GEORGE TOWN: With Phor Thor (Hungry Ghost Festival) being a muted affair again this year, some residents here resorted to a simple observation of the occasion.

       From their homes, the residents of Lorong Sek Chuan watched as those involved in preparing for the prayers set up tables, spreading out the food offering and lining prayer items.

       Lorong Sek Chuan Teong Guan Association representative Tan Ah Boon, 75, who led the ceremony, said the offering and prayer session was held over a few hours only.

       “This is an annual ceremony for us. Usually, we hold it on the eve of the festival (30th day of the sixth lunar month).

       “But this year, we are organising it on the first day of the Hungry Ghost month,” he said on Sunday.

       The Hungry Ghost Festival is held every year during the 15th day of the seventh month in the lunar calendar. It falls on Aug 22 this year.

       Tan said the community had organised a simple celebration due to the pandemic.

       “We wanted to carry on with the ceremony as this has been a tradition in the community for over a century. Our forefathers began the tradition and now it is up to us to maintain it,” he added.

       The ceremony, which is usually a lively affair for the community, has been low-key for the past two years as many were unable to return home to observe it.

       “Those who come back to pay their respects or join the ceremony used to be residents along Lorong Sek Chuan. But as many are not living here now, they are unable to make it back.

       “Before the pandemic, they would travel here to join the festival or catch up with old neighbours.

       “Depending on each individual, they will usually bring food offering, prayer items or some fruits to be offered at the table,” he said.