During the seventh month of the Chinese lunar calendar, Malaysia observes the Hungry Ghost Festival, a tradition rooted in the belief that the living and the dead maintain enduring connections. This year's observance, which began in mid-August, centers around the worship of Da Shi Ye, also known as the Guardian God of Ghosts, a practice that dates back to a plague in Bukit Mertajam in 1888.
The 15-day celebration involves devotees praying and making offerings before a large effigy of Da Shi Ye, typically constructed from paper and bamboo. The festival culminates in the ceremonial burning of the effigy, symbolizing the deity's return to the spirit world. In Bukit Mertajam, an estimated 10,000 to 20,000 people attended this year's burning ceremony.
Honoring the Deceased
Lee Kim Fong, the general affairs coordinator for the event, explained that a primary purpose of the festival is to care for wandering spirits, particularly those with no one to worship or make offerings to them, such as individuals who died in accidents or have no surviving family members.
This tradition is a blend of Buddhist, Taoist, and Chinese folk religious beliefs. While the Qingming Festival, or Tomb-Sweeping Day, focuses on honoring one's own ancestors, the Hungry Ghost Festival extends these considerations to all unclaimed and wandering spirits. During Taoist ceremonies, priests recite scriptures and perform rites to aid the deceased in finding peace and liberation, offering comfort and nourishment to those without descendants.
Crafting the Effigy
The towering Da Shi Ye effigy in Bukit Mertajam has a tradition of growing taller each year; by 2026, it reached 8.9 meters (approximately 29 feet). Ng Chi Wong, an artisan with over four decades of experience crafting these figures, works with a team of seven or eight people for about a month and a half to complete each effigy. While the general structure is known, the design and construction rely heavily on the artisans' experience and understanding of the tradition.
Evolving Traditions and Community Role
Beyond its spiritual significance, the Hungry Ghost Festival in Malaysia has evolved to encompass charitable activities. Since the 1970s, celebrations have included fundraising campaigns and auctions of blessed offerings to support local causes, such as medical needs and Chinese-language education. This has transformed the festival into a platform for strengthening community solidarity.
Organizers are also adapting to ensure broader participation. Recognizing that not everyone can attend in person, online worship options have been introduced for devotees overseas or those unable to travel. A professional team documented the recent festival from August 14 through August 29, with plans to share the footage online to allow a global audience to experience the event. Organizers view the preservation of this century-old Chinese tradition as a responsibility to future generations.