This is a yearly filial piety celebration organized by the Youth Section of Sian Chye Tong Temple at 395 Hye Keat Estate, Air Itam, Penang, in memory of the departed ancestors. The event commences from 31 July 2011 till this Saturday 20 August 2011. Daily offering of vegetarian foods, fruits, flowers and chanting of prayers will be held throughout the celebration. Name and death date of the deceased will be written on a paper tablet and placed in front of a decorated alter of Amitabha Buddha.
Buddhist celebrates this festival under the name – Ullambana. During the seventh lunar month, the living descendants pay homage to their deceased ancestors. On the fifteenth day, the realms of Heaven and Hell and the realm of living are open and Buddhists would perform rituals to transmute and absolve the suffering of the deceased. During this celebration, living descendants will make offerings (Dana) and prayers are held to accrue the meritorious deeds for the deceased in order that they could attain speedy rebirth.
On the final day – 20 August 2011, monks and nuns will conduct special prayers and all the paper tablets will be placed in the “Say Hong Chun” (Paper Ship) and burnt. The ship (“Say Hong Chun”) symbolizes Amitabha Buddha’s effort to ferry the deceased to Buddha Pure Land for repent and rebirth. According to Youth Section Chairman, Mr. Loh, the paper ship was made with the help of the members and took about 3 weeks to complete. Materials used included bamboo, cardboards and joss paper. An offering (“Phor Thor”) will also be held on a big scale on the final day to appease the Hungry Ghosts.
All are welcome. buffet dinner will be provided on the final day. For further details, please contact Tel: 04-8283296.
