Johor Bahru Chingay: JOHOR BAHRU CHINGAY 2013 REPORTS Part 2

Sunday 3rd March 2013

The procession returning the Gods from Xing Gong to the Ancient Temple proceeded sharp at 11am. The weather was hot and half-overcast, which was great conditions for walking. It all seems very routine now- the sedan chair is propped on the shoulders of a large group of stout men, and they leave the temporary shrine in sequence, after clearance from Traffic Control. The groups are separated by lion and dragon dance troupes, and big-headed dolls. Cymbals and drums announce the arrival of the procession.

Leaving Xing Gong- Hua Guang Da Di

Leaving Xing Gong

In celebration

Return to The City

Just a bit farther...

One for the album

Guardians of Gan Tian Da Di

Joyous percussion

Huat ah! Heng ah!

It's tiring... Zhao Da Yuan Shuai en route

Another for the album

A holding pattern was formed at the northern end of Jalan Trus, as the right time to re-enter the Ancient Temple was awaited.

Empty spaces where the Gods should be- about to be rectified

Waiting within the Ancient Temple

The procession reaches Home

In anticipation

The first God re-enters the Ancient Temple at 12.45pm, and is set down on the stone courtyard floor outside the main temple (totally covered over by a huge marquee). He is carefully groomed and removed from his travelling seat, which is a time-consuming task. As this is done, the rest of the Gods file in, to undergo the same process. The sedan chair is closely surrounded by devotees. The courtyard becomes more packed.

Zhao Da Yuan Shuai returns

Zhao Da Yuan Shuai

Meanwhile, the accompanying troupes perform spiritedly outside the temple walls, on Jalan Trus, then floats and groups disperse southwards down Jalan Trus.

Make way! Hua Guang Da Di is returning!

Arrival

Hua Guang Da Di

In due course, the Gods are replaced on their respective altars. Devotees gather to offer prayers to the returned deities.

Altar reoccupied L to R: Zhao Da Yuan Shuai, Yuan Tian Shang Di, Hua Guang Da Di

Official offertory ceremonies are offered to mark the successful completion of another Chingay.
These conclude by 2.00pm. Tomorrow, the temple routine returns to normal.

I visited Xing Gong again. The temporary shrine hall is now totally emptied; such a difference from 2 days prior when it was the centre of activity and packed with humanity.

Empty hall

Xing Gong is all quiet

Not a soul in sight

View from the rear

The last vestiges to go are the three giant flags- of Malaysia, Johor State, and the Chinese Association, which were in the lead of the main procession on Friday. These were furled and rolled up, placed in the lorry and transported back from whence they came.