Nine days of Miao Hui celebration in new normal

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IT’S that time of the year again!

The annual Penang Chinese New Year celebration, popularly known as ‘Miao Hui’ among the locals, is back.

However, it would be held online for the first time in 22 years by the organisers, Penang Chinese Clan Council (PCCC), in view of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Thousands of locals and foreign tourists would flock to Penang to savour two days of cultural feasts but this year, the atmosphere would be different since the event would be conducted via virtual session.

The Penang Chinese New Year celebration or known as ‘Miao Hui’ will be celebrated via online next week.

Scheduled to take place from the first day of Chinese New Year until the ninth day (Feb 12 to 20), the event, themed ‘Permata Budaya’, is set to welcome the Year of the Ox.

In an interview with Buletin Mutiara, Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng said although the ‘Miao Hui’ may not have on the spot spectators, it is expected to attract viewers from across the world.

“Besides Penang, I believe this event will be known worldwide. Many viewers across the globe will get to enjoy and witness the various cultural programmes that are set to be an eye-opener.

Lanterns are installed in the city enclave.

“Compared to the past celebrations which were held over two consecutive days, this year’s ‘Miao Hui’ will be celebrated for nine consecutive days. It will be broadcasted daily.

“It is something new this year,” said Teh, who is also Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow’s political secretary.

Apart from that, Teh said lanterns were put up in the heritage enclave to enliven the atmosphere in a meaningful manner despite the challenges posed by the movement control order.

Teh

“We want to let everyone feel the atmosphere of Lunar New Year.

“It’s important for us to continue the usual tradition of celebrating the festival,” he said while welcoming sponsorships from anyone for the event.

‘Miao Hui’ advisor Kwoh Shoo Chen told Buletin Mutiara that her committee does not have any targeted number of audiences.

“Everything depends on the publicity of this event. We are happy if everyone does their part by promoting it.

“In fact, some 20 clan houses will present short video clips of their respective culture.

Kwoh

“They can have their chance to display their own unique culture,” she said.

For further details, visit https://www.facebook.com/pgcny.

Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Law Suun Ting & Edmund Lee