Deities taken on tour of JB

JOHOR BARU: The annual Chingay procession this year was a big success, attracting a huge crowd of 200,000 people along its 8km route through the city.

The city centre was transformed into a colourful wonderland filled with beautifully-decorated floats, cultural performances and lion, dragon and tiger dances as the procession made its round.

The spectators, both locals and foreigners, cheered and clapped as stilt walkers, towering-flag bearers, traditional Chinese bands, singers and Chinese doll dancers entertained them with great performances.

The celebration, believed to be among the biggest outside China, attracted media attention from Taiwan and Hong Kong.

Among the highlights was a huge lighted float with 108 tiger statues in various positions extolling the Year of the Tiger.

This Chingay procession honours the five Gods that represent the Hakka, Cantonese, Hokkien, Teo Chew and Hainanese communities and these deities are taken on a tour of the city on the 21st day of the Lunar New Year.

For first-time visitor, Omar Tuncel, 68, the sights and sounds of the parade were unique.

“I have never been to such an event before and I am glad that a friend recommended that we watch the procession.

“I was in awe of the lion dancers on stilts and amazed by their agility and precision,” he said, adding that he and his wife, who was also present, were on a sailing voyage to various countries in the region.

Another excited visitor, Mages Balkish Mariam from India, said it was her fifth time at the parade.

“I am studying here and I never miss a chance to watch the parade,” she said.

While watching the beautiful floats and performances, she said the spirit of togetherness could be felt strongly by the visitors.

“It is nice to see people of different races from many backgrounds, religions and countries coming together to celebrate and enjoy this beautiful festival,” she said.

Johor Baru Tiong Hua Association president Lim Ik Kim said this year’s procession was special because the floats carried the 1Malaysia theme.

“Besides being a religious event, it signifies unity among Malaysians,” he said, adding that 15 floats took part in the celebration.

“We had the attention of the foreign media as well as visitors from Vietnam, Macau, Singapore, Taiwan and Hong Kong,” he said.

-News courtesy of The Star-