Year. Lanterns will take centre stage for this festival though Chinese homes would sometimes be decorated with coloured lights for that added glow.

Deepavali (Nov 3), an Indian Hindu Festival, is also a festival of lights and aptly known as Festival of Lights. Homes are adorned with lights and other decorations as Hindus celebrate this happy occasion.

Then there is Christmas on December 25. Though some months away, colleagues of mine are starting early preparation this year in the shopping department buying presents and christmas lights white wire type as well as coloured lights to celebrate this season of love and cheer.

Image source:  The Star

Speaking of lights, downtown Kuala Lumpur will be all aglow tonight ushering in the 56th Independence Day tomorrow, August 31. Dataran Merdeka will be a sight to behold as well as the Sultan Abdul Samad Building across from it. This year, Dataran Merdeka or Independence Square in English will be the venue for the Merdeka Parade tomorrow.

People from the city and other states, as well as visitors from overseas will be at the square to witness the Merdeka parade. Many others will be catching the live telecast of the parade on tv.

Happy Merdeka Day!

Selamat Hari Raya 2013 - Aug 8

Best wishes for a Selamat Hari Raya!

Yay! School's out. Offices are closed. KL's blissfully quiet with KLites already back home in their hometown. Celebrations all around!

It is always been known that the city is the best place to be during a major festival such as Hari Raya and Chinese New Year. The truth is out there as evidenced by this picture of the sparse traffic condition at the Jalan Duta Toll Plaza yesterday, the eve of Hari Raya.

Image source:  The Star/Bernama

Happy faces on Hari Raya.. a typical kampung (village) scene, cows, coconut trees, happy children in new baju raya (New Year clothes) playing with makeshift toys as depicted here of children playing with a betel nut tree frond..

Image source: The Star

Oh, not to worry if you are already here in Kuala Lumpur as shopping malls, food and entertainment outlets are open for business. You will get to enjoy a quieter city of less traffic congestion, both the auto and human kind.

Thaipusam 2013 at Batu Caves, Kuala Lumpur

Tomorrow is Thaipusam. Temple officials expect a turnout of 1.6 million people at Batu Caves this year.

If you are living near Batu Caves, you will be able to watch the fireworks display tonight at midnight. The 15-minute fireworks display will be one of the highlights of the celebration this weekend.

The silver chariot carrying the sta­tue of Lord Muruga made its annual 15km journey, leaving the Sri Maha Mariamman temple in Jalan Bandar at 12.30am this afternoon arriving at Batu Caves at 2.30pm this afternoon.

Some 150,000 devotees followed the procession and thousands more lined the route holding trays of offerings and smashing coconuts along its path.

Devotees and visitors were advised to refrain from wearing too much jewellery and to secure their belongings.

An information and com­p­laints counter has been open­ed near the temple entrance.

Musical troupes help devotees on their journey to the temple. Here is a troupe in practice.

The Akini Periya Gandhi Amman Urumee Melam group practising for the big day at Batu Caves. — By S.S. KANESAN / The Star
Thaipusam isn’t just about hooks or music — it’s a journey of faith. This article provides a good insight into Thaipusam.

Happy Thaipusam!

Thaipusam is on Tuesday, Feb 7

You may also want to check out Thaipusam 2013

As a matter of habit or interest, photography enthusiasts do travel with their photography gear when they go on ordinary work assignments (including overseas), on assignments nowhere related to photography.

A number of visiting colleagues (one from as far away as Mexico) have with them their canon camcorders and other brands as well as other related photography paraphernalia on their visit to Malaysia. They are all set to go up to Batu Caves to witness and take pictures and videos for friends and family back home, one of Malaysia's tourist attractions, Thaipusam.

The 272 steps leading up to Batu Caves. Huge statue of Lord Murugan at the foot of the hill.

In Malaysia, there are at least three places where Hindu worshippers converge at. In Kuala Lumpur, the crowd will be at the Batu Caves temple; in Penang it will be at the temple at Penang Waterfalls and in Ipoh, the temple at Gunung Cheroh.

Anyone who has been to one of these temples during Thaipusm especially the one at Batu Caves, would have experienced a lifetime experience of the energy of Thaipusam.

Celebrating Diwali, the Festival of Lights - Nov 5

Another holiday or rather festival is just around the corner. The Hindu festival, Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, falls on November 5. It's a Friday so it makes it even merrier the celebration extending into the weekend allowing Hindus a longer celebration without having to take additional days off.

Festivals are a time to spread cheer and goodwill by extending holiday invitations to friends and family for get-togethers. These occasions strengthen ties among the different ethnic groups especially in this country where people of different cultures and faiths live side-by-side.


Image source: InvitationConsultants.com

Selamat Hari Raya

To All who celebrate Aidil-fitri, Selamat Hari Raya and to the rest, Happy Holidays..

Wherever you'll be heading to, have a safe and wonderful celebration and holiday..

Hari Raya Open House

The Prime Minister said, Time to forgive. Abdullah also asked for forgiveness including on behalf of Jeanne and the family for any wrong they might have done.

Aidilfitri is a month to forgive and strengthen ties, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

In the tradition and spirit of goodwill and unity, Open houses are normally held by dignatories on the first day of Hari Raya, which is today. It is open to everyone. If you feel like experiencing an open house, why not head on over to any one of these as listed below. Click on image to enlarge it.



Source: The Star

Nine Emperor Gods Festival

Malaysia's multi-racial community makes our calendar of events very colourful and fascinatng where festivals are concerned.

Last Thursday was the start of the 9-day Nine Emperor Gods Festival. (Check out Wikipedia for this interesting festival.) During this period, we would normally expect much rain but this time around, it's rather dry weather with just short drizzles. Fire-walking that you may have read about originates from this festival. Devotees or temple volunteers who are involved in helping out in temples have to abstain from meat, and carnal pleasures, alright sexual abstinence, a month prior to this festival. No cheating, the gods would know.

Temple volunteers in white attending to the sedan chair, in which the unseen Nine Emperor Gods are believed to be seated in.
Religious procession to send off the Nine Emperor Gods by Tao Thean Keong temple,Muar, Johor, Malaysia
In the West, October/November time-frame is also a time of some celebration. There is Halloween and Thanksgiving. Just as we each celebrate our Chinese New Year, Hari Raya, Deepavali, or Christmas, Thanksgiving is a wonderful time where families travel miles to be together. This reminds me of Sleepless in Seattle. Sorry, I digress. The excitment of Thanksgiving is enhanced by the Black Friday sales. If you are in the US, here are some Black Friday ads to give you a headstart on the bargains. Happy shopping!