Huge crowd joins DPM to celebrate mooncake festival

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Zahid (second right), accompanied by (from left) Lu, Abang Johari, Chan and Masing (right) cutting a giant mooncake to symbolically officiate at the festival. — Photos by Chimon Upon

Zahid (second right), accompanied by (from left) Lu, Abang Johari, Chan and Masing (right) cutting a giant mooncake to symbolically officiate at the festival. — Photos by Chimon Upon

Both the young and adults happily participating in a lantern procession held during the event.

Both the young and adults happily participating in a lantern procession held during the event.

Lion dance performers take part in the procession to celebrate the occasion.

Lion dance performers take part in the procession to celebrate the occasion.

Those attending the festival also take the time to stroll around Taman Sahabat.

Those attending the festival also take the time to stroll around Taman Sahabat.

Children in traditional costumes, happily displaying their lanterns before taking part in the procession.

Children in traditional costumes, happily displaying their lanterns before taking part in the procession.

A visitor admiring the many lanterns on display at the festival organised by  MBKS and Federation of Chinese Associations.

A visitor admiring the many lanterns on display at the festival organised by
MBKS and Federation of Chinese Associations.

Zahid greets the crowd upon his arrival at the event.

Zahid greets the crowd upon his arrival at the event.

KUCHING: The Kuching South City Council (MBKS)-Federation of Chinese Association Mooncake Festival 2015 opened here last night to a packed crowd, despite a light drizzle.

A lion dance welcomed Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Zahid Hamidi to Taman Sahabat for the celebration, which was filled with flickering lights, lanterns and mooncakes.

Mayor Dato James Chan said the festival presented a wonderful opportunity for families, friends and neighbours to spend quality time together.

“In our diverse community, the Chinese, Malay, Iban, Bidayuh and other races alike can learn to appreciate one another’s traditions and culture through celebrations such as this.”

Community harmony and bonding, Chan stressed, were important pillars to ensure that Kuching city remained a socially cohesive society.

“The key to social cohesion is continuous interaction among the various groups.”

Meanwhile, federation president Temenggong Lu Kim Yong pointed out that even though traditions have changed over time, the festival still continued to value the element of unity and gratitude.

“We are proud to see so many people of different backgrounds come together to celebrate this festival. This is the true spirit of 1Malaysia in harmony and unity, a core value that Sarawakians vow to defend and uphold for the continuous progress of our country,” he said.

This year’s lantern-making competition, organised by the Federation boasts a strong competition, with some 80 lanterns competing. The competition for this year has two themes – ‘Unity, The Way Forward’ and ‘Festivity with People’.

The number of participants in the competition has increased more than two fold, according to the federation Youth chief Lim Goh Horng Jenq.

“The designs are more complex and creative this year,” he said.

The highlight of the gathering was Zahid and several community leaders cutting a mooncake to get the celebration going. Zahid also took a stroll around the park to enjoy the sights and sounds of the Mid-Autumn celebration.

A small lantern parade was also held in the park, participated by NGOs, associations, social clubs and schools.