GEORGE TOWN: The Kek Lok Si temple in Air Itam and its famed pagoda will once again be lighted up with more than 10,000 lanterns and 230,000 decorative bulbs for the Chinese New Year.

Temple trustee Datuk Steven Ooi said the annual lighting-up ceremony of the 119-year-old temple would be at 7pm on Sunday.

He said the newly-opened 20-storey octagonal pavilion, which shelters the 30.2m bronze Goddess of Mercy (Kuan Yin) statue, would only be lit up on the eve of Chinese New Year.

The pavilion is believed to be the tallest in the world.

Ooi said the temple grounds, excluding the pavilion area, would be lit up from 7pm to 10pm from Sunday until Feb 12.

He reminded people not to make a beeline to the temple at night just because the lights were switched on, as night-time visits would only be allowed during the first 28 days of the Chinese lunar calendar.

“In the past years, there have always been visitors driving up to the temple at night before Chinese New Year because of the lights, only to have to drive away disappointed,” he said.

“We chose an auspicious day for the lighting ceremony according to the Chinese almanac, but for now until Feb 13, the temple is only open daily as usual from 8.30am to 5.30pm.”

He said that for three nights from Chinese New Year’s eve, the entire temple would be brightly lit from 7pm to 7am.

From the third day of Chinese New Year until Chap Goh Meh on Feb 28, the lights will be switched on from 7pm to midnight, and subsequently until March 13, the lights will be switched on from 7pm to 10pm.

A check at the temple showed that more than 20 workers were busy putting up the lanterns and stringing the decorative bulbs.

Other workers were seen sprucing up parts of the temple with a new coat of paint, and pruning the trees and plants.

As in previous years, Ooi said the public could contribute between RM50 and RM2,000 per lantern.

Donations go towards the temple’s upkeep.

Well-wishers can call the temple at 04-8283317.

Friday February 5, 2010

By PRISCILLA DIELENBERG

The Star Online