2012 Chinese New Year Celebrations

CNY Eve and 1st Day of CNY (22 Jan 12 & 23 Jan 12)
The temple doors will open at 10pm for devotees to offer their first prayers to Mazu, Goddess of the Seas. Chinese believe that 11pm is the start of a new day, hence prayers for the New Year commences at 11.30pm. The prayers are accompanied by chimes of the bell and beating of the drum.

Other highlights include:
a. Traditional Hokkien string puppet show at 10pm (22 Jan), 10am and 2pm (23 Jan)
b. Lion and dragon dances, and an appearance of the God of Fortune at 12 midnight.
c. Vegetarian lunch at 12 noon on 23 Jan

Offering Items:
1. Offering Pack: Bao Fa - $10

Opening Hours:
7.30am to 12 noon on 22 Jan 12
10pm on 22 Jan 12 to 5.30pm on 23 Jan 12

8th/9th Day of CNY Celebration (30 Jan 12 & 31 Jan 12)
The birthday celebration for the Jade Emperor (Tian Gong) is perhaps the most important religious celebration for the Hokkien Chinese. The celebrations are conducted in accordance to Taoist rituals from evening of the 8th Day to the 9th day of CNY. Prayers commences at 10pm on 30 Jan and again from 9am to 5pm on 31 Jan. Visitors can expect an interesting ritual, colourful set-up and traditional prayer items.

Offering Items:
1. Fortune Buckets - $168 (Order From)

Opening Hours:
7.30 am on 30 Jan 12 to 5.30pm on 31 Jan 12

15th Day of CNY or Yuan Xiao Jie (Mon 6 Feb 12)
The 15th day is also known as Yuan Xiao. Simple Buddhist prayers are conducted in the morning from 9am. Throughout the day, life-sized tortoises made from dough are offered by devotees in prayers for longevity. Other highlights include:

Giant rice tortoise ritual - Packets of rice are stacked to create a giant tortoise for the prayer ritual to Mazu. Devotees will throw a pair of crescent shaped blocks to seek permission to take a pack of rice home for consumption. The rice is said to be blessed and would provide safety for devotees. （from 4 Feb to 6 Feb）

Opening Hours:
7.30 am to 7pm