GEORGE TOWN – Despite being in Phase 2 of the National Recovery Plan (NRP), there will be no live concerts during the Hungry Ghost Festival this year in Penang and no plans for festivities to go online either.
Penang Teong Guan Association chairman Datuk Heng Yak Hoi said devotees are still conducting their prayers according to the standard operating procedures (SOPs).
“This is the second year we stopped live concerts because of the pandemic. There is nothing we can do. The performers are really struggling, but so is everyone. Other businesses are also affected badly.
“However, the government has loosened the restrictions and allowed a maximum of 50 persons to conduct their prayers in temples at any one time.”
However, only those who have completed two vaccination doses are allowed on temple grounds to perform their rituals.
“Families can conduct their prayers and burn offerings by the roadside only on the 14th and 15th day of the seventh lunar month, which is tomorrow and Sunday.
“No canopies will be put up, and no one can linger in the temples after prayers are done. Everyone has to adhere to SOPs and go home right after their prayers.”
The Teong Guan Association has long organised and helped run many Chinese religious activities, especially Chinese operas and performances during the Hungry Ghost Festival. – The Vibes, August 20, 2021
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