The Big Fat Pig competition is held on 15th of the 11th month of the Lunar calendar every year at Batu Gantong “Mountain God” temple, organised by Lian Qing Gong. This competition originated from Lianhua Mountain in TongAn city (Fujian Province) in China and has a history of over 50 years, when the urn was brought by the migrants to Penang island.

The Big Fat Pig competition is a festival to celebrate the Mountain God’s birthday. The heaviest pig after removal of hair and its organ will win the owner a gold medal. The heaviest pig in year 2007 is 437kg. After the competition, the pork is given out free to the people from the neighbourhood.

Giant dragon jolsticks, pink tortoise buns, eggs, fruits, roasted pigs, are essential for prayers.

12►

Thaipusam is a festival celebrated heavily in Penang every year. It’s a colourful festival with many devotees fulfilling their vows carrying kavadis, carrying milks, piercing the skin, tongue or cheeks.

One of the important festivals celebrated in Penang, the Nine Emperor Gods Festival (Kew Ong Yeah) is celebrated on the 1st till the 9th day of the Nine month in the Lunar calendar. Many devotees goes on vegetarian diet during this 9 days. This year, there is a 20-float procession held.