AS today marks the Mid-Autumn Festival or more fondly known as ‘Tanglung Festival’ (Lantern Festival), a colourful lantern parade, accompanied by a dragon dance, was held in the Sungai Pinang neighbourhood.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, together with Sungai Pinang residents, took part in the parade starting from the Sungai Pinang basketball court to Taman Areca, Automall (Karpal Singh Drive) and back to the basketball court.
Also joining Chow were Sungai Pinang assemblyman Lim Siew Khim, Jelutong MP R.S.N. Rayer, Batu Lancang assemblyman Ong Ah Teong, and other dignitaries.
The activity was part of the ‘Pesta Tanglung Sempena Hari Malaysia’ programme which was organised by Sungai Pinang service centre, Jelutong parliamentary constituency service centre, Sungai Pinang Village Community Management Council, Relanita Sungai Pinang and Sungai Pinang Youth Committee. It was also supported by other partners.
Before joining the parade, Chow said the Tanglung Festival is a traditional celebration that gives importance to culture and family as well as provides the opportunity to celebrate among the community in togetherness.
“Congratulations to the Sungai Pinang constituency for successfully organising this event in conjunction with the Malaysia Day celebration which falls on Sept 16.
“It is more meaningful for us as we celebrate the Tanglung Festival in conjunction with the Malaysia Day.
“This is actually a celebration of two significant festivals – for the Chinese community and for all Malaysians,” Chow said during his speech at the event.
The visitors to the event were entertained with an orchestral performance using traditional instruments, such as the ukulele and gu zheng. They also enjoyed a choir performance.
Besides that, DIY booths were set up to teach the public how to make traditional crafts like tanglung and others.
Other programmes include a family photo booth, food fair, DIY booth on making mooncakes, and a performance by JET kinderland pupils.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar