Nine Emperor Gods Festival 2008

A few weeks ago, I chanced upon a website recently, which listed festivals/events happening in Chinese Temples all around Singapore. And i saw that there were some events specially organised for the annual Nine Emperor Gods (九皇爷) Festivals. I remember watching a documentary years ago on this festival, and i was very intrigued and fascinated by the colour, the intensity and the passion of the people involved in the festival. The most interesting aspect for me was the sending off the Gods at a secluded beach, where burning chariots were pushed out into the sea at night.

Thus i was quite excited about having a chance to witness first hand this festival, and after checking with the webmaster of the site i mentioned earlier, he advised me that it would be better if i went to the festivities held at the open space at Eunos MRT, instead of going to one of the temples. So on the night of 7 Oct 2008, i rushed down to the open space after work, and what followed was quite an eye-opener. The sounds, the smell of the incense, the heat generated from the crowds there, and most of all, the sights of the festival all brought a rush to my blood, even though i was there just as an observer and not a participant.

The highlight of the event on that night, and which all the believers there were waiting patiently for, was the Manifestation of the Gods in the Chariots. There were 9 chariots, one for each of the nine emperor gods, and all of them looked heavy, yet all the chariots were swaying vigorously to and fro, carried by about 4 bearers each time.

As an observer, i could feel the fervent faith of the believers strongly resonating through the space. The tent was packed, yet there was no jostling and pushing. 2 emcees worked the crowds, creating a lively atmosphere, but also exhorted the crowds to look after their belongings, to watch out for the elderly and the children, and to keep a safe distance from the swayings. I could not help but joined in the shouts of “Huat Ah”!

I left the place a few hours later, reeking strongly of incense, with my rewards being the hundreds of photographs i took, and feeling more alive in that past few hours than in the entire week at work…

Let my pictures tell the story…

(for more info about the festival itself, please refer here.)

Entrance to tent

The Chariots

Beaming after preparations completed

Prayers

Waiting and waiting…and feeling sleepy…

Opera performers getting ready backstage

Evening repose

8 Immortals walking, not crossing the sea…

Dragon Dance

Cute boy amongst the din

Faith

The 1st Chariot

Wishing…

The Bell-ringing auntie