Teochew Opera

Let the show begin!

The hungry ghost festival in is full swing and every night, there is a Chinese opera performance somewhere in the streets of George Town, Penang. The photographs in this post were taken at the Phor Tor (Hungry Ghost Festival) held in Jalan Gurdwara (formerly Brick Kiln Road).

During the festival, these Chinese street opera are performed as an entertainment offering to Phor Tor Kong or the King of Hades, and the wandering ghosts who are allowed to roam the human realm for a whole month. Indeed, during our photoshoot that night, there were only two of us and two other photographers there. Perhaps there are other invisible 'souls' around us at that time?

These festivals are set up by the business communities in their respective areas and features giant paper effigies of Phor Tor Kong with various offerings placed on extended altars in front. The highlight of each festival is on the last night when the giant effigy of Phor Tor Kong is lit up in a bonfire of paper offerings, sending the King off in a grand way.

Sadly, the popularity of these street performances amongst the people is dwindling fast in the past years. This is probably due to the lack of artistic appreciation amongst the younger generation.

A Penang Chinese New Year

Kek Lok Si Temple, Penang

Chinese New Year in Penang is not complete without a visit to the historical Kek Lok Si Temple. During this time of the year, the temple is grandly lit up with colourful lanterns and bulbs, welcoming visitors and devotees from near and far.

This shot was taken during the blue hour, just as the sun set and the sky is deep blue in colour. It is also the time when the lights are switched on altogether, eliciting a wave of awe amongst the people in the area. 

Kek Lok Si Temple complex is beautiful and majestic by itself in the daytime. And when the lights come on, it turns magical.

Penang Buddhist Association

Penang Buddhist Association

Pagoda and Octagonal Pond

The Penang Buddhist Association in Anson Road holds special memories of Chinese New Year. It is here that our family come to pray and welcome in the Chinese New Year annually. These visits are usually made on the night of the eve of the Lunar New Year, after the family reunion dinner.

For this special season, the temple is always lit up with colourful lights and the great chandeliers in the immense prayer hall cast a majestic glow on the various white marble statues of Sakyamuni Buddha and other Boddhisatvas.

The smell of incense and burning candles amidst these joyful lights always bring about a sense of peaceful grandeur - a hope for a prosperous and happy new year, each and every year.

Malayan Railway Building

Malayan Railway Building

Completed in 1909, the Malayan Railway Building served as a ticketing office for islanders intending to travel by train from the mainland Butterworth station. This ornately designed building with a grand clock tower served as a reception terminal, where travellers were ushered onto a ferry and transported across the channel to Butterworth to take the train.

It must have been a grand affair to travel by train during that period of time. The railway stretches from north to south of the western coast of Penisular Malaysia, and served as a conduit of economic progress during those years of tin mining and rubber plantations.

The Malayan Railway Building is now the headquarters for the Royal Malaysian Customs. It is located at junction of Weld Quay and China Street Ghaut in George Town, Penang.

All Roads Lead to Mount Fuji

All Roads Lead to Mount Fuji

As you walk against the traffic along Nagore Road in George Town, there is a painted signage on the side wall of the shop selling Fujiyama branded apparels. It actually looks like the symmetrical silhouette of Mount Fuji's peak covered in snow, as white spot lights illuminate the triangular roof line amidst the warm glow of other surrounding buildings.

Nagore Road has become a trendy place for the young who come for meals in the many restaurants and cafes that have sprouted in these renovated pre-war shophouses. The area exudes a relaxing ambience despite the street being located perpendicular in between the two main arterial roads in busy George Town.

This Japanese-themed scene was captured as I walked along the road after a cup of coffee at a nearby cafe.

Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon

Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon

Last Sunday, I went for a walk at the heritage area of George Town and was surprised to see new mural art which weren't there before. This particular one is at the corner of an alleyway in Cannon Street. It features a cat looking out of a painted window. I included the mailbox in the foreground as it contains the word 'dragon' and a faded mural of the mystical creature on the wall beneath it.

Then it came to my mind that the only title that captures everything in this composition is "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon".

Why tiger? Because the cat belongs to the same family. Why dragon? The mail box and the partly hidden dragon.

Enjoy.