Of Gods and deities

Yesterday, I'm suppose to be studying for my mid term test yet I just can't get myself out of the festival. A procession of Taoism, grand procession that only held once in years. Of course, the consideration between the paper and the procession... well, I solve it all. Anyways, according to source, the procession was held as the deity warned that evil spirits and ghosts are bringing more harm soon. Therefore, procession is needed to be held to ward off those dirty things to protect the citizens. So, it's once in a many years, so why not join the fun? It's even merrier than Chinese New Year and it's also where the gap between young and old generations are bridge. There were many gods and deities on their shrines.

There are floats, loyal disciples, shrines, mediums and joy. Their journey begins from my taman, Bachang, Melaka Baru, Peringgit, Pengkalan Rama, Malim and back to my taman. The temple is located just a road away. Their procession begins from 2.30 pm till 12.30 am. Although, I didn't manage to walk for the procession but I was there to show my support. :)

During the morning, the ritual begins where gods were invited to possess into the medium. The whole lane was full of cars even the main road. It's indeed merry at the temple. Many volunteers had arrived to alleviate the traffic, time flow, welfare and many more. According to the sources, to hold this float procession, it costs roughly RM 100,000++ and thanks to some sponsors, we are able to join the fun. The best part was the firecrackers, a politician was invited to officiate and the shrines were shaken to bring more luck. Sway the shrine!

Firecrackers all the way to mark the procession!

Wee. Dragon dancing!

I love Lion Dance!

God's shrine. (Unsure which god was it)

Main float

Different shrines

Another different shrines

Eight Deities crossing the sea

Another shrine

Another shrine again

This shrine belongs to Guan Gong

The main god Man Gong Man Ma

So, after long consideration from the god through the medium, Thank God he finally agreed to bless us during the procession. Not being superstitious but it's fun. Lifetime experience. Hence, we prepared fruits and foods to be pray. Surprisingly, firecrackers were allowed to be lit. :) So, after watching the opening ceremony, mum and I went back home to get ready.

The offerings

Tea for the gods

They are coming

Firecrackers to mark their arrival

One of the Supreme Gods

Notice the 4WDs

The Supreme God on the way

Mostly, the god enters the house only once and we were lucky as the main god made a turn into my lane and enter the house. Apart from Nezha and his accompanions, the Shang Di god (the Supreme god) had actually came and visited us. The gods or mediums suppose to walk and 'ronda' the whole taman before they actually walk the real procession which is to visited other temples to show respect.

Night falls and the procession is still on and it was quite surprisingly that the weather turned out perfectly nice. Their pit stop, Taman Peringgit Jaya, opposite Sentral Bus Station, to provide dinner for the volunteers and to visit the old temple. So, the whole family went to visit, dad wants to visit his friend who is the Supreme God medium. Meanwhile, I wandered off to get more shots.

Bright lights Trishaws

The opera singers

The gods' figures

The real size of the shrine

They are amusing and cheeky

Three old ladies to sweep the floor. To 'clean' the way for the God.

Shake the SHRINE!

Lions in the dark

The main Shrine

Colorful Beca

Guan Gong

By the time they reached their destination, it's late. Very late. Fireworks were displayed to mark the end of the procession and lion dances were held. Rituals were held to send the gods back to heaven. That's the end of the procession.

Next Monday, there will be a grand dinner held to mark the Supreme God's birthday.

To upload the pictures is tiring after all but it was fun.