Chinese New Year Countdown at Toong Wah cave Temple on 2nd February 2011

Wishing all readers: "Gong Xi Fa Cai" and "新年快乐". May the year of rabbit brings joy, peace, prosperity and good health to one and all.

Lion dance performance to celebrate the start of year of rabbit

This is the second time I participated in the Chinese New Year countdown at the Tong Wah Cave temple near the Lost World of Tambun. About 100 people turned up to offer their prayers and to usher the year of Rabbit.

Master Cheong (left) preparing the altar for prayers





Some of the giant joss sticks offered for prayers



The cave is located about 60 meters above the ground. Many young and old made their way to the top of the hill. It is a destiny to reach the top of the hill.

Some well wishers offered their prayers by lighting candle

Waiting for the higlight ... the lion dance performance

There were lion dance performance and burning of giant joss sticks by well wishers and believers. Three types of joss stick at a cost ranging from as low as RM39 to as high as RM268.

Paying respect to the gods



At the stroke of 12 midnight, the joss sticks were lighted. There were also fire crackers and fireworks display.

Committee members busy checking name list of well wishers



Mr. Chang, one of the committee members calling out names of well wishers to get ready to light up the giant joss sticks

Me and my daughter Sharon, is getting ready to light up the giant joss sticks

Well wishers lighting up their joss sticks to offer their prayers

The lion dance troupe then offer their prayers to the gods before they used their creativity to produce chinese characters using mandarin oranges.

One of the creative designs made from mandarin oranges which symbolises good fortune

Here's the four digit given by the gods for well wishers to try their luck

Lighting giant joss stick to mark the beginning of new year and pray for prosperity and good health


Wishing Master Cheong Good Health, Prosperity and longevity



The whole ceremony took about 1 hour to complete. By 1am most the people were seen leaving the temple.