MELAKA, Jan 14 — Thousands of Taoists from Malaysia in addition to overseas crammed the streets of outdated Melaka final Thursday as a part of the Wangkang Festival procession.
As an imposing barge led the procession which began from the Wangkang Museum in Bandar Hilir, the colorful parade served as a spectacular opening occasion for Visit Melaka Year 2024.
Devotees take part within the procession in Melaka. — Picture by Shafwan Zaidon
The title “wangkang” itself interprets to “royal ship,” a becoming moniker for the centrepiece of the pageant.
Datuk Ronald Gan, director of this yr’s pageant and president of the Association Peranakan Baba Nyonya Malaysia, defined its historic significance.
“While oral custom suggests the primary Wangkang ceremony was in 1846, photographic proof factors to 1919 because the earliest documented celebration in Melaka.”
Devotees carry a statue throughout through the Wangkang ceremony. — Picture by Shafwan Zaidon
Beyond its historic roots, the pageant holds deep religious which means.
“This ceremony invitations stressed spirits to board the Wangkang ship and serve within the navy of the god Ong Yah. By channelling their energies, we consider chaos on this planet might be not directly lowered, bringing peace and concord.”
The ship is transported to incineration web site. — Picture by Shafwan Zaidon
Participants getting ready the ship earlier than it’s incinerated. — Picture by Shafwan Zaidon
The ship is incinerated through the Wangkang ceremony. — Picture by Shafwan Zaidon
The pageant itself was recognised by Unesco as an Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2020. Unlike different annual celebrations, the Wangkang Festival takes place at rare intervals with the subsequent one anticipated in 2031.
This makes witnessing this occasion all of the extra particular.
