Almost 3,000 to 5,000 devotees (could be more as the procession goes on) would be on foot with some taking turns carrying the chariots with the deities amidst the clanging of cymbals and drum beats.
Fire crackers are feature at each stop and the loud bangs would surely be ringing in your ears even after it ends, so be prepared for it.
Choy San (God of Prosperity) is not to be left out from the procession, distributing chocolates and sweets to devotees or anyone lining up the street witnessing the procession. For some lucky folks, ang pows containing 4-digit written on a red piece of paper are given out.
The chariots leading the procession bearing the temple instruments and flags.
The flag bearing floats takes a little ingenuity with a motor driven colorful flags float against the manual-pushed carts of previous years.
The chariot with the deity atop making it's way to their first temple stop in Taman Sinn-Taman Kasturi, Ujong Pasir.
The chariots are being swayed from left to right in celebration of the deities. Devotees taking turns to carry the chariots which are made of solid teak wood.
One of the chariot being tossed high above the heads amidst shouts of joy and celebration upon reaching the temple.
The chariot bearers taking a break while the firecrackers hoist approximately 4 meters high cracking out loud as many fled for shelter from the sound and smoke.
The chair held by the 2 devotees bearing a deity greets the arrival of the main chariot to the temple while the chariot bearers manouvre dangerously near the burning fire crackers.
An elderly devotee whom could not withstand the walking distance accompanies the procession on a trishaw.
The chariot leaves the temple ground to continue its journey to the next stop along Jalan Semabok.
A medium in trance accompanies the chariots and devotees.
The "wild" swinging of the chariot which not an easy task and requires easily 8-10 person to hold it steady in addition to the weight.
Another medium arriving at the association building along Jalan Panjang (Jalan Laksamana Cheng Ho).
Again the chariot are being hoisted high above in celebrations of the procession.
View of the deity placed on the chariot.
Deity placed on the main chariot.
The 2 devotees holding tight to a little wooden chair which is beyond the control by them as the actions of the chairs are dictated by the deity dominating the chair seat. Chances are you would be seeing the devotees struggling hard to contain the movement of the chair.
Prayers going on while the shouts of joyous celebration marking the anual procession goes on.
Devotees carrying the chariot preparing for another run into the association grounds.
Devotees alike lifting the chariots to the next destination.
If you want to witness this annual event, be sure to mark your calendars for next year's Chap Goh Mei and make your way to Melaka.
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