Birthday of the Goddess
of Mercy
Today, the 19th day of the ninth
lunar moon, Her birthday is celebrated for the third time. Performance of
traditional puppet theatre takes place in the front courtyard of the Goddess
of Mercy at Pitt Street.
 Deepavali
*
The Hindu Festival of Light is a celebration of the victory of the Lord Krishna
over the demon King Narakasura. Offerings are made to the Lord Krishna at
temples and lamps are lighted at all Indian households at
night.
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Loy
Krathong
This is a Thai water festival where krathong (leaf-cups) with lighted
candles are floated out to sea. A wish is made and it is believed that the
further the lotuses drift, the more likely one's wish will come true. The
leaf-cups were traditionally made of banana leaves, but nowadays lotuses
are made of crepe paper and floated on Styrofoam. A mini-procession will
start from the Siamese temple and will arrive at Gurney Drive at about 8.00pm,
to launch the krathongs.
All Souls
Day
Catholics remember their dearly departed on All Souls Day, and during this
time they pray for those souls in purgatory so that they may be hurried along
the path to heaven. When visiting the graves of loved ones, Catholics often
spruce up the graves and leave flowers behind.
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 Hari Raya Aidil
Fitri
Marking
the end of the fasting month, Hari Raya Aidil Fitri ushers in special prayers,
family gathering, feasting, visiting relatives and friends. However, fasting
during Ramadhan is more than just going without food and drink. It is also
a time for self-improvement. Click
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 Christmas
*
December 25th, is a National Holiday in Malaysia.
The birth of Jesus Christ is embraced
as a joyful occasion by Christians all over Penang. On Christmas eve Churches
will usually be packed. Masses which would usually last for about two hours
will start around midnight. Sometimes short plays on the birth of Jesus Christ
would be presented before mass. For most Malaysians, Christmas is a
time for sharing and a time for giving. Streets and malls are well decorated
with lights and christmas ornaments to enhance this season of sharing. |
