Chinese celebrating 9th Emperor God's visits at Tow Boo Keong, Ipoh

The 1st 9 days of the 9th Chinese Lunar month spells busy period for Tokong Tow Boo Keong (Tow Boo Keong Temple) in Ipoh. In fact, most Chinese Taoist will be busy visiting temples at their area. It is one of those time where wishes were made and thanksgiving were performed(when wish comes true). Why come during this period? It is this time that the 9th Emperor God visits the earth via the waterways. That's why you'll see procession from the river on the first day to the temple, and a return to the river on the 9th day.

About Tow Boo Keong Temple

The temple is situated at Jalan Kampar, Ipoh. Expect double to triple parking at the roadside during this period. There will be usherers to guide you to a parking space and sell you all the prayer paraphernalia.

Inside the temple, you'll be moved to tears (hihi... more like smoked to tears). Worshippers will present the tributes, burn incense and candles, make wishes, ask for direction (using the bamboo sticks) and stand dumb (that would be me). Every donation given will be responded with 3 drum raps and 3 bell rings. Those completed their prayers will walk below the God's table for blessing and get amulets for protection. Full of customs. Full of tears (me again).

The tributes
The usual food presented to 9th Emperor God would be "miku". Miku is a hokkien word meaning tortoise shaped bun.

The demand for miku is astoundingly huge. Everyone who visited the place will buy at least in 3's or 5's. You'll witness many hands behind the making of miku.

Miku is actually steamed bun with slight sweet tinge in taste. The traditional way of using rattan tray to steam the buns are still being practised as it will help ensure no water droplets will fall on the buns. Some may also use fat go (literally prosperity cake in cantonese).

No worries if you have missed the usherers. The basic prayer paraphernalia are piled up at the front door for your easy access. As you can see, you can also pay tribute by presenting oil for the 9th Emperor God's lantern. Light is a common element in many religions.

The coloured papers are clothes to be burnt as present for the 9th Emperor God. Included in there are gold and silver money, as well as papers of good wishes also to be burnt and presented to the God. Wrapped within are incenses and candles. It was said that the more ashes a Deity/God receives, the higher is their power/status.A bamboo tree tied across a high coconut trees carries the light showing the worshippers "the way". It forms as a blessing too.

Traditional Chinese Opera show were also laid out as entertainment and tribute for the God. The show can be in Teo Chew (Ipoh) or Hokkien (Penang). Some temples may go as far as hiring artist from China. The clothes and shows are more elaborated as compared to local troupes. But it is not because local troupes have no initiative, just that the art is diminishing in Malaysia. Difficult to find new blood to take over, and even lesser demand.The way I see it?

It is a belief. It is a custom. It is a culture. It is a part of society. It is a part of life.