Hungry Ghost Festival

The 7th Month of the Lunar calendar signals the arrival of the Hungry Ghost Festival, where ghosts were released from the Gates of the other world to this earth.  It was a month where offerings were made and where entertainment was staged to entertain the "good brothers", as we call them in this region.

Companies or social groups organised dinner functions during this month.  It is usually held outdoors where 8 or 10-course would be served.

There would be usually an auction, where items would be put up for bidding.  Money raised usually goes to charity or for the following year's organisation of event.

Of course the main draw for most people would be the song stage, or getai 歌台, where singers entertained the spirits.  It is an important income source for these singers for the year.

The getai where these photos were taken belonged to a small scale event.  A big scale performance with well known comperes would attract thousands of people.










There used to be wayang (Chinese opera) performances in the past but it is difficult to see them nowadays.  People prefer to see pop entertainment.....