[PHOTOS] Thousands throng Bon Odori Festival, kicking off without a hitch

SHAH ALAM – Despite courting controversy in June, the Bon Odori Festival kicked off without a hitch last weekend, with thousands of people – including Muslims – flocking the Shah Alam Sports Complex to celebrate the centuries-old Japanese tradition.

The event, which started on Saturday saw Malaysians – as well as Japanese nationals – from all walks of life donning the iconic kimonos and yukata (summer robes) as gates to the compound opened at around 4.30pm.

With colourful lanterns, a dizzying array of Japenese delicacies, and the blaring of folk songs, the festival was certainly a sight to behold.

Also joining in on the fun-filled gathering were foreigners and expatriates who were seen enjoying the festivities with their families.

The crowd was mostly seen congregating on the stadium field, surrounding the main stage where several cultural showcases took place.

The Bon Odori Festival this year also marks the 30th anniversary of the Look East Policy, which was instrumental to Malaysia’s industrialisation efforts and economic growth.

Last month, religious affairs minister Datuk Idris Ahmad advised Muslims not to participate in the Japanese festival as it contains elements of other religions and could lead to confusion, affecting the Muslims’ beliefs.

And this he added was based on studies and the views of the Islamic Development Department.

It then ignited a firestorm and a flurry of public debates, which was somehow put to rest after Selangor ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah decreed that the state Islamic Religious Department should not obstruct anyone from attending the event. 

PETRA News visual crew member, SAIREN NAFIS was at the Shah Alam Sports Complex grounds to see thousands celebrate the Bon Odori Festival. – The Vibes, July 18, 2022