Hungry Ghost Festival

Yesterday coincided with 7th lunar month of the Chinese calendar. It is believed that the souls would be released from hades to roam free on earth. Many of them are lost souls whom have no home, no family and no food who are on a month break.
Everywhere, the livings would make offerings of food, paper paraphenalias like clothes, electrical items for these wandering souls.

Taoist Chinese burnt candles, joss-sticks and offering foods and gold and silver notes by the road sides or even make shifts tents. Stage performances usually Chinese Opera and Karaoke Shows were shown to entertain these lost souls so that they would avoid disturbing the livings. The Chinese prayed to these souls who are "holidaying" on earth.....hoping they would be kind to us, protect us from harm and bring us good fortune.

The Chinese believe that on the 7th month, tragedies will strike more often. You can observe this especially on the Penang Bridge or NS Highways. The number of accidents fold doubles. Old folks usually refused going to hospital on the 7th month as they believe this period as unauspicious. Weddings, shifting house, opening new business premise were put on hold on this month. Bless us..Amithaba.