Story by Danny Ooi
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis
THE iconic Kek Lok Si Temple in Air Itam was on the night of Feb 12 transformed into a fairyland of lights for Chinese New Year celebrations on Feb 16.
Some 20,000 traditional Chinese lanterns and thousands of modern neon and LED lightings set the 127-year-old biggest Buddhist temple complex in Southeast Asia aglow.
To cap the magnificent evening, a spectacular display of fireworks lit up the skies.
This is an annual tradition that draws thousands of visitors from around the region and beyond as it is a colourful sight to behold.
Earlier in the evening, the temple hosted a dinner for guests.
Prayers were also held along with a chanting session for the devotees.
Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng was among the VIP guests who officiated at the lighting ceremony.
Seen as a symbol of peace, luck and prosperity, the lights at Kek Lok Si will be switched on daily until March 30.
On Chinese New Year’s Eve on Feb 15, the monastery will be illuminated all the way up to the Kuan Yin statue and the pavilion.