The Hungry Ghost Festival is a vibrant month-long event deeply rooted in Taoist and Buddhist traditions. Believers hold that during the seventh lunar month, the gates of the underworld open, allowing all spirits, including wandering hungry ghosts, to roam the mortal world, seeking sustenance and blessings. To pay their respects to their ancestors, appease restless souls and invite good fortune, local community committees erect temporary shrines, offer lavish feasts, and burn elaborate paper effigies.

The Malaysian Culture Group, guided expertly by Sean Liew and graciously hosted by the Ampang Mewah Hungry Ghost festival committee, learned about the king of the underworld (Da Shi Yeh), witnessed the ritual of ‘Breaking the Walls of Hell’ typically associated with the Hungry Ghost Festival and admired the colourful and beautifully decorated temporary shrine. 

 

Review thanks to Christina Gerstgrasser