Hungry Ghost Festival (Phor Thor) 2009: Grand 25th anniversary celebration in SEA Park PJ (Part 1)

The Poh Toh Association (Persatuan Penyokong Penyokong Perayaan Poh Toh) in Section 21 SEA Park, Petaling Jaya celebrated the Hungry Ghost Festival 2009 in grand style to mark its 25th anniversary this year.

It was a grand celebration with seven colourful lions and two dragons troupe members performing awe-inspiring acts and fireworks lighed the night sky creating a festive and joyous mood. There were also the usual prayers ceremony, entertaining concert performance and a grand charity feast during the 4-day celebration held from September 14 – 17, 2009.

Hungry Ghost also known as Phor Thor festival is a month long celebration. According to Chinese belief, the gates of Hell (Hades) are opened in the seventh month (August 20 to September 18, 2009), releasing ghosts to roam among the livings on earth and feast on the sumptuous offerings prepared for them throughout the month. The Chinese feel that they have to satisfy the ghosts in order to get good fortune and better luck in their lives throughout the year.

The 30th day of the seventh moon is the last day of the Hungry Ghost Festival. At midnight, the ghosts return to Hell and the gates are shut after them.


More pics continued at:
Hungry Ghost Festival (Phor Thor) 2009: Grand 25th anniversary celebration in SEA Park PJ (Part 2)



Seven colourful lion troupes performed praying and greetings to deity Tai Su Yeah (King of Hades) on the first day celebration of the Hungry Ghost festival in Section 21, SEA Park, Petaling Jaya. A temporary altar was setup under a makeshift aluminium-rooftop tent at Jalan 21/17 in front of the wet market.


An awe-inspiring lion dance performing with mandarin oranges.


Three yellow lions with eye catching sequins and their prancing movements.


Two dragon troupes accompanied by an 'old lady' wearing facial mask in traditional costume began their performance in front of Ayamas SEA Park at Jalan 21/17.


The two dragons chasing the pearls at Jalan 21/17.


The graceful movements of the two dragons.

The dragon moved in a wave-like pattern at Jalan 21/17.


The dragons dance as they thrill you with their acrobatic actions at Jalan 21/17 next to the mamak Indome stall outside Sun Fatt Kee restaurant.


The dragon chasing the pearl in front of Pelangi Snooker at Jalan 21/11B.


The two dragons praying to deity Tai Su Yeah (King of Hades).


The two dragons performing a praying ritual.


The 'old lady' wearing a facial mask in traditional costume is actually a man who is the 'sifu' (master) of the lion dance troupe of Yuen Leong Sing Fatt Kg. Cempaka., PJ.


The dragon dance troupe of Yuen Leong Sing Fatt Kg. Cempaka, PJ.


A makeshift stage was setup for entertainment including singing and dancing for the enjoyment of the ghosts and spirits. Of course the public are also invited to enjoy the nightly entertainment.


This front row of seven chairs are tied with threads and left vacant. You may not see the ghosts but the seats are reserved for them to watch the performance.


Playing melodies of classical Chinese music using traditional musical instruments.


A sexy performer to tease the audience.


A performer dancing to the accompaniment of backup dancers.


The young performers captivating the guests with their lively tunes.


The dancers with their energetic performance help liven things up.


A performer singing popular songs.


The audience was enthralled by the lively entertainmnet.


The effigy of deity Tai Su Yeah (King of Hades) sits grandly at temporary aluminium rooftop tent set up in Jalan 21/17 next to the wet market. On the first day of the celebration, prayers were held to invite Tai Su Yeah (King of Hades) to decend to the living world.


Devotees lighting incense joss-sticks to offer prayers to Tai Su Yeah (King of Hades).


The five paper horse effigies symbolise earth, water, wind, fire and metal which sustain life.


A caucasian man is seen here offering prayer to Tai Su Yeah (King of Hades).


Devotees offering mass prayers.


Taoist monks chanting during a ritual to absolve the deceased from suffering.


A worshipper knelt on her knees to offer her prayer to Tai Su Yeah (King of Hades).


Rows of colourful joss paper hung on the temporary aluminium rooftop tent.


Stacks of rice offerings to appease the ghosts and spirits.


Bananas and duku langsat are also included.


A sacrificial lamb ....


... and a sacrificial pig too.


A row of roasted pigs.


Devotees making donations at the temporary collection booth.


One for th album: Committee members of the SEA Park Poh Toh Association (Persatuan Penyokong Penyokong Perayaan Poh Toh) 2009 in a group photo.
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