The journey of faith – the Haj

Introduction

Hari Raya Haji (or Hari Raya Korban) falls on the 10th day of Zulhijah, the last month of the Muslim calendar. It is a major Islamic festival and of particular significance for pilgrims who have returned from performing the Haj or umrah (pilgrimage) in Mecca. It may not be as grand as Hari Raya Aidil Fitri (or Hari Raya Puasa) in terms of joyous celebrations, but is important nonetheless for Muslims the world over.

Celebrating Vesak (or Wesak) Day in Penang

"Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared."—Buddha.

Vesak Day falls on the full moon of the lunar month of Vesākha (either in April, May or June). Also known as Buddha Purnima, it is considered as a holy celebration for the Buddhists as the day commemorates Gautama Buddha's birth, enlightenment (nirvāna) and death (parinirvāna).

Pausing for Reflection on Holy Vesak Day

As 21st century Malaysia hurtles deeper into the recesses of globalisation, an urban rat-race and the 'kiasu' syndrome, does Buddhist culture still bear relevance in preserving traditional values?

The beggar readily sees a bare floor as a place for a good sleep. The rich man, on the other hand, will have nothing else but the softest bed in a 5-star hotel.

Both men, poor and rich, have one similar need - to sleep. But they have completely different levels of craving, different heights of desire.

Madam Hong and Cheng Beng

There are some who believe that traditionally, the task of performing Cheng Beng rituals falls on the family of the eldest son, followed by the next in seniority and so on. The eldest son is thus entirely responsible in ensuring that the rituals of ancestral offerings are carried out properly.

Cheng Beng – the Festival of the Tombs

History

The history and practice of Chinese religious and cultural festivals go back a long way, some even beyond the span of written history.

Over the years, the traditions associated with these festivals are handed down from generation to generation within communities, with very little changes introduced. The only difference found in a festival celebrated in two different countries would be cultural ones.

Pictorial essay of the energetic Angin OMbulan performance

21 July 2022 • 8:30 pm • Fort Cornwallis, Penang

Aida Redza and Kamal Sabran teamed up once again under the George Town Festival 2022 in Angin OMbulan, an on-site experimental performance. It was an expanded version of “Ssegar Angin” that was presented at the Venice Arts Biennale in April 2022 under the invitation of Port Perak, supported by George Town Festival 2022.

Hari Raya Open House

The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language describes an open house as "a social event in which hospitality is extended to all". This could be taken to mean that the diplomacy of inviting one and all to your house to celebrate an event is not an unfamiliar practice. But one could conjecture that nowhere else in the world would you find an open house event as big and as merry as the ones held in Malaysia.

Eleanor McEvoy, an Irish songwriter live in Penang

The introduction to Eleanor McEvoy came when my dear friend Maggie Territt asked if I could design the streamer, posters and tickets for a concert she was organising. The show was to take place at Healy Mac's Irish Bar & Restaurant, part of a series of Irish cultural events around St Patrick’s season.

Awal Muharram and the Hijri Calendar: marking Islamic History and Traditions

Awal Muharram, also known as Maal Hijrah, marks the beginning of the new Hijri year, falling on the first day of Muharram on the Muslim calendar. The phrase "Maal Hijrah" in Arabic translates to "migration", symbolising Prophet Muhammad's emigration as a process of positive change and leaving behind negative aspects of life. Thus, this new year's day for Muslims emphasises reflection, remembrance and gratitude.

"Nature At Play", Michael Quah's evocative solo art show

Besides my beloved parents, a handful of inspiring teachers have steered my decision to make art my career, and what a rewarding and fruitful endeavour it has been. Among them are Mr Ng Kok Lum (La Salle School, Form 1-3), Mr Michael Quah (St. Xavier's Institution, Form 4-5) and all my lecturers at The Malaysian Institute of Art.

