[UPDATED] Despite earlier controversy, thousands turn up for Bon Odori

SHAH ALAM – Despite warnings for Muslims to stay away from the Bon Odori Festival, thousands of people are turning up at the Shah Alam Sports Complex here today as the event kicks off this afternoon.

Malaysians from all walks of life, some dressed in kimonos and yukata (summer robes) were eager to be part of the festivities as large crowds were waiting outside the stadium before the gates opened at 4.30pm.

The Shah Alam National Sports Complex is abuzz with activity as the Bon Odori festival makes a spectacular post-pandemic return. pic.twitter.com/SxujF4FdMw

— TheVibes.com (@thevibesnews) July 16, 2022

Traffic heading to the stadium has been slow moving, with attendees struggling to find appropriate parking despite the free shuttle service from the KTM station here.

There are stalls selling a dizzying array of Japanese street food as folk songs are blaring in the background. 

No festival would be complete without a wide array of delectable street food. pic.twitter.com/68yDcMdXrP

— TheVibes.com (@thevibesnews) July 16, 2022

Also spotted are foreign nationals and expatriates, many of whom were seen with their families enjoying the festivities.

Attendees have mostly congregated at the stadium field, surrounding the main stage which will showcase several cultural performances tonight.

Thousands more have arrived at the festival ground in the evening just before the taiko drum performance which is scheduled around 7pm.

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 (Jakim).

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 (Jais) should not obstruct anyone from attending the event.

The sultan also warned Idris not to issue confusing and inaccurate statements that would undermine Jakim’s image and reputation, and suggested that the minister attend the festival to see for himself the difference between culture and religion.

Sultan Sharafuddin had ordered Jais and Shah Alam City Council officers to attend the programme to see the festival for themselves.

Despite this, PAS defied the ruler, with its ulama council and the women’s wing doubling down on discouraging Muslims from participating in the event, saying it contains elements of Buddhist rituals.

Later PAS appeared to back down after its state commissioner Datuk Ahmad Yunus Hairi was summoned for an audience with the sultan over the festival. – The Vibes, July 16, 2022