LANTERN PLEDGES: Lu (centre with microphone) and temple committee members are all smiles and applaud as the lanterns are lit to celebrate the upcoming Chinese New Year.
KUCHING: Tong Kak Kuang Temple remains dedicated to promoting the Chinese culture and family values as the Dragon makes way for the Snake.
Temple president Temenggong Lu Kim Yong said during the lantern-lighting ceremony on Sunday night that devotees can pledge a sum of money for a lantern and pray for their family’s health, long life, prosperity, unity and peace.
The lantern pledges range from RM100 to RM300.
The temple normally turns the lanterns on during the first and fifteenth day of the lunar month, but the 500 indoor and 500 outdoor lanterns will remain lit all through the Chinese New Year.
“Since we moved here in 2002, we have been able to offer more comfortable washing places for devotees, a memorial hall where families can set up tablets for their ancestors and better convenience for everyone,” Lu said.
He added that they have fewer restrictions from other Buddhist associations, and that the temple’s location makes it easy for families to come and commemorate their ancestors.
The temple also has an active dance group called ‘Kumpulan Tarian Canang’ which participated in many temple processions. The group is dedicated to preserving Chinese dances, and is open to anyone who is interested.
“We have practices every Tuesday and Thursday from 8pm to 9pm. It is free to join.”
For further information on any of the above, contact Temenggong Lu at 016-8866153 or call the temple at 082-417240.