In conjunction with the Hungry Ghost Festival, thousands of devotees and tourists have been flocking to pay homage to the country’s tallest effigy of the Chinese ‘King of Hades’, better known as Tai Su Yeah (King of Hades) in Jalan Pasar in Bukit Mertajam.

The festival is celebrated in the seventh lunar month of the Chinese calendar by Chinese communities, mostly in southern China, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

Bukit Mertajam Phor Thor Committee chairperson Tan Cheang Heng said every year, many tourists would get a closer look at the effigy.

He said the committee would increase the height of the effigy - made of paper and bamboo - to reflect the continued success and prosperity of the people.

“This year, we increased the height of the effigy to about 8.23 metres which cost us over RM20,000,” he told Bernama when contacted in Bukit Mertajam today.

Tan said the celebration had attracted over 100,000 devotees and tourists during the 15-day period.

“It required more than 10 people in over three hours to use a crane to set up the effigy,” he added.

He said prayer sessions began on July 29 to enable the public to offer prayers any time throughout the celebration.

Tomorrow, the effigy would be torched to give the deity a grand send-off.

The Chinese believe that when the Gates of Hell are opened in the seventh lunar month, spirits enjoy a holiday as they roam freely in the human world.

Mid-way through the festival, food is offered and paper money and incense are burnt outside homes to placate the spirits of dead ancestors and ensure good luck.

Chinese operas and puppet shows are held for the wandering spirits at street corners in the city and in open spaces in the suburbs.

- Bernama