Colourful Chap Goh Mei celebration lights up Siniawan Old Town

BAU (March 3): Siniawan Old Town was awash in colour and the thunderous bursts of firecrackers as thousands gathered for the annual Chap Goh Mei celebration and Ah-Nyong Traditional Street Procession today.

The procession, held in honour of the Chinese goddess Guanyin, began at Swee Guk Kung Temple and wound its way along Jalan Jugan Siniawan, Jalan Ta Foh Sak, Siniawan Old Town, Tanjung Durian, and Keranji, before returning to the temple around 2pm.

Locals and tourists began arriving as early as 7am, joining committee members, volunteers, and lion and dragon dance troupes at the temple grounds.

The deity’s palanquin was carried through eight villages, reaching Siniawan Old Town between 9am and 10am, drawing large crowds who lined the narrow streets to witness the spectacle.

Children and youths of all ages took part in lively performances, presenting various styles of lion dances, including Hakka lions, Southern lions, and Northern lions.

Many spectators were seen touching the lions as they passed — a gesture believed to bring blessings and good fortune.

Crowds also gathered around the large altar table, adorned with an assortment of fruits and kuih as offerings to the deities.

A total of 34 groups participated in the six-hour morning parade, with 64 groups expected for the evening procession.

The evening programme was scheduled to begin at 5pm, culminating at 8.30pm with the traditional bamboo pole lamp lifting, lighting, and blessing ceremony, marking the highlight of the night’s celebration.