6,000 devotees turn up at Loyang temple to celebrate Chap Goh Mei

For the past three years, Madam Soi Mui Tjong, 39, has been praying for peace at the close of Chinese New Year at the Loyang Tua Pek Kong Temple.

This year was no different.

Along with her three children, aged between nine and 16, she was among 6,000 devotees who turned up yesterday on the eve of chap goh mei for a special celebration at the temple.

Devotees believe that praying on chap goh mei, or the 15th day of the Chinese New Year, also called Yuan Xiao Jie, will bring peace to their lives, said Madam Soi, a housewife.

"I took my children there to pray for them and my family and explained to them the customs," she said.

Another devotee at the temple yesterday was Madam Susan Chow, 60, a tailor.

She has made trips to the temple during Chinese New Year for over 20 years without fail.

"It has become a habit for me," she said.

This year, she and the other devotees were treated to getai performances and free food such as popiah, laksa and chicken rice.

Other devotees were seen lighting joss sticks while some devotees were lucky enough to receive hongbao from a man dressed as the God of Fortune.

Ms Tan Yan Yan, one of the temple's administrative staff, said last night's atmosphere was very vibrant.

"Many turned up to enjoy the performances and food, celebrate yuan xiao jie and to pray for peace. It was a good way to end the Chinese New Year," she said.

This article was first published on Feb 22, 2016.
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