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two lions in the midst of their ritual at Festival Walk

Despite the absence of a waterway for the traditional ritual of tossing mandarin oranges by single ladies to be fished out by single men, the organisers, Hua Zong (Gabungan Pertubuhan Cina Malaysia), Perak Chinese Assembly Hall (Dewan Perhimpunan China Perak), Perak Chinese Assembly Hall (Ladies’ Wing) and Emerald Capital Group, still managed to pull off a memorable indoor Chap Goh Mei celebration last night at Festival Walk.

all good wishes from the two lions

Perak Menteri Besar YAB Dato' Seri Diraja Dr Zambry Abd Kadir is very happy with the two mandarin oranges received from the God of Prosperity

Although “Chap Goh Mei” means the fifteenth night in Hokkien dialect, which falls on Sunday, 24th Feb, this year, joyous events are organised in most Chinese communities on the fourteenth night. Nowadays, we even begin to celebrate on the thirteenth night, as evident from the Chap Goh Mei celebration at River Walk two evenings ago. This is Chinese Valentine’s Day and the night for singles to find a life partner.

Dr Zambry launches the Chap Goh Mei celebration at Festival Walk with the beating of the gong

Dr Zambry blesses the led-lighted lion, only the second such lion in Perak, which is sponsored by property developer, Emerald Capital Group

Graced by Perak Menteri Besar YAB Dato’ Seri Diraja Dr Zambry Abd Kadir and his wife, Datin Seri DiRaja Saripah Zulkifli, this Chap Goh Mei celebration began with an energetic double lion dance performance, to the delight of visitors. Chinese never tire of watching lion and dragon dances, right?

good wishes for the Menteri Besar and his spouse

The lions are alive!

The Menteri Besar (Chief Minister) brought with him the good news of Perak’s contribution to the preservation of Chinese culture with an allocation of RM100,000 to the Perak Chinese Assembly Hall, which will be organising the 30th Chinese Cultural Festival later this year. Soon, Ipoh (and Perak) will not only be synonymous with its food, but also cultural diversity.

Dr Zambry and his spouse, Datin Seri DiRaja Saripah Zulkifli, are delighted with the “ang pow” received from the God of Prosperity

kids clamouring for “ang pow” from the God of Prosperity

Activities lined-up included stage performances by local artistes. Most popular of all was hometown boy, Mohan, who delivered songs in Mandarin and Cantonese.

a young entertainer belting out Bukan Cinta Biasa

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