Friday, February 19, 2010

Guests and curious onlookers defy drizzle to join in the fun

THE drizzle did not dampen the spirits of those who attended the launch of the seventh Chinese New Year (CNY) carnival and lighting ceremony in Kajang.

The ceremony kicked off a series of events for the upcoming festival such as the CNY bazaar (6pm-11pm until Feb 13), calligraphy contest (4.30pm, Feb 7), and the CNY carnival (10am-11pm on Feb 28).

The lanterns along Jalan Mendaling, Kajang, where the event was held, were lit to mark the launch. The invited guests then picked up their torches and marched behind the several “lions” that led the procession.
Just moments after the parade began, it started drizzling but most marched on, braving the rain while some were armed with umbrellas and others took shelter under the covered walkways.
It was an interesting sight to see the lion dance performers parading through the covered corridors of the shoplots.


All set: Hassan (fourth from left, in red), Lee (third from right), and Gabungan Persatuan Tionghua Hulu Langat chairman Yeoh Ban Chee (second from left) hoisting their torches before the procession kicked off.

The rain did not deter curious bystanders from joining in the parade and enjoying the performances of the lion dance performers on stilts and the dragon dance troupe.

Kajang Municipal Council (MPKj) president Datuk Hassan Nawawi Abdul Rahman, who attended the event, wished everyone Gong Xi Fa Cai.
Kajang assemblyman Lee Kim Sin was pleased with the turnout despite the rain.
“This is not to celebrate the festive season but the historical value as our ancestors first arrived here along Sungai Langat to set up the settlement,” he said.

From The Star- 4/2/2010

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