Unique Hindu Celebration Sets the Sea Aglow in Penang

March 16, 2006

Source: The Star

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2006/3/16/north/13666221&sec=North

On March 16, 2006 The Star reported, "The sea off Teluk Bahang in Penang was awash with lights as devotees of Sri Singa-muga Kaliamman temple there released thousands of styrofoam lanterns into the water. The devotees made wishes before setting the lanterns afloat during the temple's annual floating chariot festival on Monday night. Celebrated during the Masimagan month of the Indian Calendar, the festival was held in honour of Lord Sri Singamuga Kaliamman. 'This is the 109th year we are celebrating the festival. This is the only temple in Malaysia to have a chariot in the sea,' temple secretary N. Ganesan said. He said the crowd grew bigger every year as an increasing number of people were coming from all over the country and Singapore to witness the unique chariot in the open sea. 'We really hope that this annual celebration will become a tourist attraction in Penang,' he added."