Captivating Moments: 34th Baba Nyonya International Convention and SCPA's 103rd Anniversary Celebration

Alongside 29 members of the State Chinese (Penang) Association (SCPA), we journeyed to Malacca for the 34th Baba Nyonya International Convention held on 24-26 November 2023, hosted by Persatuan Peranakan Baba Nyonya Malaysia. President Dato' Ronald Gan and his organising team, led by Lee Yuen Thien, dedicated themselves to orchestrating a series of captivating events centred around the theme "Between Man and the Ocean", featuring the "chi-wen" (fish-like dragon), believed to be one of the nine sons of the dragon, providing protection from harm and misfortune for all.

SPP 30th Anniversary Twin City Photo Exhibition: A Visual Extravaganza!

Embarking on a captivating photographic journey, the Society of Photographers Penang (SPP) commemorated its 30th Anniversary with a Twin City Photo Exhibition and a series of thrilling photography activities held at Gurney Walk from 7 to 15 December 2023.

Celebrating Peranakan heritage at the 35th Baba Nyonya International Convention in Phuket

The Thai Peranakan Association had the honour of hosting the 35th Baba Nyonya International Convention at the Duangjitt Resort & Spa from 15-17 November 2024. This vibrant gathering brought together over 500 delegates from Penang, Kuala Lumpur, Malacca, Kelantan, Terengganu, Singapore, Indonesia, Perth and Melbourne, fostering a rich exchange of cultural identities and strengthening the bonds that unite the global Peranakan community.

Penang Welcomes the Asean Navies’ City Parade After 35 Years

The morning of 17 August 2025 unfolded with pageantry and purpose. After 35 years, the Asean Navies’ City Parade (ANCP) returned to Penang and I had the honour of taking part as a member of the State Chinese (Penang) Association (SCPA).

Ramadhan – a time for reflection

Once again, Ramadhan, the holiest of months for Muslims, is almost upon us. The ninth month of the Muslim year is strictly observed by all Muslims as a month of fasting (and abstinence) during which they would abstain from the pleasures of eating, drinking and carnal desires and actions from sunrise to sunset. Ramadhan usually lasts from 29 to 30 days, after which Muslims celebrate Id-al-Fitr (Hari Raya Puasa in the local language). Fasting is one of the five basic duties of Islam.

Chap Goh Meh—The Night of Romance

A charming Chap Goh Meh tale tells of a lonely young bachelor who, on a moonlit outing, was spellbound by a fleeting glimpse of the most beautiful girl he had ever seen. Radiant in her finery, she passed before him like a vision, leaving him breathless and desperate to know her name. Heart pounding, he hastily noted the number of her car.

At first light, buoyed by hope, he traced her address and implored his mother to dispatch a matchmaker to the home of the girl he was certain he would marry.

The Spring Festival—an insight into the festivities of Chinese New Year

The Chinese community observes various festivals, encompassing both religious and secular occasions. Among these, a particularly significant celebration is the Spring Festival, commonly referred to in Penang as Chinese New Year or Lunar New Year.

The intriguing tale of deliverance behind the Hokkien New Year

The ninth day of the first lunar month holds deep significance for the Hokkien people, a subgroup of the Chinese community. Some traditionalists even regard it as more important than the first day of Chinese New Year, as it marks the day their ancestors were spared from massacre. According to legend, the Jade Emperor, also known as the God of Heaven, provided them with divine protection. As a result, Hokkien communities, especially in Penang, observe this occasion with even greater reverence and festivity.

On The Crest Of Prayer—The Thaipusam Story

From the top of the green hill, the endless string of devotees dotting its way up the concrete steps seemed like a sacred procession of silence.

Carrying milk-pots of brass and silver, and harnessed in colourful kavadis, the worshippers inched their way to the great temple overhead with sweet hypnotic resolve. The children, the elders, even the disabled ones, scaled slowly with their ceremonial burdens, ascending with a mission to the call of the good Lord Muruga above.

St. Patrick’s Ball 2017 through the lens of a Nikon D750

Yes, I am a Nikon D750 and would like to invite you to stop, pause and discover wonderful things I see through my lens. I am a brilliant engineering wonder that has evolved through the passage of photography. Having said that, the man who decides how much light goes through me, how fast the shutter speed is and when to capture that magical moment makes all the difference in the outcome of a photograph.